I wrote this Review of Coachella 2009 for Redefine Magazine out of Seattle, WA.
A Pilgrimage of Lofty Souls
The current state of our world in crisis has reminded many that, in the most difficult of times, the most basic human principles again become the quintessential leg on which we all stand on together -- for the good of not only one's self, but for all of humanity as well. One of these core principals is typified by our inalienable right of the pursuit of one's own happiness, and this past week I was privileged enough to be part of one of the finest examples of this basic principle so often neglected in our modern lifestyles. What I am describing to you is nothing more complicated than the act of celebration, and the celebration I experienced was shared with thousands of others from across the world at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. A gathering of jubilant souls in commemoration of artistic expression, regardless of any differences we hold one from another.
Upon arrival to the Empire Polo Fields of Indio, CA, there was an unsurpassed air of amazement and revelry. Despite the troubling times we live in, with unemployment rates soaring and varied degrees of uncertainty in the minds of people everywhere, the dusty field was brimming with excitement and optimism. As I made my way to the front entrance, the sights, sounds, and smells were already filling the deepest reaches of my heart with wonderment, exhilaration, and unadulterated joy. I had only just passed the security check point and gazed at the small guide to the events happening throughout the weekend when I realized that I was in for a weekend truly unlike any other.
The Coachella Festival this year consisted of over one hundred bands playing from the five main stages, and as if that was not enough, there were smaller happenings at over ten other locations within the sun scorched polo fields. Music spanning all interests could be heard at any given moment from a dizzying array of artists. Paul McCartney, Morrissey, M.I.A., Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Cure, Leonard Cohen, Band of Horses, Lupe Fiasco, and Peter Bjorn & John were but a few of what Coachella 2009 had to offer.
Now, the most obvious drawback to such a large event is the unfortunate inability for human beings to be in more than one place at a single point in time. Yet in spite of such a limiting reality, there were some groups I managed to see throughout the three day event that truly deserve mention for their performances.
The Kills, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Alison Mosshart and guitarist Jamie "Hotel" Hince, performed at the third largest stage on the final night of Coachella. The Kills had much to contend with as they performed between the sets of My Bloody Valentine and The Cure, but they held command over an audience that flooded far outside the tent they performed in. Given the fact that The Kills' albums have a very garage band production and sound to them, they can often be overlooked by the majority of people who are accustomed to our current mainstream productions which don't allow for anything but perfection. Yet, on stage is where musicians are truly tested, and The Kills stood tall when compared to any of the headlining bands of the night.
The Horrors, keeping with the slasher-flick theme of my first pick, put on a show completely their own yet fittingly nestled between the "dance" tent known as the Sahara and the "indie" tent known as the Gobi. Hailing from London, this group pulls obvious influence in their look and stage presence from groups like The Sonics, The Kinks, The Byrds, and other Mod groups of the 1960s. But with gritty DJ samples similar to that of Prodigy backing teeth-clenching death-rock and lyrics straight out of a zombie movie similar to The Murderdolls, The Horrors are an experience not to be missed.
I was virtually unfamiliar with Fleet Foxes before Coachella, aside from hearing their name here and there. As they took the stage, I wasn't sure how well I would enjoy the music of a bunch of guys dressed like a Paul Bunyan lumberjack quintet, but as soon as the delicate vocal harmonies and guitar styling's of Robin Pecknold and Skyler Skjelset filled the cool desert air at almost precisely sundown, I was sucked in. The next thing I remember was that they were tearing down the set as I regained control of my own senses which had been willingly not my own for the previous forty minutes.
Antony and the Johnsons vocalist Antony Hegarty was in unique form for Coachella 2009. Though normally seated behind a piano during performances, the ivory keys were completely left out for this mid-day showing to instead leave room for a small mixing station and keyboard. Antony stood in front of the audience as the loudspeakers blared with enchanting electro beats as he sang in his infamous haunting voice. There were some technical issues that interrupted moments of the performance, but all in all, it was a completely different experience and not one likely to be offered again any time soon by the group.
Finally, Devendra Banhart makes my list of shining stars. Devendra, immediately after arriving on stage, passed a bottle of Patron Tequila out into the audience and asked for it to be passed around, as is his usual tradition. That is just a small example of the brotherly love mentality the group carries wherever they go on and off the stage with other musicians and fans as well and that makes them my favorite pick for Coachella 2009. It was not unusual to see fans and celebrity figures on stage watching musicians perform during Coachella, but the Devendra Banhart stage was different. From everyday music lovers and devoted fans to Flea, bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even David Hasselhoff, Devendra Banhart's stage with filled with people cheering on the psychedelic folk rockers.
His show was not the only example, but certainly the most apparent of the way music can bring us all together to celebrate life and togetherness, a feeling which rang true throughout the entire three day affair. Shining brightly as a genuine illustration of how similar we really are, despite all our many differences.
Reviewed on Apr 19, 2009 by MATTHIEU DUQUETTE
