The End Summer Camp 2017 Review

It was time for one of our favorite radio stations to throw its annual summer party, and we weren’t going to miss it. The End Summer Camp 2017 was a fun packed weekend held at Marymoor Park in Redmond and there was a lot to be thrilled for. The smoke over our sky was finally lifting and the weather was perfect to be outside and hear some great tunes with our friends. We’re not even going to mention how perfectly timed the rain was on Saturday night, as it started right at the end of Metric’s ended at 10pm. The space is one of our favorite summer venues as you can relax sitting on the lawn having a drink, or be part of the pit fun in front of the stage. The music was great, the vibe was right, as we spent our weekend doing what we love best.

Day One

The anticipated event kicked off with one of the most hyped about local bands, The Fame Riot. Not only are these guys a riot onstage they ran around all weekend chatting and taking photos with fans immersing themselves. When Beth Ditto had to cancel her Sunday set last minute, they were more than happy to come out and play again, killing their performance and winning the festival audience even more. The brothers don’t just play great music, their artistic presence is massive displaying confidence and style, both on and off stage.

Our next favorite was Minus the Bear, a band that has been loved for many years by many people. We heard many fans came just for this performance and that they were thrilled they did so. With a career spanning over 15 years, critical acclaim, and steady great tunes, their latest VOIDS had us hooked. These guys take the stage and know exactly what they are doing. Constantly moving around interacting with the crowd and giving a performance to get into. So glad we caught them playing in the park on a wonderful afternoon.

The next act was a little of a surprised when announced but we absolutely love their music and have been following them throughout the year. Bob Moses has earned much praise in the industry and it’s not hard to see why once you catch them live. Tom Howie, and Jimmy Vallance, who are from Vancouver BC and mentioned how much they love being in the northwest in the summer, have created an aesthetic that would have most acts wanting to copy it. It’s not about the electronic elements that we get so much of these days, it’s about them having the beats but the playing live music along with it that separate them. Howie’s vocals are heavenly and when songs like “Keeping Me Alive,” and Grammy Award Winner “Tearing Me Up” come on, you get pulled into another world.

 

The rest of the day would be followed by women leads, and we couldn’t be more excited to witness each and every one of them. First up was the fierce K.Flay who has been turning eyes the last year and has built a strong reputation for dominating the stage. The hip-hop/rock mix artist is known for her distinct voice and vocal arrangements that captivate everyone standing in front of her. Her second record Every Where Is Some Where was released earlier this year and we can’t get enough of it, and it seems like a lot of people feel the same way. She was one of the biggest draws of the festival, but don’t worry if you missed her she’ll be coming back with Imagine Dragons in October again.

Following up a strong performance was another powerhouse lady known as Bishop Briggs. The artist is something that just can’t be explained on paper, you have to witness one of her live shows to feel that force behind her vocals and her ability to convey her words with such charisma. Her songs are usually a more toned down verse structure which leads into an explosive chorus that she annihilates each and every time. You can’t ignore her, you can’t shut her up, you can’t silence her, you can’t deny what she is saying. You just sit there and listen attentively hoping for more of the high. Her eponymous EP released earlier this year has carried her into the mainstream and she has proven just how much power she has as an artist who does not even have an full album out yet. “River,” “The Way I Do,” and “Wild Horses,” have resonated with people who hang by her every word and can’t wait for the next wind to blow.

Night one ended with Metric who had its breakthrough with 2009’s record Fantasies with mega hit “Help I’m Alive.” The lights illuminating their stage were very impressive and Emily Haines’ energy was impeccable. Smoke, shadows, sparkly decorated keyboards, and even a silky green cover over her which acted as a dancing cape took over the stage. The band has a way of pulling people into their music and suddenly everyone is singing along. “Is it ever gonna be enough?” was repeatedly emphasized along with “Am I breathing under water?” in two of our favorite tunes. We’re especially happy to see The End support this band and keeping them in their event bills, they always do an exceptional job performing. We even got a taste that they have the weather gods on their side as right at ten the first drops of rain started, not disturbing a second of our wonderful night.

Day Two

Local favorites Dude York kicked off the show at Marymoor Park playing songs from their record Sincerely. Peter Richards, Claire England, and Andrew Hall, have carefully crafted a sound that creates curiosity to anyone coming across it. You only need to see this band once and you will instantly become fans of their work. Following up was The Fame Riot once again that had the adoring audience at their feet. If you weren’t around for day one they made you love them on day two.

After our strong locals it was time for SWMRS who have been creating a name for themselves. Singer Cole Becker had all eyes on him as he ran around stage wearing a blue dress looking fine. The rock band from Oakland brought the house down early in the day with their performance. Tracks “Figuring It Out,” “Miley,” and “Palm Trees,” are a good way to get introduced to their music if you don’t know them. They will be back in Seattle October 13th playing at El Corazon and you should check them out.

Next up was LP, one of the most anticipated artists on the bill that brought many to the second day. After her breakthrough as a songwriter for the likes of Cher, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, and the Backstreet Boys came her own music break with fourth record Lost on You. The eponymous track has received much praise worldwide and she has been steadily climbing the industry ladder. Her ability to express deep emotions into lyrics so well resonates with her fans. Well that and her very natural talent of whistling. This was one of the highlights of the weekend.

The Scandinavian band New Politics were up next and much to our surprise it was an incredible set. Front man David Boyd mixed his performance with killer dance moves and even showed us he can breakdance. Guitarist Søren Hansen intensively rocked out and even got major air when he threw his guitar up above him. Drummer Luis Vecchio pounded behind his kit which displayed the band’s logo. We didn’t know what to expect from these guys live but they were worth every second they were on stage. Their new record is due out in October make sure you check them out!

The second to last act of the night was Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, fronted by Andrew McMahon who gained recognition through his bands Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin. He sat in front of the stage along with his full length piano, singing but very much turning and engaging with the crowd. We were in for a surprise as various objects started to appear during his set, including beach balls, blowup air blown inflatables and our favorite, a huge rubber duck that he crowd surfed in. You couldn’t help but smile during most of his set and that is a great charisma. His second album Zombies on Broadway was led by “Fire Escape,” and we really like the collaboration with Atlas Genius’ Keith Jeffery, “Brooklyn, You’re Killing Me.”

The two day event would close out with one of the sweetest performers around, Vance Joy. Still riding high from the success of his debut Dream Your Life Away and a spot on Taylor Swift’s tour, the young Australian wowed with his set. The stage was simple as he stood in front with his guitar engaging in small talk about the tunes and playing some of his hits. We heard his newest “Lay It on Me,” and received amazing performances of our favorites, “Mess Is Mine,” “Georgia,” and ended the night with “Riptide.” He proved once more why he deserves a place in our broken hearts, if you didn’t get a chance to enjoy him he’ll be back on September 30th at the Showbox Market.