The Milkman’s Union, for us, was possibly the best “discovery” of this KahBang, by not only backing some of the most anticipated acts of the fest, but also delivering one of the more captivating sets of music we have seen in a while. When they were on stage, there was a nonchalance and introverted swagger to the group, while their intricate folk songs showed a deep knowledge and appreciation for the music they make. Frontman Henry Jamison writes thoughtful, naturally steeped laments. The lyrics are barrel-aged, romantic. His voice is various shades of blue. Their music is loosely labeled as fingerpicking folk, but it utilizes their large range of influences. We saw their set at the Think.Maine Stage on Friday at KahBang as well as the night before at Sea Dogs Brewery. They killed it both times, and had Aly Spaltro a.k.a. Lady Lamb the Beekeeper join them both times to perform their most recent single “Texas Hold Me” which featured Spaltro on vocals, obviously. Ever since their jarring, beautiful rendition of “Bright and Future” on Friday, we haven’t been able to stop listening to them. Check them out, and we imagine that you’ll do the same.

We caught a few songs by Aloud from Boston. They, as their name depicted, were loud-as-shit, guitar-driven rock.  The female-fronted act featured powerful vocals and rollicking roots rock guitar. 

Over on the 2nd Stage, we caught a great set by Darlingside. The globetrotting string-folk collective utilize unintimidating instruments to make, at times, surprisingly hard-hitting music. Made up of individual songwriters each with their own flair, the classically-trained band creates layers of harmonies and laced melodies. The violin playing was especially impressive, though they could all play.  In my notebook, I wrote down “Blow the House Down” so that song was apparently especially good, but also the hanging speakers were blowing a precariously large amount, so I could have just been nervous.

Keep an eye out for more coverage soon!

Check out our photos from Day 1 right HERE. - Adam G.

The kick-off party for the KahBang Festival 2012 took place in and around downtown Bangor, ME last Thursday. The tucked-in but vibrant town is brought alive by KahBang each year and offers showcases at its multitude of quality bars and restaurants.  Besides Portland, Oregon, Maine has the most home-brewers per capita in the US. This prevalent DIY ethic is what has powered KahBang into its fourth year. Somewhat surprising is how many devoted supporters of the arts live and work right here to bring this understated discovery festival to the thriving yet understated city.

One of the most intriguing aspects is the familial of the affair. (Big ups to The Hornet’s Nest - our camping home at KahBang!) While many festivals are either ostracizing or overwhelming, KahBang instead focuses on exploring the vast musical spectrum of New England and bringing them together to Bangor with some heavy hitters. They celebrate (overall) bringing like-minded people together to experience art, film, and music and the connection of that common bond.

For the opening evening of the fest, we came for the music and stayed for the drinks. The beer was flowing like water at the kick-off Beer Fest with a bunch of artists, like Trisha Mason and sultry alt-rocker Valerie Orth, entertaining the drinkers on the Pickering Square Stage.

Over on the West Market Stage, we caught performances by alt-rock oufit Beach The Whale, who reminded us a bit of At The Drive-In at times, as well as KahBang headliners Deftones. They were sharply dressed, and delivered some solid, angular power rock. They also talked about seeing the night’s headliner, Jacob Augustine, a decade ago when he and his brother were cutting their teeth in metal bands. 

An exuberant Portland, ME group Sunset Hearts caught our ear and captured our hearts with their 80’s styled synthpop that Robert Smith would be proud of.  They filled the pretty big stage with lots of members who all could really shred, and looked like they were having a hell of a time doing it. Besides overflowing with soul, they also had the crowd dancing more than any other act that night.  Everyone keep an eye out for these guys. They are dope.

The night came to an official close with a blistering set by hometown hero Jacob Augustine, who is not actually from Bangor, but you get the idea. His “Family Band” consisted of his brother, sister, and girlfriend, among others. Together, they brought to life much of Jacob’s newest EP Bikini Island, as well as a rapturous version of Frontier standout “Pulse and Hum,” among others.  Jacob’s massive voice and presence was undeniable as always, and really raised the bar for the rest of the weekend.

Make sure to check out all our photos from the night right HERE.

- Adam G.

As we sit in beautiful downtown Portland, we at The Deli are eagerly anticipating the start of the KahBang Festival 2012 up in Bangor, ME, whom we have partnered up with this year for a weekend of fun times. The festival has a strong dose of EDM and Hip-Hop, including the Maine MCs Jamezy, Spose and Educated Advocates, who are representing a somewhat strange but undeniably rich hip-hop community in the state. The headliners may be at the top of the marquee, but the focus is on the local indie music scene (and that’s what we’re all about), with a pretty large number of the artists from the New England area, bringing the heavy stuff, the breezy stuff, and everything in between.

While the whole shindig goes down from this Friday - Sunday, one of the most exciting performances is sure to be the headlining set of Lincoln, ME’s bearded prophet Jacob Augustine on Thursday at the KahBang Kickoff Concert & KahBlock Party! Fresh off a short tour armed with nothing but his guitar and voice, Augustine has compiled a monster 7-piece rock band to bring his epic folk compositions to life. He will also be playing his new Bikini Island E.P. (which, like everything else the man makes, is available for free download via his Bandcamp) in it’s entirety. Oh, did we mention that Thursday also has a beer festival? Yeah, we’ll see you there!