One of the most impressive bills of not only the Northside Festival, but all of this summer was Best Coast, Built To Spill, Alvvays and Bully at 50 Kent. It was not a free show, but based on all the amazing talent in one venue, I think the show was still a must see for a majority of those who were in Brooklyn for the weekend.
I unfortunately missed Bully because of a conflict with Against Me!, but I made it in time for Alvvays. Even though I just caught them at the biggest headlining show of their own a few months earlier at Bowery Ballroom, this was technically their biggest New York show to date. And they were up to the challenge, as they delivered their strongest performance yet. They keep the songs off their 2014 debut album (which Polyvinyl released) sounding alive and well, becoming more assured and seasoned live performers along the way.
Built To Spill followed, who one could probably argue that they should have been headlining the bill. Earlier this year they released their new album Untethered Moon via Warner Bros, their eight album to date. It’s another great effort from the veteran rockers, and they delivered many of its cuts, as well as older favorites and even a cover of Metallica’s “Orion.” The guys will return to New York in September for three shows at Bowery Ballroom (9/23-9/25) and one night at Brooklyn Bowl (9/26).
The rise of Best Coast has been as perplexing as it is amazing. Not trying to take anything away from the impressive success of Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno over the years. But when those first lo-fi demoes of Cosentino’s took the blog world by storm several years ago, I never imagined them at the point where they’re billed above a band like Built To Spill.
Their new album California Nights, which was released this year via Harvest Records is their biggest effort to date. To bring that sound to life, the group has expanded to a five-piece band live. Although it’s impressive to hear how widescreen some of the new songs are (title track “California Nights” is a winner), it was simpler efforts like “Boyfriend” that hit home. They’ve had quite the journey.
Below, find photos and setlists from Best Coast, Built to Spill, and Alvvays.
Setlist:
1. Your Type
2. Next of Kin
3. Ones Who Love You
4. Atop a Cake
5. New Haircut
6. Dives
7. Adult Diversion
8. Party Police
9. Archie, Marry Me
Alvvays:
Built To Spill:
Setlist:
1. You Were Right
2. Living Zoo
3. Carry the Zero
4. Distopian Dream Girl
5. I Would Hurt a Fly
6. Never Be the Same
7. So
8. Orion (Metallica Cover)
9. Stab
10. Else
11. Randy Described Eternity
Best Coast:
Setlist:
1. The Only Place
2. Heaven Sent
3. Fine Without You
4. The End
5. Do You Love Me Like You Used To
6. Crazy for You
7. No One Like You
8. So Unaware
9. California Nights
10. When I’m With You
11. I Don’t Know How
12. Dreaming My Life Away
13. Fade Away
14. Fading Fast
15. In My Eyes
16. Feeling OK
17. Goodbye
18. When Will I Change
19. Boyfriend
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