On Sept. 16, local alternative music radio station 94/9 threw one of the biggest parties of the summer when it brought the “Independence Jam: Coastal Invasion” festival to the Oceanside Pier.
Hundreds of people came out to watch the bands performing in this year’s lineup which included Fiona Apple, Best Coast, Oberhofer and Gardens & Villa. Fans were lined up and ready by 2 p.m. with doors opening at 3 p.m.
Santa Barbara-based band Gardens & Villa started the day’s festivities with dance beats, rhythmic drums, synth and vocals of pure pop-rock. Lead vocalist Chris Lynch demonstrated great amounts of energy and was able to get the crowd bobbing their heads and dancing by their third song.
New York City band Oberhofer took the stage next, just as the sun was shining brightly on the crowd. Lead singer Brad Oberhofer even ran offstage during one song, taking his wireless guitar with him and running towards the ocean and then to the top of the amphitheater bleachers.
Afterwards, the crowd was more than hyped up for the next set by Los Angeles duo Best Coast. Bethany Cosentino took the stage in a 90’s Versace-esque dress Bob Brunno joined her in a black ensemble, topped off with a Prince t-shirt. They seem to have ditched all of the imagery from “Crazy For You” and have gone full force with promoting their sophomore effort “The Only Place.”
Their set-list included the album in its entirety and a few songs from their previous EPs. Unfortunately, the entire set was plagued with large amounts of technical difficulties as Bethany’s voice reverted in and out of speakers. Nevertheless their show included a number of angsty summer hits and moody love songs like “Our Deal” and “When I’m With You.” They ended with their hit single “Boyfriend” playing to the backdrop of a perfect setting sun.
Last but absolutely not least, Fiona Apple hit the stage in front of an enthusiastic crowd. It was her first performance in San Diego after a six year absence and she was back to promote her new album “The Idler Wheel…” The crowd roared as she took the stage beginning her show with “Fast As You Can.”
The singer wore eccentric zebra print clogs, purple tights and a simple shirt and skirt with a giant burgundy scarf wrapped around her body. She arranged the seemingly three yards of fabric in different ways during the duration of her set, alternating between a standing mic and gypsy like mantled piano, both of which stood on a beautifully lit stage.
Apple stood in an almost fragile state as she sang bitter, emotional lyrics. Her set included the hits “Every Single Night,” “Sleep to Dream” and “Extraordinary Machine.”
The deep connection the singer holds for her lyrics was evident in the effortless concentration and rhythmic gestures she demonstrated, helping her evoke passion into each song.
After playing about 10 songs to the mesmerized crowd she abruptly ended the show by approaching the microphone and yelling “Lauren I like your blonde hair!” and leaving with a cloud of security around her. No encore was presented despite the roar of applause from the crowd. Still, Apple gave a mind blowing performance and was able to leave the audience in awe.
Independence Jam is held annually every summer.
For more information on 94/9 visit www.fm949sd.com.
