Future Fest 4 Rocks On

Last night, we ventured down to the Stone Church to hear part of day 2 of this year’s expanded Future Fest, a celebration of local indie music and other creative ventures sponsored by the tireless team at the Future Collective. We were not disappointed.

Although we were misled by the FC’s web site (ahem) into thinking the show started at 7pm (it started at 5) we were able to hear a number of bands that night, starting with Secret Lover and ending with local favorite Barishi just before midnight.

Worcester’s Secret Lover, who we’ve heard before, are fun but hard to classify. Their lead singer, the pert and acrobatic Sally Horowitz, took the crowd by storm with her own brand of what I can only call lounge rock. She had all the stage moves for a much larger venue, even venturing to perform one tune while lying provocatively on her side before rising to her knees to belt out the chorus. From ballads to rockers, Secret Lover were fearless in their efforts to convince us that the 70s are not dead. Favorite tune: Fruit Flies in My Tears.

Next up was Carinae, an amazing basement band from Hadley, MA, who wowed the crowd with a more current sound that brings 90s indie rock into the present with passionate performances by all. Lead singer Annie has a powerful voice and she performed her songs with passion and conviction. Her bandmates are no slackers either and both the keyboardist and guitarist contributed lead vocals on various tunes. Although they are under-known (organizer Jonas told us that they would happily play your living room if you wanted to book them), this show made us think they won’t be unknown for long.

Mal Devisa from Northampton had the next set with a mesmerizing solo performance, accompanying herself on bass and keyboards. Her songs were a mixture of African-inspired beats and pieces with soulful vocals that made poetry of repetition and non sequitur. Although a bit on the avante garde side of things, her lyrics packed a big metaphoric punch.

My personal favorite for lo these many months has been Wooly Mar, aka Maria Pugnetti of Brattleboro. I’ve seen her a number of times and always enjoyed her set, but last night, she delivered her best performance of the year to a delirious crowd who showed their appreciation by dancing en masse to every song. Garbed all in white in a ballet-inspired, semi-Grecian (and probably home-made) dress with matching white head piece, and performing on a candlelit keyboard, she supplied the right level of drama to augment her thoroughly danceable beats and sinuous vocals.

As Wooly Mar concluded her set, a different crowd began to filter in for Barishi. Black clad and ready to rock, the Barishi cultsters took over the dance floor for a round of good natured moshing to the band’s trademark hardcore barrage. Even if metallic thrash is not your thing, it’s hard not to like Barishi for their fantastic energy and drive.

The audience was young but diverse, with a few celebrity sightings including Brattleboro’s own SXSW-showcased The Snazz (love the blue hair, girl!). As always, it was a chance to see what the indie crowd are wearing these days, and based on last night, I can knowledgeably say that cutoffs with oversize T, oxford cloth, and flannel shirts are still in. Hipster summer dresses were in evidence as well.

It’s not too late! You can still catch lots more Future Fest action Saturday night and Sunday at the Stone Church. And while Field Day (fun and games at Crowell Park) is over, there’s a carnival and outdoor acoustic show scheduled for tomorrow starting at 10 am at Elliot Street Park. Tickets are $7 per show; the carnival is free although donations (to help the Future Collective pay for space for future shows) are always welcome. Learn more at their web site, Facebook page, or by grabbing a program downtown. Thanks, Future people! You know how to kick the fall off right.