By Daniel Robichaud, James Olson, Joshua Erickson, Katharine Sawchuk, Kyle Schick and Maya-Roisin Slater
Brian Posehn
Comedian Brian Posehn is by far the most metal act at Pemberton this year. He was birthed on July 6, ’66 (see?), somewhere deep in Hell between the Seventh and Eighth Layers (that is, the Fart and Poop layers). Metal runs through his veins, along with dork juice and butter. You may recognize him from his Netflix special The Fartist, or as Brian Spukowski on The Sarah Silverman Program, or from that rotting egg smell in the elevator. Make sure you catch the Star Wars-debating, Slayer-loving, comic book-collecting High Priest of Flatulence’s set. Your nerdy existence may just depend on it. (DR)
Sunday, July 20
Dan Deacon
Dan Deacon is an electronic music artist, but don’t expect to see him sharing the stage with any big-name EDM artists. Instead you are more likely to find him touring with experimental-punk act No Age or psychedelic-krautrock revivalists Deerhunter. Baltimore’s Dan Deacon is party music for the thinking man. That is, it is music you can dance your ass off to, but it also gives you something to reflect on. Deacon’s latest album America, for example, is intentionally apolitical but it asks listeners to reflect on what they think American culture is, what it means, the positives, negatives, and how it affects the world around them – all wrapped up in Deacon’s complex, mathematical, but incredibly infectious dance tunes. Live, Deacon provides an experience like no other. Expect chaos as Deacon commands insane antics from his crowd and quite often ends up in the crowd himself. An essential act for any festival goer to check out. (JE)
Thursday, July 17
The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips represent an oddity in the scope of contemporary music. As an act well into their 31st year of activity, the merry band of psych rock weirdos led by the precocious Wayne Coyne have been consistently unpredictable. In the last two years alone, the Lips have released a collaboration album, distributed songs in jelly fetuses and human skulls, crafted a 24-hour-long track and put out their 15th studio release. Their most recent offering The Terror stands as one of their darkest works thus far but the band remains a fun and inventive act. With classic tunes like “She Don’t Use Jelly” and “Do You Realize??” remaining as set-list mainstays, the Lips will give plenty for their fans to dance and sing along to. Known for their visually stunning and intense live shows, the Lips’ second appearance at the Pemberton Music Festival should prove to be an unforgettable experience…for those who aren’t too loaded to remember it, that is. (JO)
Saturday, July 19
Frank Ocean
A beautiful voice, beautiful lyrics and beautiful melodies: that’s the best way to sum up the artist that is Frank Ocean. He crooned his way into our ears and hearts with his debut mixtape Nostalgia Ultra in 2011, and since then has released a string of gorgeous hits including “Thinkin’ Bout You,” “Pyramids” and “Sweet Life.” Signed to the likes of Odd Future Records and Def Jam, he’s also known as that sultry voice behind some of Cali-rapper Tyler the Creator’s tracks and videos (like “She.”) Bring your partners, friends or just yourself to the stage when he walks on and take a moment to let his harmonies sooth you. You won’t regret it. (KS)
Sunday, July 20
Modest Mouse
Despite recent touring, we are still without a new release from Pacific-Northwest indie paragon Modest Mouse. With their K Records/Sub Pop releases through to their 1997 cult favourite album The Lonesome Crowded West, and eventually critical acclaim with The Moon & Antarctica and mainstream success with pop singles like “Float On,” Modest Mouse have proven to be both innovative and stalwartly visceral. This most recent string of live dates holds a particular weight, considering the band’s relative absence from the scene. Line-up changes could mean a new stylistic direction, the long gaps between albums could be linked to the name of front-man Isaac Brock’s own label: “Glacial Pace.” Whatever the case, Modest Mouse are sure to pull on your heart strings, rock your face off, and generally inspire awe. (KSc)
Sunday, July 20
The New Pornographers
Like fellow Canadians Broken Social Scene, The New Pornographers are a “super group” whose members include the creme de la creme of Canadian indie rock. For the past 15 years Dan Bejar, Kathryn Calder, Neko Case, John Collins, Kurt Dahle, Todd Fancey, Carl Newman and Blaine Thurier have been putting Canada on the international music map with their rambunctious and often sarcastic brand of power pop. Each member has their own successful and distinct solo career, by combining these separately developed musical personalities The New Pornographers have created a multi-faceted and infectious catalogue of music. The fantastic four times two will make their triumphant return later in August by releasing their first album in four years, Brill Bruisers. (MRS)
Saturday, July 19
OutKast
When fans got word Southern hip hop pioneers Big Boi and Andre 3000 a.k.a. OutKast were reuniting this year – it was like the mama returning to her cubs in the jungle. Without a doubt, this was some of the most exciting news ever for ‘90s rap devotees, and it’s all going down in our backyard. Even non-rap fans have a thing for this group; they’re known for experimenting with their sound and vibing off each other with their individual take on poetic wordplay. For the unfamiliar, we recommend diving straight into the classics; ATliens, Aquemini and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below for their more mainstream ‘hits’ and an independent look into both members’ styles. Regardless if you’re a hip hop head or not, witnessing these two men who have brought a ton of positive influence to the music industry and rap game will be something special to see. (KS)
Sunday, July 20
Schoolboy Q
What can be said about South Central L.A.’s Schoolboy Q that hasn’t been said already? He’s like that popular cool guy you were in awe of and scared of at the same time in high school. Well, if this is the case, then consider indie record Label Top Dawg Entertainment to be the cool guy clique. Not only is this label home of Q, but the other insanely popular West Coast rappers at the moment such as Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and more. The weight of this label and his own stunning creativity and skills has propelled himself forward with his two work of art albums, Habits & Contradictions and Oxymoron. Check out singles, “There He Go” and “Man of the Year,” and enjoy. (KS)
Friday, July 18
Soundgarden
Like the legend of the phoenix, Soundgarden rose once again from the ashes in 2010 and their return has been a sight to behold. The release of their sixth studio album King Animal in 2012 proved to fans and critics alike that this reunion was not just a hollow nostalgia cash-in. Their first proper LP since 1997’s Down on the Upside saw the quartet build upon their established legacy while exploring new sounds and ideas particularly on the elliptical blues of “Rowing” and the Middle Eastern-tinged “A Thousand Days Before.” This year is particularly special for the alternative rock heavyweights as it marks the 20th anniversary of their legendary fourth album Superunknown. The band have released an expansive Super Deluxe Edition re-issue of the album following an intimate show on June 2 at New York City’s Webster Hall, which saw Chris Cornell and co. playing the LP in its entirety. Headlining the third night of Pemberton with current tour mates Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden have gracefully aged and continue to impress. (JO)
Friday, July 18
BeatRoute July 2014 cover, BC edition Illustration: Cody Fennell