Kilby Block Party (KBP) is less than two months away. Because of this, we thought now would be the best time to find all the songs, especially the deep cuts, to prepare you for a long weekend of music.
Ongoing for six years now, KBP has continued to blow us away with lineups including some of the most influential indie rockstars in the industry. Adding a fourth day has proven the lengths the coordinators will go to get everyone’s favorite artist on the list this year. Let’s dive in.
First Night Hype
The first night calls back to the synth, dream pop and shoegaze eras of the 1980s and ’90s. Headlining is New Order, who will be supported by acts such as Yo La Tengo and DEVO. However, a few other bands could take over your evening, including Salt Lake City locals Levelor, a self-proclaimed dirtgaze band.
New Order hasn’t toured in years — neither has DEVO — so this year’s lineup has given promise for the future of KBP. Some songs to prepare you for the Thursday time travel are New Order’s “Blue Monday” and “Temptation” and Yo La Tengo’s “You Can Have It All” and “If It’s True.”
The Party’s Only Getting Started
The first full day will have you going back and forth in search of who to see next. Beach House headlining and Car Seat Headrest and Built to Spill supporting are enough to keep you looking forward to the end of the night. However, there are plenty of names that will serve your best interest, including Momma, Youth Lagoon and Salt Lake City local Josaleigh Pollett.
When faced with Beach House’s discography, it can be daunting to know what to start with. Their album “Depression Cherry” will always be the go-to, given its popularity with songs like “Wildflower” and “PPP.” However, “Teen Dream” takes the cake with songs like “Real Love” and “Norway.”
Gaining a lot of traction locally, Josaleigh Pollett is a must-see at this year’s festival. Songs like “Empty Things” and “Crying Wolf” are the perfect starting points for a vast discography. Their eerie, mysterious sound takes indie to another level.
Sweaters and Screaming in SLC
While it is insane to see Weezer on this year’s lineup, we’re most excited for St. Vincent to be playing a set in Salt Lake City. A recent Grammy award-winning artist, St. Vincent has taken off with her latest album “All Born Screaming.” This performance is sure to take the cake. “Broken Man” and “Violent Times” are some of our favorites off of the album. “Young Lover” off of “MASSEDUCATION” is also a great break-in to her earlier works.
Over Under is another local band that will be featured on the Kilby stage. Having toured with The Backseat Lovers in the past, Over Under has gathered a large following over the years. The band recently released “All in My Head,” which will be featured on their album coming out soon. Some of our favorites include “Bus Song” and “Frogger.”
It’s Always Hard To Say Goodbye
The last day is a perfectly curated chill day. TV On The Radio, bôa and faerybabyy are a few supporting acts that will have you swaying in the bleachers. If you get a sudden boost of energy, Geese and Orla Gartland will be the perfect sets to keep the flow going. And we couldn’t possibly forget our locals Beeson, Poolhouse and Elowyn.
I don’t know about you, but Geese will have me crashing through the streets. Having played in Salt Lake City twice now, Geese has been a great addition to any rager in the car. “Disco,” “2122” and “St. Elmo” are some of our favorites to get you bumpin’ that all day.
Saving best for last, Elowyn is another Salt Lake local who has the sweetest voice in the valley. From “The Fool,” “Dreaming of You” and “Her Name Was Molly,” Elowyn will be your concert crush.
You can get your tickets for Kilby Block Party at their website here. You can also listen to our playlist here.
