Bunbury Music Festival 2014

Once again, the city of Cincinnati, OH, holds its annual Bunbury Music Festival. Having had attended for the last two years, The Glitter Pox was sad to not be able to make it for year three. However, that doesn’t mean we weren’t excited about this year’s lineup!

Bunbury is definitely The Glitter Pox’s favorite Ohio festival. Every year is filled with new (and some returning) artists that make for an extremely eventful three days of music. Bunbury is especially good at mixing up the genres. Most acts are what we consider modern indie pop, but they do bring in electronic, acoustic/folk, and some eccentric bands, which bring in a wide variety of fans.

One thing we’ve always loved about Bunbury festival is that they have one or two bands a year that would be considered senior to all the new indie bands. These bands are usually 90’s bands that everyone in our generation heard on the radio as a child, so of course they make you warm and fuzzy.

The first year, Weezer was the headline of night two and it was so exciting to get to see a band that we knew for so long. Then last year, they had Jane’s Addiction and CAKE, which we proudly checked off our concert bucket list. And this year, Bunbury has yet again brought back past acts Veruca Salt and The Flaming Lips, who are no doubt going to set that stage ablaze.

Of course, we were excited to see some of our featured artists playing this year like New Politics, whom we had the privilege of conducting our first face to face interview with last winter, J Roddy Walston & The Business, whom we are positive are going to cause a raucous on stage with their popular tune “Heavy Bells,” and Robert Delong, whom definitely made us effing DANCE at Bunbury 2013.

But there are some less popular artists that we really think you would find contagious too!

The first is this lovely little family of six called Kopecky Family Band. Not only are they some of the sweetest people we’ve had the chance to meet, but they make it so every fan feels like they can join their clan of folk singing friendly faces. Don’t let all that fool you though, some of their tunes are chain rattling, show stoppers and they are one of The Glitter Pox’s favorite live performances. Seriously, don’t miss this set!

The second artist we were excited to see on the lineup this year is Brick + Mortar. The Glitter Pox hasn’t had the chance to see them live yet, but we can promise we’d be front and center singing away to the badassery this New Jersey duo brings.

Another group worth catching is The Lighthouse and The Whaler, whom has a special place in our heart, since their hometown is also Cleveland (make sure you mention Lebron coming back! You’ll be Matt’s new BFF...). “So why don’t [you] all fall in love” with the dancy vocals and happy tunes this mandolin bearing band will be sure to play at the River Stage on Sunday.

Finally, one act you just CAN’T miss is The Orwells. This band has a sound that matches the quirk and craziness of lead singer Mario Cuomo and I would dare to say they will be as wild as any Foxy Shazam show. Don’t be surprised if you get a little more than you bargained for when standing in the front row!

There is no doubt that we haven’t mentioned all the groups we would be eager to see, but no one has time to read the whole lineup in detail. ;) Bunbury Music Festival has yet again put on another spot on indie rock weekend and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next year!

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas - Shadow Boy

Shadow Boy isn't one of those songs that sticks in your head because it is catchy, but because it's a story that resonates through lyrics and through the big vocals from which they are sung. Jessica Hernandez has a vintage jazz tone that borderlines old country western in some parts and modern soul in others. The moment the tremolo guitar begins, Shadow Boy becomes a little darker and all the more sexy and it doesn't stop there. With soft drums and smooth saxophone this song becomes a ballad bathed in a passion that can only be experienced when given a closed eyed listen.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

I Know Leopard - Daisy Eyes

I Know Leopard is a five piece indie/pop group from Sydney that is a blend of bands like the XX, Beach House, and San Cisco, only they have a particular way of pulling at heart strings with pretty vocals and honest lyrics. Daisy Eyes feels like it is one song made up of layered moments of musical genius. There are parts with big bass and ticking drums, and others of staccatoed strings of lyric answered with frosted ahhh's, but they mesh to create the dreamy chorus that holds it all together and makes you fall for this song.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Yellerkin - Solar Laws

Made up by two lifelong friends from Brooklyn, Yellerkin is a rising indie band that is sure to spark your interest. Whether it be by the ever chancing pace in Solar Laws, which almost make it seem like the music is taking a pause to catch its breath before the drums crash back in and it's on the move again. Or maybe it's just how the vocals and language switch between soft and low to bold and high in a matter of moments. Or perhaps just their eerie music video featuring a yeti and what can only be described as a witch doctor that bares some resemblance to Rafiki from "The Lion King." Either way, Solar Laws is a journey that takes the listener into the space between, where only you have say over reality and dream, which makes this tune something to talk about.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Zella Day- Sweet Ophelia

Sweet Ophelia opens with a heavy almost hip-hop beat meshed with sweet organ tones that trick you into expecting something opposite of the Lana Del Ray resembling verse that follows. Zella Day has a dreamy quality to her hushed vocals that cause this song to feel secretive and the taps of xylophone tie in a whimsy that helps add to the story building within the music. It is both engaging and seducing, which makes for something unforgettable.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

COIN - Honey

If you dig bands like Walk The Moon, then COIN is sure to be the next to end up on your favorites list. With easy going vocals that sway against a dancy tune in the background, this is indie pop that just makes you feel happy. Formed in Nashville, COIN is everything sweet wrapped up and poured into your morning tea.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Rixton - Me and My Broken Heart

Me and My Broken Heart is already hitting mainstream, but with its smooth modern pop vibe, it's too catchy not to notice. Rixon has a sound, much like artists like Adam Levine, that immediately snags your attention. The vocals bridge indie and boy band, making it dynamic and pleasing to different types of music lovers. It's not only dancy, but it also has a hook that you'll sing for days, with harmonies that are just damn good.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox