Pygmalion Preview: Kurt Vile and the Violators, Dawes, Johnathan Rice
On Friday, September 27th, Pygmalion Music Festival is bringing indie folk to downtown Urbana in a big way. Kurt Vile and the Violators, Dawes, and Johnathan Rice will team up for some of the most memorable melodies we may ever experience. All three of these groups list Neil Young as a major influence, and there’s no way that could ever be a bad thing. Neil Young fans and music fans in general, although those are essentially the same thing, should head over to the Urbana Civic Center Outdoor Annex for an amazing show.
Even in my dreams, I’m not as cool as Johnathan Rice. Rice got to hang out with Joaquin Phoenix while filming his part in Walk the Line and he’s dating Jenny Lewis. If that doesn’t impress you, nothing else will. Rice just released his newest album Good Graces on September 17th, and with highlights like “Nowhere At the Speed of Light” it’s easy to predict that there's something special heading for Urbana.
I saw these guys a few years ago on tour with Blitzen Trapper and I’m ready for more. After putting out the superb Stories Don’t End back in April, Dawes has been touring the country putting on great sets in support of the album. Their single “From a Window Seat” shows the band’s successful marriage between mellow folk and danceable grooves. Everyone in Champaign-Urbana should get ready for a good time.
This is going to be a show that absolutely can’t be missed. Back in April, Kurt Vile put out Wakin on a Pretty Daze, which is on a ton of short lists for album of the year. Single “KV Crimes” trots along with a thick guitar groove that requires you to nod your head. “Air Bud” is another one of the many highlights from the album (as well as my second favorite “Air Bud” only behind Air Buddies). It’s a solid album from start to finish and seeing the songs performed live by Kurt Vile and the Violators will only make it that much better.