Fall is here, and for us, that means one thing: ECHO Fest is returning. One of the Midwest’s best psychedelic festivals will enter into its 5th year of swirling lights, fuzzed out guitars, and of course, so much delay that time travel may become possible.
This year’s fest features two stages, 12 bands, and a incredibly trippy light show that should prove to be a feast for the senses. Here are some of the acts we’re most excited to see this Saturday, November 15th.
Matthew Smith (of Outrageous Cherry) | Side Stage 7:30pm
The Detroit locals were formed back in the early ’90s as a solo project of Matthew Smith but soon expanded into a 4-piece psych pop powerhouse. They’ve put out 12 albums since then and are just as relevant now as they were two decades ago. Their latest album The Digital Age as well as a retrospective cassette called 1993-2010 are out now via Burger Records.
Rogue Satellites | Side Stage 8:30pm
A little bit indie-pop, a little bit shoegaze, but all-in-all a very catchy Detroit act. Their layered guitar tracks fit right into the mold of MBV, Ride, and the rest but are merely a sonic background for their catchy vocals and synthesizers.
Dead Leaf Echo | Main Stage 9:00pm
This Brooklyn based dream-pop group is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Their latest 4-track EP true.deep.sleeper is an incredibly lush wall of sound that hits you like a tidal wave. They’ve been called one of the best live acts in NYC, don’t miss your chance to catch them in the Midwest!
Plastic Crimewave Syndicate | Side Stage 9:30pm
Purely classic psychedelic rock from Chicago. The infamous Steven Krakow fronts this incredible trio that create driving, reverb-drenched treats for your ears and mind.
MOSS FOLK | Side Stage 10:30pm
The ambient drone project of Milwaukee Psych Fest founder Andrew James Shelp will surely offer a transcendental experience mid-way through this incredible bill.
Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapor | Main Stage 11:00pm
The founders and curators of this incredible festival, Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapor are themselves an incredible force of dark psychedelic power. Their latest LP Spectra Spirit is a heavy mix of garage rock and psychedelia that begs to be heard.
Elephant Stone | Main Stage 12:15am
With the release of their 3rd full-length LP The Three Poisons in August, Montreal’s Elephant Stone have proven that they can do everything from heavy psychedelic rock, indie pop, and even dance music. Fronted by immensely talented bassist/vocalist/sitar player Rishi Dhir, their live show is something that no recording could do justice.
It’s psych-pop infused with a broad range of musical influences that in turn make for an incredibly diverse and exciting sound. This will their only US tour date until next year, stay up late and stick around for these guys.
Each attendee will receive a free pair of diffraction glasses which separates light into huge rainbow star bursts to transform the already trippy light show into the the most intense visual experience of your life.
RSVP to the events page on Facebook to receive discounted $3 off the regular ticket price ($15 at the door, $12 for RSVP or advance purchase). That works out to a $1 a band, and you can’t really argue with that. Get there early to enjoy $2 PBRs from 6pm to 9pm! We’ll see you there!