The warm Napa sun caressed my shoulders as I made my to the first of Bottle Rock festival. In the middle of a sleepy residential neighborhood, a fantastic music festival that combined the best Napa has to offer in terms of wine and food combined with one of the best lineups was about to make history. Napa Valley was aroused during the five day festival that is sure to only increase in popularity, as it's first year proved to be an incredible experience for whoever attended. With an eclectic crowd that boasted everyone from the hippie chick to middle-aged couples, Bottle Rock had something for everyone- and for those magical five days, Napa Valley set its soul on fire. While there were some incredible performances given by the top-dogs, here are some of the up and coming artists that rocked it just as well.
Flagship: With a melding of beautiful and harmonious sound with an edge, Flagship is reminiscent of bands like Coldplay, Boxer Rebellion, and Kiven; their rough, yet vocally sweet combination of sounds gives them a unique feel that has both turbulence and epiphany-esq moments, where the sound simply dissolves and leaves you in a different state of mind. The stark contrast between the heaviness of the band and the almost melodically classical qualities of the vocals give Flagship a unique flavor that is represented in songs like "Backseat" and "Older". With introspective words that match their other-worldly kind of music, Flagship is both captivating and interesting to watch as their sound is the kind of music that swallows space; it re-defines the listening experience as the individual listening is treated to a platter full of unique harmonies and melodies that fully satiate the musical hunger that drives us to continually find that "band" or "song" that fulfills us. It may be those almost classical notes that ascend from the golden chords of Flagship's vocalist that take the listener to the next level; they are simply over saturated with talent and it will be no surprise that this little band from Charlotte, North Carolina will be pulling at the heartstrings of alternative rock fans, or for that matter anyone that enjoys good music. Flagship consists of Drake Margolnick, Grant Harding, Matthew Padgett, Michael Finster, and Preston Hayden.
Allah-Las: Birthed from the surfer-rock womb, known as California, or more specifically Los Angeles hails Allah-Las- with a quintessential beachy sound, Allah-Las has you craving summer, roadtrips, and being barefoot in the sand. Allah-Las could just be the child of ifThe Doors and The Rolling Stones came together; as their simple combination of layered voices pairs with a hypnotic blend of sun-kissed guitar riffs and a light percussion that is impossible not to dance or sway to. Unlike other indie surfer-rock projects, Allah-Las is churning out the "classic surfer rock" kind of sound that makes it feel like its straight out of the 60's or 70's; their musics mesmerizing qualities mimic the California landscape so perfectly that once you listen to Allah-Las, permanent images of beautiful beaches, tan women, and vintage cars imprint in your mind. There is a kind of sensuality about Allah-Las that warms your soul just like the comfort of a California sunset; Allah-Las' lyrics are all about finding love and running away; themes that ever-present in the California mindset; its the kind of music you want to travel with- its the kind of music that makes you feel young and alive. Songs like "Long Journey" and "Sacred Sands" feel like they almost require a vintage caravan and women clad in caftans and beads- Allah-Las has a nostalgic sound that seeps into your skin and releases thoughts of wanderlust and the want to be free of all your worries. Allah-Las consists of
Matthew Correira, Miles Michaud, Pedrum Siadatian, and Spencer Dunham.
Vintage Trouble: Sultry,
Mo-town blues and rock come together in a soulful manner as Vintage Trouble was
one of the most exciting performances to watch at this year's Bottle Rock festival. With
a feel-good sound and a voice that fills the air with a syrupy goodness,
Vintage Trouble has all the comfort you seek in a good blues band. The band
combines a variety of sounds that have a certain down to earth feel that is
both real and hearty. Songs like "You Better Believe It" have a
similar vibe to Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears, as the singer provides a
powerful, take no prisoners kind of sound that is as fun as it is catchy.
With a late 70's vibe aesthetic mixed with a modern blues take, Vintage Trouble
satisfies the need for some good 'ol blues and rock, while still it making it
modern enough that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's the kind of
music that brings people together, as Ty Taylor brings the heat through
electric vocals and funky rhythms that have your hips jiving and hands clapping. Bands like Vintage Trouble are bringing blues back with a new twist- something bands like the Black Keys have been doing, and its truly been transforming what people have been listening to. Blues is the heart and soul of most rock n'roll, and really most music; it is the primordial, visceral notes of the dirty riffs that get you somewhere deep in a song, and Vintage trouble delivers all of these qualities with a fiery kick.
Bottle Rock showcased many talented bands, and these three up and comers are definitely bands to look out for as their music offers something really unique and memorable. Be sure to look them up on Spotify and I-Tunes.... and come to Bottle Rock next year to discover some of your next favorite bands. It's nirvana for all you music lovers, and for those that don't really dig the big festivals, Bottle Rock provides the intimacy of individual concerts while still offering Napa's delicious food and wine with a crowd that's mellow and just loves good music; it's all about the music at BottleRock, no fluff included.
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| Flagship |
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| Vintage Trouble |
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| Allah-Las |
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| Bottle Rock Festival |
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