The 10 Less Obvious Must-See Sets At Sasquatch! ’13

The 10 Less Obvious Must-See Sets At Sasquatch! ’13

If you’re heading to The Gorge for Sasquatch! this weekend, you probably already know to check out Sigur Rós, Vampire Weekend, Tame Impala, and other live favorites. But, as with Coachella, there are some hidden gems of the festival that you need to check out. Some are groups on the verge of breaking through, some are already great bands that just got a bum set time, and others are already popular artists who are going to have some special things in this setting that you may not have realized. So click here to start our list of the 10 less obvious must-see sets for Sasquatch ’13, and look for more coverage this weekend.

Nacho Picasso (6:45 Friday, Cthulhu Stage): Coming in at a respectable #19 on Tom's list of the best hip-hop albums 2012, Lord Of Fly is proof that Nacho Picasso is one of the weirdest rappers at the festival. Nacho's raspy flow bounces over Blue Sky Black Deaths twitchy, buzzing production in such an admirable way – plus it'll be worth it to see the Seattle rapper doing his thing on his home turf.
Rose Windows (1:00 PM Saturday, Yeti Stage): Rose Windows seem to follow the logic that if more is better, then way more is way better. This seven-piece psychedelic monster recently signed to Sub Pop and has its first release on the way. While Tame Impala is the major psych-rock draw on Saturday, Rose Windows create something darker and (at times) crushingly heavy. It's unlike anything else you'll hear that day, and a good reason to get there early.
Robert Delong (2:00 PM Saturday, Honda Bigfoot Stage): Perfectly timed for the EDM fans who took their molly too early in the day is this afternoon set by Robert Delong. With a jumble of drums, noise makers, sequencers and video game controllers, Delong is thrilling in a live setting as he builds his giant songs up from scratch. Multitasking between a drum kit, synthesizers, and laptop, he finds time to sing some surprisingly heartfelt lyrics as well. Sure there's plenty of bass whomp to be had, but the guy's got a heart too.
John Talabot (9:00 PM Saturday, El Chupacabra Stage): If the Barcelona producer, John Talabot's house music is tropical (as it's often called) it's in the same way that a rainforest at night is tropical. Dark, hot, dense, mysterious and on tracks like "El Oeste," just a little bit unsettling. Talabot creates songs that surround and overwhelm. Check out his set -- you will never hear a croaking frog the same way again.
Deep Sea Diver (1:00 PM Sunday, Honda Bigfoot Stage): Jessica Dobson has spent far too long as a hired gun for other bands. In the last couple years she's played in touring bands for Beck, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and The Shins, but now she's focusing on her long running project with her husband, Deep Sea Diver. Their 2012 debut, History Speaks, introduced a band who could craft deeply affecting, occasionally majestic songs without compromising any of their angular weirdness -- due in no small part to Doblin's acrobatic and tender voice. Criminally placed in an early time slot – if I had it my way they'd be switching set times with Mr. Mumford and sons.
El-P (5:30 PM Sunday, Honda Bigfoot Stage): Now hold on -- I know what you're about to say. El-P is actually an obvious choice for what to check out on Sunday (unless you're really into Dropkick Murphys who are playing at the same time), but please hear me out. While it's very obvious how great El is, it might not be obvious to most how his set is likely going to play out. Considering last year's guest spots, and the other rappers performing that day, it's right here that you can likely expect to experience El-P, Killer Mike, and Danny Brown performing on the same stage, at the same time. The stars are just aligned here, and it's really worth your time.
Baths (9:00 PM Sunday, El Chupacabra Stage): Will Weisenfeld's project, Baths, was one of the nicest surprises of 2010. The bright, glitchy beat maker felt as influenced by the Brainfeeder roster as he was by the soundtrack to Adventure Time. Sounding as aquatic as its title, debut album Cerulean hit you with synesthesia like no other. His upcoming album, Obsidian, works the same way, bringing in a darker and denser vibe. Baths has begun performing as a full band for the first time, so it will be exciting to hear both albums getting fleshed out on stage.
Gold Fields (12:40 PM Monday, Honda Bigfoot Stage): You're going to have to show up early to see Gold Fields on Monday, in fact, they're one of only two bands this whole weekend that's playing before 1pm. But checking out this wonderful Australian group is the best way to start your marathon of synth-pop before Chrvches and Twin Shadow come on later in the day. Check out "Ice," the atmospheric centerpiece to their 2013 debut.
Odesza (4:55 Monday, El Chupacabra Stage): Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight have spent the last couple years creating dreamy instrumental hip-hop as Catacomb Kid and BeachesBeaches, respectively. And while Catacomb Kid's late-night beauty feels counterpoint to Beaches' sunny bliss -- together, as Odesza, they create a world where both exist in gorgeous harmony. The perfect set to see as the sun's getting ready to go down.

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