The second day of Fun Fun Fun Fest brought beautiful weather that turned even nicer as the sun began to set. The day’s lineup presented the fewest number of artists I was excited to see. However, it also presented an opportunity to approach some of these sets with an open mind and venture the grounds more than the previous evening.
Hanging around the skate ramps and half-pipe emphasized the persona that FFF has so adeptly defined for themselves—a persona also bolstered by the graffiti wall and the independent wrestling matches taking place near the black stage. It is these types of niche peculiarities added to the festival day that make FFF what it is. These facets allow a festival atmosphere totally distinct and unique from other festivals. I skated in high school and early college, and found myself easily
entranced by the skaters and bmxers navigating the ramps, but wrestling was never really my thing. However, who can resist stopping for a few minutes to watch guys and girls in spandex slamming each other into plywood floorboards? Nice touch Fun Fun Fun.
As for the music of the afternoon and evening, most of the sets provided a pleasant experience, but on one totally floored or surprised me in the way that Cursive had on the first day. Here are my top five favorite sets of Saturday, day two of FFF. Wait, a quick addition, as I prepare to write this run-down, I realize how many of these sets stood out because of excellent sound, a testament to the festival’s quality. To the list.
5. TIE between Surfer Blood and Real Estate
I know, this is a total cop out, but let me sell it to you. Both bands played near the same time, and thus suffered from a sort of mid-afternoon energy lull. Their sets both included outstanding indie-rock that people were talking about for the rest of the evening. However, both lacked an intense stage presence. 
The members of each band remained generally in one spot for the duration of the set. John Paul Pitts, singer for Surfer Blood, does pull out a mean scream when he’s belting out lyrics, and Real Estate’s renderings of their songs sounded perfect. For these reasons, the sets make the list in spite of their less-than-captivating stage presence.
4. The Head and the Heart
It’s possible that these guys outta be higher on the list. In all likelihood, the only reason the set didn’t affect me more is that I literally know none of their songs. I guess the popular dialogue describes them as overhyped and mainstreamy—just repeating, not agreeing. Sure, like many other folk rock bands of the time, they aren’t revolutionizing anything. However, their performance was spirited, their stage presence genuine and jovial. It’s nice to see so many smiles. Josiah Johnson plays the most powerful tambourine you’ve ever heard and Charity Thielen’s violin sounded beautiful. I’m sold.
3. Tanlines
Tanlines is a band that I’ve been hearing about forever and just haven’t gotten around to checking out. These guys almost turned me off at the beginning by being a little short with their sound guy, however, their frustration clearly stemmed from wanting to provide as much music as possible in their short, allotted timeslot. As the set began, Jesse Cohen quietly told the audience, “Okay we’re going to get into the set now because we’re running behind.” The duo, also consisting of Eric Emm, stayed incredibly focused on their tight pop songs as Emm stutter stepped around the stage in staccato dance movements. Again, this set succeeded largely because of the excellent sound quality, a necessary requirement for electronic pop like Tanlines.
2. Why?
When Pop Press International reviewed the last Why? EP, the feeling was that the songs possessed enormous potential, but some felt incomplete. However, two of the EP’s songs emerged as great examples of Why?’s quirky blend of pop and hip-hop. Live, the band delivered a solid set. Yet again, the sound for the loops and electronics provided the necessary backbone for a brilliant set while Yoni Wolf added his enthusiastic dance skills. Wolf’s a great performer who sells the merits of his songs with his own obvious enjoyment of them. One of the best sets of the day.
1. Girl Talk
Are you surprised? They’re a headliner for a reason! Though, the audience saw very little of Girl Talk himself, Greg Michael Gillis, the creative force behind the project found a way to circumvent the inevitable boredom of standing behind a table. The DJ instead invited a whole slew of folks up onto stage to dance as he induced a massive party. Gillis also enlisted the help of some pals to run around the photo pit with specialized “guns” firing toilet paper into the crowd. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen a more involved and pumped up crowd so thoroughly enjoying themselves at a festival. Easily the day’s high point.
Other notable sets:
PiL was hard to leave off the list because of John Lydon’s iconic status. And he was certainly captivating to watch with wild facial expressions and hand gesticulations. However, something felt a little off, and I still can’t place it. Still a good set. The Sword demolished everyone for sure. And, hell, Kreashawn was hilarious.
