Hello Friends,

    We came, We saw, We conquered, We won a fish…. Overall Sirenfest ‘08 was a relaxing day at work for us. Although it was a very hot day, spirits were high. A plethora of indie bands filled the stages and the people filled Astroland parking lots. 
    We got there in time to catch the set of Brooklyn’s own Parts and Labor. They really put on a good show and I really must emphasize energy. Fueled by synthesizers and drum beats Parts and Labor really gave it their all in this set, they put so much energy into every song you couldn’t help but move. At the end of their set BJ gave his bass to some lucky concertgoer. A very exciting set for all.
    As the day progressed we were lucky enough to catch most of each band’s sets. Another great set was a band from upstate New York known as Ra Ra Riot. These guys put on such a great show… Equipped with, not only an electric violinist, but an electric cellist, this band created a magnificent wall of sound that certainly took over our ears with delight. Wesley Miles’ vocals were crisp and smooth and the band behind him was just as much crisp and smooth as their front man.
    Another band that I highlight and definitely, definitely suggest checking out is The Helio Sequence. These guys (there are only two!) make it sound easy. With backing tracks and some tender love and care, The Helio Sequence sounded like a full orchestra. People far back didn’t know if it was a band or just the music in between sets. They are really that good. They even played a Beatles cover, Tomorrow Never Knows. I highly suggest giving these fellas a listen to and if they come to your town definitely stop in for a visit.
    Lastly… Broken Social Scene and Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks… Both sets were, obviously, excellent. They were just right for the end of that hot day. Everybody in Astroland crowded around to watch both bands perform. And I mean crowded. During the Broken Social Scene set, there were people in every direction we turned. This band caused such a hype that people were on top of trailers and what ever else they could climb on. After they started playing it was understood why they were hyped up. Complete with their horn section, Broken Social Scene’s set stole the Stillwater stage that night. It was a seriously good performance by a seriously good band.
    On the main stage Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks were playing their hearts out and certainly doing what they do best. Their set was exciting to say the least and everyone around their stage was having a blast, enjoying the music and was just happy that the sun was going down. Overall they played a great set and definitely had fun doing it.
    We really enjoyed ourselves and had a blast. We weren’t able to write about each band but we just want to thank each individual band for coming and playing great music, you guys were great. We highly suggest checking out each of them. Sirenfest 2008 was a day of great music and fun and we hope to be around next year.

Cheers from all of us here at Lonely Hollows.