Jared Kaufman
05/24/06, 01:48 PM
Below you can find my review for the Flipside Festival (http://www.myspace.com/flipsidefestival), which took place on Sunday, May 7th.
First off, let me state how I’m a complete and utter moron for originally typing this up in AP, instead of Word, and hitting submit only to watch the page not load correctly and me lose everything I took an hour and a half typing. Yes, I’m incredibly stupid and should kick myself in the genitals. Anyway, before I frustrate myself even more, let’s move on and get to the point.
If you live in the DC/MD/VA metropolitan area, then the Flipside Festival is the perfect alternative to the Bamboozle Festival. Both festivals take place on the same weekend, the first one in May, and the venue itself is easily accessible. If you can’t afford to or your parents won’t allow you to make the three hour or so trek to Jersey, then Flipside would be the perfect substitute without making a drastic impact on your wallet. Bamboozle is two days and on paper may appear to have double the amount of acts; however, both even out seeing as Flipside is one day and is chock full of bands that kids are willing to and want to pay for (multi-platinum Fall Out Boy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/falloutboy) headlined this within the last couple of years before becoming the mainstream juggernaut they currently are), and they don’t have to filter out too many bands they don’t want to see.
The venue, Bull Run Park, couldn’t be any more perfect for such an event. With straight and direct roads leading into the parking lot, which is wide open and spacious, you encounter an amphitheater styled field. The edges running around the perimeter lay flat and perfect for the side stages, which are strategically placed a good distance from the other facing different directions in order not to interfere with the other’s sound. The main stage, split in half Warped Tour side stage style, is situated in center of the 45% angle field which at the barrier flattens out. So, you can jam pack up close and rock out, or you can sit a safe distance back and watch the show without anyone obscuring your view.
Outdoor festivals run the risk of miserable weather putting a damper on the day. Upon my arrival at 11:00AM or so, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the weather was fairly warm with a slight breeze; however, by the day’s end, I was going to regret two things: not bringing sun block, and not bringing a rain coat/jacket/hoodie. Seeing as that’s one of the variables you can’t control, the organizers need to make sure everything else they can control is in order. The sound, security, workers, access, set-up, etc. all needs to be “user-friendly,” and the Flipside promoters more than completed these aspects with success. If kids are held up by jerk security or an unorganized front gate, they’re going to be more than turned off and probably won’t return to your event again. This definitely wasn’t the case here; once I got my pass, I was in and through security in a timely manner and everyone else was also quickly checked and let in to roam freely.
Once I was in I took notice of my schedule and saw that local act My Favorite Highway (http://www.myspace.com/myfavoritehighway) was performing on the Music Box Stage. I quickly made my way up the hill and was able to kind of catch the band for my second time (I got a glance of their final two songs). With their melodic pop rock and awe-inspiring live show, these guys are the real deal and will transcend that “they’re just a local band” stereotype and cross over any demographic, so make sure you check them out if you’ve failed to do so already.
Once they were finished, I took note that some other local favorites, Downtown Singapore (http://www.myspace.com/downtownsingapore) and Thin Dark Line (http://www.absolutepunk.net/thindarkline), were set to take on the Ernie Ball Stage; both bands hail from the Maryland region and had quite the turnout. With this trailer-converted-stage, kids are able to stand right on the edge of the stage under the act performing, making for an intimate, up close set. This would be the place throughout the day to see those mid-level sized bands that are known, but haven’t quite struck gold just yet.
While Thin Dark Line was finishing up their second to last song, I remembered that Transition (http://www.absolutepunk.net/transition) was on the Smart Punk side of the main stage. Seeing as we “leaked” their debut full-length, Get There, I felt semi-compelled to check out their live show, especially after hearing great things from their fans and friends (The Amandas and Leah). Now, you may have listened to them and maybe they weren’t your cup of tea, but I highly recommend you see them if they’re support on an upcoming tour you may want to attend (coughMxPxcough).
