[ATTENDED: October 1, 2023] Vundabar
My daughter had “Alien Blues” on a playlist and I immediately loved it.
I have had many opportunities to see Vundabar play (this Festival was actually the 8th time they were on my radar). We caught one song of theirs when they opened for Mother Mother (why were we so late?)
So I was pretty psyched that they were playing this Festival. Especially since they were playing in Philly (opening for The Front Bottoms–two other times I could have seen them) on both Saturday night and Sunday night. So they drove down from Philly, played their set and then drove back for Sunday night.
I enjoyed their set from the get go.
They are fun and goofy. Their songs are a little weird, with slides and unexpected stops and starts.
I was also intrigued that Brandon Hagen had a big bandage on his strumming finger (he apparently cut himself).
While most bands put their name on the marquee above them, Vundabar just had a big smiley face. They were also one of the few (perhaps only) bands that was all guys. Zack Abramo (bass) and Drew McDonald (drums).
I think “Alien Blues’ is a big enough hit to get them side stage at a Festival. “Alien Blues” was great and got the crowd moving (on a rather hot day in the sun).
I really liked the bouncy Ash in the Sun. And, indeed, all of the set. I think my daughter didn’t enjoy them as much as she thought she might.
I do hope to see them again in a club, rather than in a field. They were a ton of fun and a headlining spot I’m sure would be wonderful.
SETLIST
- Chop Ö
- Acetone ≈
- Tonight I’m Wearing Silk ≈
- Nosferatu Δ
- Ash in the Sun Ö
- Darla Ö
- Alien Blues Ö
- Oulala Ö
Ö Gawk (2015)
≈ Smell Smoke (2018)
Δ Devil for the Fire (2022)




