By David Rolland
Do you hear that buzz?
Bumblefest is back Friday, Sept. 6 and Saturday, Sept. 7 for an eighth edition of more indie rock than Downtown West Palm might be able to handle. The brainchild of PureHoney Magazine publisher, Steev Rullman, Bumblefest aims to bring sounds and acts from all over the country that generally don’t make their way to South Florida.
This year’s line-up includes Dion Lunadon from New York, Psychic Death from Atlanta and Fiona Moonchild all the way from Seattle, Washington. There will be close to 20 other bands playing over the course of the weekend on the 500 block of Clematis Street.
Among the Bumblefest eight highlights are World Destroyers’ Pleasure Club, a Los Angeles-based five-piece that sound a bit like an alternate universe version of The Talking Heads or Vampire Weekend. World Destroyers have a world music vibe mixed with post-punk and free jazz featuring members from other indie bands including The Black Angels, Dead Meadow and Death Valley Girls. Singer/keyboardist Neight Trion is as much of a free thinker as his band’s wild self-titled debut album would lead you to believe, previewing their live show by saying, “We welcome you with an ear to hear (here) to join us and see that you are likely already a member of the World Destroyers’ Pleasure Club. We would love it if the listed members of the band, associated artists, collaborators and allies were too many to list in any publication. Let’s mark our brief moment here at the edge of possible extinction with a joyful sound and the pursuit of the ecstatic NOW, pain, terror, lust, pleasure and all. We are so excited to meet you WPB!”
On a completely different wavelength are New York City’s Starcleaner Reunion. If you’re familiar with and a fan of the Europop of Stereolab, you’ll definitely dig this five piece. Bumblefest will be the band’s first ever show in Florida as they bring songs sung in Spanish and English that have another country as a major influence. Guitarist Neil Torman says, “Our friends in France are a huge inspiration. Musique Chienne/Userband, Jazz Lambaux, Sticky World and the community at Cyberrance to name a few are making such vibrant and unique stuff, both musically and visually.”
Finally, make sure to check out the Los Angeles psychedelic rock band Dream Phases who just released their third album “Phantom Idol.” Singer/guitarist Brandon Graham describes their goal as, “trying to communicate ideas, feelings and even atmospheres that we maybe first got turned onto through a painting or a film. Place is also a strong source of inspiration for us, both natural and urban environments and how they affect our lives. From the beginning we’ve been heavily influenced by a lot of 60s to 70s music and culture, but lately we’ve been drawing from more contemporary things as well as some of our childhood 90s influences.”
Tickets are available for purchase right now at Bumblefest8.eventbrite.com
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