Next up on my “must see” list was Forgive Durden (http://www.absolutepunk.net/forgivedurden) and This Day & Age (http://www.myspace.com/thisdayandage). The latter had their set time switched, so I made my way back to the Ernie Ball stage to catch the Seattle, WA quartet. I’m not sure how long I’ve been bumpin’ Durden on here, but I know its been quite some time and I was more than anxious to see them in the DC area. Finally, the time had come, and it was great seeing the guys deliver their brand of technical pop-rock to good amount of kids dancing and tapping their feet along to the beat. It’s only some time before these guys are playing to hundreds of kids a night who were turned into Wonderland believers.
However, since This Day & Age’s time was switched, it became semi-conflicting and I had to leave at the beginning of the last song of Durden’s set. That’s okay, though, because I’ll see them in June when they’re back with Gatsbys American Dream (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gatsbysamericandream) and Portugal. The Man (http://www.absolutepunk.net/portugaltheman). Anyway, I headed back to the Smart Punk Main Stage to see Buffalo, NY’s finest, This Day & Age. The crowd was chock full of young men and women who have been suckered in by the very beautiful sounds that Jeff and the gang are able to produce. The old songs had people singing-along and dancing, while the new songs had everyone standing in awe. Shameless plug: I heard the new songs at this show and I have a handful of them in my personal collection, and just let me say all of you are going to be pleasantly surprised by the growth these guys have shown. The guys finished early and had an extra five minutes to spare, so to the crowd’s approval, the band finished with an extra song in “History Is Falling For Science.”
This was followed by me meeting up with my good friend Tom from Idobi since I said I’d help him out with some broadcasting. The Idobi camp set-up a makeshift station in some shed on the property, so I spent some time sitting with him and interviewing Downtown Singapore, The Matches (http://www.myspace.com/thematches), Mae (http://www.absolutepunk.net/mae) and just discussing music in general. At first it’s kind of awkward and takes some time getting use to, but in the end I say I got pretty comfortable and was able to jump in here and there to contribute some good points or questions. I apologize to anyone that had to bear with the sound of my voice; don’t worry, I’ll keep myself behind a computer screen for the most part where you can’t hear me.
As we were finishing with Jacob from Mae, I could hear Cartel (http://www.absolutepunk.net/cartel) absolutely destroying the Pure Volume Main Stage outside. So, I quickly took off my headphone, stood up and made my way back out front. Will and the boys barreled through song after song of their beautiful pop-rock/punk to a crowd that more than responded. Dust was kicking up everywhere as kids bounced back and forth into each other, proving just how much energy is crammed into the Atlanta’s finest set. Seriously, I don’t know how they’re not huge yet, but they’ve got to be on the brink with such an amazing album in Chroma, and such an amazing live show to back it up. Maybe, hopefully, these guys will be the multi-platinum selling act that “once played Flipside” very soon.
The Junior Varsity (http://www.absolutepunk.net/thejuniorvarsity) were next on my “hit list.” Probably the hardest working band in the scene today, they’ve been another band I’ve been backing for quite some time and never had the chance to see. Withstanding trial after trial, I give mad respect to these guys for sticking through thick and thin to continue doing what they love and believe in. The indie, synth laced rock is nailed to perfection as each member gives it all from song to song. That Nick Dodson (synth) is one sexy beast who doesn’t take any time to breathe, and the whole band took their 25 minutes to tear up the Ernie Ball stage. If you’ve yet to hear Wide Eyed, then please do so. I really believe the work ethic of these guys alone deserves a moment of your time.
The day was quickly coming to an end and I had at least two more bands that I had to see: Mae and Motion City Soundtrack (http://www.absolutepunk.net/motioncitysoundtrack). Finding my way back to the main stage area, I noticed that the dark and grey clouds were moving their way in. Stationed in front of the stage, I anticipated Virginia’s very own Mae because they are one of those bands I’ve been dying to see, but something always got in the way, I’d either not be able to make a show of theirs in the area, or something would conflict with their set at Warped Tour. Well, now was the time. I had heard a lot of positive and negative things about their show: it’s either boring, or it’s flawless. I have an appreciation for Destination: Beautiful and The Everglow, so I thoroughly enjoyed what they had to offer. If you’re not familiar with their material, then I can see how it won’t keep your interest; however, I was more than impressed as the vocals, bass, synth and drums echoed off the atmosphere. Their sound, in my opinion, especially for an outdoor show, was just so impressive because it replicated everything I had ever heard recorded.
