Brainstorm: Portland’s experimental pop trio Brainstorm took the early reigns at Bottom of the Hill to kick off the venue’s Friday night frenzy. While the first few tracks found the band facing a somewhat shy (or sober) crowd, by the third or fourth track, people warmed up to their danceable jams. Shout-out to drummer Adam Baz for his double-duty deliverance on drums and vocals, by the way. The trio shared tracks from the new Heat Waves LP, including my favorite so far, “Flat Earth“. Catch Brainstorm at SXSW 2013 this year, including our own Cascadia Official Showcase.

Mwahaha: Oakland’s own Mwahaha took over BotH after Brainstorm. Taking the stage with headlamps, they initially presented a presence reminiscent of AnCo’s Geologist. Anyhow, that was a non-musical comparison and the dudes quickly leaped into their own vibes. Mwahaha did offer up electronic and psychedelic elements, but it radiated more of a TV on the Radio vibe, which comes through on “Rainbow Diamond“. I don’t know/recognize most Mwahaha songs yet, though I wish I did, but single “Love” is an excellent introduction to the band.

Damien Jurado: A single singer/songwriter has a hell of a tall order to fill when playing by him/herself during the late Friday spot at a festival. With numerous other options–likely more rousing–scattered within walking distance, that can often be a recipe for a wrong schedule pairing. So as the Chapel’s crowd was abuzz with chatter before Damien’s set, admittedly, I was curious to see how his solo performance would play out. His 2012 LP Maraqopa, was fantastic. Yet that record featured plenty of accompaniment, certainly beyond one voice and a guitar.

Fortunately, any negster assumptions were completely out of line. As soon as a reticent Jurado stepped on-stage, the entire building went silent. First off, let’s reflect on the respect Damien Jurado obviously commanded. But second, what a rare and pleasant surprise. Damien began with a few new numbers, after which he admitted he was working on a new record with Richard Swift which will probably be out next year. Then he leapt into passionate, expressive, emotive versions of Maraqopa tracks. Nevermind the band absence, Damien & his voice held the crowd with baited breath, each vocal strain and facial expression seemingly guiding the crowd through their experience. It’s simply amazing how well Damien captured the entire room. He dove back and forth between Maraqopa gems and older tracks. And I ever got to hear one of my personal faves, “Tragedy“.