Bonnaroo is now just days away... Everybody knows about Jay-Z, Flaming Lips, Stevie Wonder, and so on. I'm going to list some bands that you may not have heard about but are currently on the rise. Their are so many bands playing this year it's hard to single out just 5 bands. Don't be mad if your favorite band didn't make the list. Check out my 5 Bonnaroo 'buzz" bands to watch for after the jump. The order is random.
1. War Paint
Who cares if these girls are the last band listed on the lineup? These chicks rock. Disregard the dude on the drums on the video. This is now an all girl group. Their harmonies are sick and they master all their instruments. This is a band that is best seen live. They come on at 11:30 on Friday night which leaves an opportunity for you to at least see some of their set before the big names come on for late night.
2. Royal Bangs
This band from Knoxville, TN are beginning to blow up. They were a buzz band at SXSW this year and just recently did a tour of Europe. Their sound is sort of like a heavier version of TV on the Radio. The energy these guys put into all their live performances is similar to My Morning Jacket. They play on Friday night at 1:30 AM.
3. Local Natives
This band is getting pretty big. I'm sure a lot of you already have them on your schedule. Local Natives have a unique "island" sound. They put up ridiculous harmonies and have songs that get stuck in your head. They have a prime Thursday slot at 7.
4. Mumford and Sons
British folk band. Their music is very mellow but very beautiful. Why Bonnaroo has these guys playing against Avett Brothers blows my mind.. They both have a similar sound. Be sure to try to check these fools out when they play Saturday at 5.
5. B.O.B
We've all heard this song. B.O.B is poised to blow up by the end of the year. He just released his first album and he proved that he is no one hit wonder. His flow is like Andre 3000 and at recent festival appearances Rivers Cuomo came out and jammed with him. Since Weezer is playing Bonnaroo look for that to happen again. B.O.B plays at 3 AM on Friday night.
So here they are.. 5 bands out of the 100+ on the lineup to check out. I hope you at least look these bands up and give them a shot. Enjoy Bonnaroo everybody!