Once Mae concluded, I noticed the raindrops were beginning to fall here and there, and I wanted to watch Motion City as close as I could, so I found my way under the main stage and behind Tony’s drums. This usually would be the perfect view, but Relient K (http://www.myspace.com/relientk) brought a crapload of their own equipment and their crew had about a million and one cases to unload, so everyone standing up there had to move back and forth throughout the whole set. Either way, it was the same punch we all know MCS for. Justin and Josh joked back and forth, Matt paced back and forth the stage, Jesse did those amazing, gymnastic handstands and Tony beat the drums like they owed him money. The rain was pouring at this point, but everyone was having a great time as they sang along to such fan favorites as “The Future Freaks Me Out,” “My Favorite Accident,” “When You’re Around,” and “Hold Me Down.” It was the perfect, climatic end for my day. There were a handful of bands left, but I was cranky, tired, hungry and sun burned, which means it was time for me to call it day.
My only complaint about the whole thing is that Liam and Me (http://www.absolutepunk.net/liamandme) was scheduled during the time of another band that I had to see. Now, the promoters can’t help that and don’t know who I like or personally want to see, so there’s going to be scheduling conflicts from time to time at such events. Either way, I was more than impressed with the layout of everything and how it was easy and convenient to get to everything. Traffic could maneuver in a way without people being packed like sardines and no one had to worry about making too long of hike to go from stage to stage, yet each stage didn’t distract from the other. Each year the promoters out do themselves and raise the bar for what they have to accomplish next May. Well, it’ll be interesting to see what acts come back and are booked for 2007; however, all signs point to something bigger, something epic…
First off, let me state how I’m a complete and utter moron for originally typing this up in AP, instead of Word, and hitting submit only to watch the page not load correctly and me lose everything I took an hour and a half typing. Yes, I’m incredibly stupid and should kick myself in the genitals. Anyway, before I frustrate myself even more, let’s move on and get to the point.
If you live in the DC/MD/VA metropolitan area, then the Flipside Festival is the perfect alternative to the Bamboozle Festival. Both festivals take place on the same weekend, the first one in May, and the venue itself is easily accessible. If you can’t afford to or your parents won’t allow you to make the three hour or so trek to Jersey, then Flipside would be the perfect substitute without making a drastic impact on your wallet. Bamboozle is two days and on paper may appear to have double the amount of acts; however, both even out seeing as Flipside is one day and is chock full of bands that kids are willing to and want to pay for (multi-platinum Fall Out Boy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/falloutboy) headlined this within the last couple of years before becoming the mainstream juggernaut they currently are), and they don’t have to filter out too many bands they don’t want to see.
The venue, Bull Run Park, couldn’t be any more perfect for such an event. With straight and direct roads leading into the parking lot, which is wide open and spacious, you encounter an amphitheater styled field. The edges running around the perimeter lay flat and perfect for the side stages, which are strategically placed a good distance from the other facing different directions in order not to interfere with the other’s sound. The main stage, split in half Warped Tour side stage style, is situated in center of the 45% angle field which at the barrier flattens out. So, you can jam pack up close and rock out, or you can sit a safe distance back and watch the show without anyone obscuring your view.
