10 Less Obvious Must-See Sets At Coachella ’13

10 Less Obvious Must-See Sets At Coachella ’13

Coachella Weekend 1 strikes tomorrow! If you’re heading out to Indio for the festival, we know you’re probably intending to check out Blur, Phoenix, the Postal Service, and many of the other marquee acts performing at the Polo Grounds. But if you’re an early riser or someone who is looking for something a little different, we have the guide for you. Click here to check out our list of 10 can’t-miss acts that you might have otherwise.

3Ball MTY (12:35 PM Saturday, Sahara): Speaking of early morning mayhem, enter Monterrey, MX’s 3Ball MTY. The trio are superstars of the tribal guarachero movement. Influenced by cumbia, but deeply rooted in the Cuban tradition of guaracha and filled with house loops, Putumayo this is not. It’s the perfect appetizer for Saturday night’s Major Lazer set and infinitely more authentic.
Wild Nothing (1:55 PM Saturday, Mojave): Jack Tatum’s dream-pop project Wild Nothing may be sounds for bedroom lamenting, but it takes a new shape when he wrangles a crew for the live show. Their performances are dizzying, supplanting the music’s wistful melancholy. Rock ‘n roll swagger takes the forefront and the dream becomes a technicolor wonderland.
Biffy Clyro (2:25 PM Saturday, Coachella Stage): When we premiered Biffy Clyro’s driving cut “Modern Magic Formula,” Michael noted that the band’s stateside visibility was an ember to their massive glow in the UK. “How do you introduce a band on their sixth album, in their second decade of work, to an unfamiliar culture accustomed to early-adoption?” On Saturday, Biffy will take their incendiary music to the main stage and show why we should make them an American treasure. Be there when it happens.
Danny Brown (3:00 PM Saturday, Outdoor Theatre): Danny Brown, one of rap’s resident weirdos, doesn’t just deliver some of the most pointed lyrics, he also packs a full kinetic punch on stage. You’ll see him master grime, float over cloud rap astral planes, and knock out new banger “Kush Coma,” which he says he can’t wait to perform for a knowing crowd. Come for the quirky, weedy energy; stay for the bonkers sartorial choices.
The Make-Up (7:05 PM Saturday, Gobi): The band’s getting back together! Well, not permanently and this is one of, if not the absolute, last opportunities to see Dischord post-punkers the Make-Up’s raw power in person. Read our interview with frontman Ian Svenonious, where he explains his post-modern thoughts on band reunions. Now let’s all start conjuring spirits that will inspire his band Nation Of Ulysses to hit the road again.
Deap Vally (12:00 PM Sunday, Mojave): Fans of the White Stripes and the Black Keys who have been looking for an all-girl band of the same ilk, look no further. Garage rock duo Deap Vally will summon the sun to its full peak with their howls on Sunday morning. Their snarling, bluesy riffs will suit up nicely when you’re tackling the hair of the dog that bit you.
Raider Klan (12:45 PM Sunday, Outdoor Theatre): SpaceGhostPurrp is one of the most interesting kids churning out dank hip-hop beats and has the ominous rapping chops to match. He and his youth crew Raider Klan will cast a looming, murky atmosphere across one of Coachella’s biggest stages that will turn one of the opening performances of the day into a late-night basement romp. Pro-tip: If you’re unfamiliar with the group’s breadth, RK’s first lady and total gem Amber London is set to wow with her mellow attitude and waxy jam “Low MF Key.”
Tanlines (5:30 PM Sunday, Gobi): One of Tanlines’ best-kept secrets is in their live show. The performance is equal parts euphoric dance party and their witty, silly Twitter account come to life via on-stage quips provided by synths-and-percussionist Jesse Cohen. Other half Eric Emm gives off transmutable energy and the combination creates a pied piper effect for the dance floor.
Disclosure (11:10 PM Sunday, Gobi): The music of electronic luminaries Disclosure is best heard on well-equipped hardware, so if Red Hot Chilli Peppers are not your speed, you should close out Coachella with this late-night set. While their performances are primarily DJed, sprinkled with a bit of instrumentation, the enormity of their tunes is still all-encompassing. Tracks like the infectious “Latch” beam even brighter when they’re accompanied by the group’s endearing enthusiasm.

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