For the fourth time in as many years, lower Manhattan’s South Street Seaport will host the Village Voice's day long. free entry 4Knots Music Festival. Happening on Saturday July 12 from 1-8 pm, the event is rain or shine, and as in previous years bands will perform on two alternating stages. An eclectic assemblage of artists is scheduled to appear this year, running the gamut from legendary status, those solidly established over the last year all the way through to fresh and emerging acts.
One noteworthy band on the rise who has recently released their first full length album titled “Slumber” is Brooklyn’s Dead Stars. Currently embarked on an east coast and midwestern tour, the band will wrap that up with a homecoming appearance at this event. The new collection of songs takes what was already appealing about this band and multiplies it exponentially. Opening track “Someone Else” grabs hold with the chorus hook a mere 50 seconds in, and memories of every uptempo, Americana band you ever loved runs wildly through your head. The timely “Summer Bummer” (streaming) leans heavily on the solid backbeat dropped down by master sticksman Jaye Moore. Cousin Jeff’s playful lyrics echo Joey Ramone’s casual nonchalance towards negativity, while John’s bass lands squarely on Lou Barlow’s groove.
Another up and comer performing who proudly represents the borough of Queens is Juan Wauters, also known as the songwriting force behind lo-fi Brooklyn gem The Beets, now signed to Captured Tracks. Though he claims his songs represent an evolving search for that specific sound which will never come to be, the 60’s era folk groove of his first 7” single “Sanity” belie such nihilism. While the track's lyrical subject matter may explore darker corners of human psyche, its rhythmic groove evokes original British invasion folk-poppers like Peter & Gordon. The vocal delivery and overall vibe conjures up images of Austin Powers leading a line dance down Carnaby Street.
This year’s big name headliner is 90’s legends Dinosaur Jr, who reunited a few years ago and have consistently put out new material ever since, and are probably one of the most influential band in Brooklyn's current 90's rock revival. Other acts scheduled to perform are Mac DeMarco (he's a New Yorker now!), Those Darlins, Speedy Ortiz, Radkey, Viet Cong, Nude Beach and Re-TROS. - Dave Cromwell