Outdoor festivals run the risk of miserable weather putting a damper on the day. Upon my arrival at 11:00AM or so, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the weather was fairly warm with a slight breeze; however, by the day’s end, I was going to regret two things: not bringing sun block, and not bringing a rain coat/jacket/hoodie. Seeing as that’s one of the variables you can’t control, the organizers need to make sure everything else they can control is in order. The sound, security, workers, access, set-up, etc. all needs to be “user-friendly,” and the Flipside promoters more than completed these aspects with success. If kids are held up by jerk security or an unorganized front gate, they’re going to be more than turned off and probably won’t return to your event again. This definitely wasn’t the case here; once I got my pass, I was in and through security in a timely manner and everyone else was also quickly checked and let in to roam freely.
Once I was in I took notice of my schedule and saw that local act My Favorite Highway (http://www.myspace.com/myfavoritehighway) was performing on the Music Box Stage. I quickly made my way up the hill and was able to kind of catch the band for my second time (I got a glance of their final two songs). With their melodic pop rock and awe-inspiring live show, these guys are the real deal and will transcend that “they’re just a local band” stereotype and cross over any demographic, so make sure you check them out if you’ve failed to do so already.
Once they were finished, I took note that some other local favorites, Downtown Singapore (http://www.myspace.com/downtownsingapore) and Thin Dark Line (http://www.absolutepunk.net/thindarkline), were set to take on the Ernie Ball Stage; both bands hail from the Maryland region and had quite the turnout. With this trailer-converted-stage, kids are able to stand right on the edge of the stage under the act performing, making for an intimate, up close set. This would be the place throughout the day to see those mid-level sized bands that are known, but haven’t quite struck gold just yet.
While Thin Dark Line was finishing up their second to last song, I remembered that Transition (http://www.absolutepunk.net/transition) was on the Smart Punk side of the main stage. Seeing as we “leaked” their debut full-length, Get There, I felt semi-compelled to check out their live show, especially after hearing great things from their fans and friends (The Amandas and Leah). Now, you may have listened to them and maybe they weren’t your cup of tea, but I highly recommend you see them if they’re support on an upcoming tour you may want to attend (coughMxPxcough).
Next up on my “must see” list was Forgive Durden (http://www.absolutepunk.net/forgivedurden) and This Day & Age (http://www.myspace.com/thisdayandage). The latter had their set time switched, so I made my way back to the Ernie Ball stage to catch the Seattle, WA quartet. I’m not sure how long I’ve been bumpin’ Durden on here, but I know its been quite some time and I was more than anxious to see them in the DC area. Finally, the time had come, and it was great seeing the guys deliver their brand of technical pop-rock to good amount of kids dancing and tapping their feet along to the beat. It’s only some time before these guys are playing to hundreds of kids a night who were turned into Wonderland believers.
However, since This Day & Age’s time was switched, it became semi-conflicting and I had to leave at the beginning of the last song of Durden’s set. That’s okay, though, because I’ll see them in June when they’re back with Gatsbys American Dream (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gatsbysamericandream) and Portugal. The Man (http://www.absolutepunk.net/portugaltheman). Anyway, I headed back to the Smart Punk Main Stage to see Buffalo, NY’s finest, This Day & Age. The crowd was chock full of young men and women who have been suckered in by the very beautiful sounds that Jeff and the gang are able to produce. The old songs had people singing-along and dancing, while the new songs had everyone standing in awe. Shameless plug: I heard the new songs at this show and I have a handful of them in my personal collection, and just let me say all of you are going to be pleasantly surprised by the growth these guys have shown. The guys finished early and had an extra five minutes to spare, so to the crowd’s approval, the band finished with an extra song in “History Is Falling For Science.”
This was followed by me meeting up with my good friend Tom from Idobi since I said I’d help him out with some broadcasting. The Idobi camp set-up a makeshift station in some shed on the property, so I spent some time sitting with him and interviewing Downtown Singapore, The Matches (http://www.myspace.com/thematches), Mae (http://www.absolutepunk.net/mae) and just discussing music in general. At first it’s kind of awkward and takes some time getting use to, but in the end I say I got pretty comfortable and was able to jump in here and there to contribute some good points or questions. I apologize to anyone that had to bear with the sound of my voice; don’t worry, I’ll keep myself behind a computer screen for the most part where you can’t hear me.
