Singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers snuck within the improvised line “Julien, your amplifier is on” as she sang the primary verse of the acoustic “Ketchum, ID” in an effort to cleverly alert her fellow bandmate to cease the electrical hum.
After restarting the monitor, the buzzing continued. “That’s not me this time!” Julien Baker introduced. This quip is an ideal encapsulation of the infectious chemistry between indie rock trio boygenius, the headliners of day 3.
Day three of Re:SET music pageant noticed a triumphant ending to one among Stanford’s greatest current occasions. The ultimate day was headlined by boygenius, with supporting acts by Clairo, Dijon and Bartees Unusual.
I got here in time for Dijon, lacking first opener Bartees Unusual as a result of 4 p.m. begin time. I used to be impressed by the extreme sound palette of musician and producer Dijon. His model was typically heavy and aggressive, using loads of distorted sounds and near-glitchy passages. Whereas it’s straightforward for a vocalist to be overpowered by such instrumentals, Dijon met the problem with highly effective lungs and a flexible ability set.
His genreplay can also be appreciated, toeing the road between different R&B, lo-fi pop and even ambient music. This was a welcome shock for day three.
Then, it was time for bed room pop famous person Clairo. Frankly, she completely shocked me: bringing a clarinet, flute and saxophone alongside keys and the standard four-piece rock band, her sound was each ornate and jazzy. Every tune she carried out was not solely catchy however skillfully executed. Even her cowl of “Bitter with the Candy” by Carole King match proper into the set. The bass and drums had been within the pocket, the orchestral textures had been a welcome addition and Clairo’s vocals sounded nice dwell.
I couldn’t consider the sheer amount of hits carried out with ease. Her backing band is clearly very effectively rehearsed, exhibiting immense instrumental prowess. Additionally they appeared to be having an unbelievable quantity of enjoyable, similar to after they rode out an infectious groove for the wonderful “Baggage” and “Amoeba.” Out of all three days of Re:SET, Clairo’s set was by far one among my favorites.
Shortly after she left the stage, all three members of indie supergroup boygenius had been launched with the ironic “The Boys are Again in City.” The trio of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus proceeded to carry out the attractive, a cappella “With out You With out Them” whereas standing round one microphone.
Their lovely set largely consisted of tracks from their new file, the not-so-creatively titled “the file.” Nonetheless, it is a strong album with many unbelievable tracks. In dwell efficiency, Dacus-led tracks like “True Blue” actually shined. She is a proficient vocalist who may simply cross over into nation — the truth is, after listening to her vocal efficiency on the finish of “Not Sturdy Sufficient,” I desperately need her to make an overtly nation file.
Bridgers and Baker additionally had their fair proportion of highlights. An enthused guitar participant, Baker led the heavier rock tracks with ease. The group’s three-part harmonies, paired with strong guitar distortion, created a novel and compelling dwell sound.
Funnily sufficient, my favourite a part of their set was the three-song encore, which can recount the bandmates’ views on Baker’s despair. Every artist carried out one among their well-known authentic songs: Bridgers contributed the bubbling people ballad “Graceland Too,” Dacus sang “Please Keep” with minimal accompaniment and Baker carried out her traditional monitor “Favor.” Actually, I might like to see a whole second set the place they cross round their solo tracks like this.
General, Re:SET has been a spotlight of my time at Stanford. I might like to see this distinctive occasion return to campus subsequent yr with much more of the highest artists within the fashionable music business. Re:SET has, the truth is, been a whole reset of my expectations for music festivals — the bar has by no means been increased.
Editor’s Notice: This text is a evaluate and consists of subjective ideas, opinions and critiques.