As we were finishing with Jacob from Mae, I could hear Cartel (http://www.absolutepunk.net/cartel) absolutely destroying the Pure Volume Main Stage outside. So, I quickly took off my headphone, stood up and made my way back out front. Will and the boys barreled through song after song of their beautiful pop-rock/punk to a crowd that more than responded. Dust was kicking up everywhere as kids bounced back and forth into each other, proving just how much energy is crammed into the Atlanta’s finest set. Seriously, I don’t know how they’re not huge yet, but they’ve got to be on the brink with such an amazing album in Chroma, and such an amazing live show to back it up. Maybe, hopefully, these guys will be the multi-platinum selling act that “once played Flipside” very soon.
The Junior Varsity (http://www.absolutepunk.net/thejuniorvarsity) were next on my “hit list.” Probably the hardest working band in the scene today, they’ve been another band I’ve been backing for quite some time and never had the chance to see. Withstanding trial after trial, I give mad respect to these guys for sticking through thick and thin to continue doing what they love and believe in. The indie, synth laced rock is nailed to perfection as each member gives it all from song to song. That Nick Dodson (synth) is one sexy beast who doesn’t take any time to breathe, and the whole band took their 25 minutes to tear up the Ernie Ball stage. If you’ve yet to hear Wide Eyed, then please do so. I really believe the work ethic of these guys alone deserves a moment of your time.
The day was quickly coming to an end and I had at least two more bands that I had to see: Mae and Motion City Soundtrack (http://www.absolutepunk.net/motioncitysoundtrack). Finding my way back to the main stage area, I noticed that the dark and grey clouds were moving their way in. Stationed in front of the stage, I anticipated Virginia’s very own Mae because they are one of those bands I’ve been dying to see, but something always got in the way, I’d either not be able to make a show of theirs in the area, or something would conflict with their set at Warped Tour. Well, now was the time. I had heard a lot of positive and negative things about their show: it’s either boring, or it’s flawless. I have an appreciation for Destination: Beautiful and The Everglow, so I thoroughly enjoyed what they had to offer. If you’re not familiar with their material, then I can see how it won’t keep your interest; however, I was more than impressed as the vocals, bass, synth and drums echoed off the atmosphere. Their sound, in my opinion, especially for an outdoor show, was just so impressive because it replicated everything I had ever heard recorded.
Once Mae concluded, I noticed the raindrops were beginning to fall here and there, and I wanted to watch Motion City as close as I could, so I found my way under the main stage and behind Tony’s drums. This usually would be the perfect view, but Relient K (http://www.myspace.com/relientk) brought a crapload of their own equipment and their crew had about a million and one cases to unload, so everyone standing up there had to move back and forth throughout the whole set. Either way, it was the same punch we all know MCS for. Justin and Josh joked back and forth, Matt paced back and forth the stage, Jesse did those amazing, gymnastic handstands and Tony beat the drums like they owed him money. The rain was pouring at this point, but everyone was having a great time as they sang along to such fan favorites as “The Future Freaks Me Out,” “My Favorite Accident,” “When You’re Around,” and “Hold Me Down.” It was the perfect, climatic end for my day. There were a handful of bands left, but I was cranky, tired, hungry and sun burned, which means it was time for me to call it day.
My only complaint about the whole thing is that Liam and Me (http://www.absolutepunk.net/liamandme) was scheduled during the time of another band that I had to see. Now, the promoters can’t help that and don’t know who I like or personally want to see, so there’s going to be scheduling conflicts from time to time at such events. Either way, I was more than impressed with the layout of everything and how it was easy and convenient to get to everything. Traffic could maneuver in a way without people being packed like sardines and no one had to worry about making too long of hike to go from stage to stage, yet each stage didn’t distract from the other. Each year the promoters out do themselves and raise the bar for what they have to accomplish next May. Well, it’ll be interesting to see what acts come back and are booked for 2007; however, all signs point to something bigger, something epic…