Graphics by Olivia Angst, Photos by Evan Fitzgerald
Stopover this year was a little different than it’s been in the past mainly because of all the acts that had last minute cancelations and changes. And while the loss was felt, the festival still totally delivered as always. With a blend of local acts as well as bands on their way to SXSW, the atmosphere while very exciting, was also sort of laid back – exactly the opposite of SXSW and just how we like it.
The Set Up: All of the bands (local bands excluded) that play Stopover are on their way to SXSW, so naturally they share the same venue-hopping set up. The only difference is that you can drink in the streets in Savannah. Whether that’s a blessing or a curse is up to you.
Weather: All three days of Stopover this year were warm, sunny, and a little humid. Typical Savannah weather for the spring really.
Best Throwback Surf: The Wave Slaves
Instrumental Surf Rock group Wave Slaves opened up the festival, covering greats like Dick Dale and getting everyone present dancing and excited for the weekend. They proved definitively that surf rock is the best way to start anything.
Most Intense Frontman Award: Crazy Bag Lady
A Crazy Bag Lady set is something that has to be seen to be believed. Frontman Josh Sterno has an undeniable stage presence that demands attention, as he wraps the mic cord around his face and neck, and jumps into the crowd, bumping into everyone that gets in his way and getting everyone involved. It’s undeniably an intense experience but alway an amazing amount of fun.
Best American Rock Set Played by Foreigners: Capsula
During Capsula’s intense and raucous set, their frontman said to the crowd: “America, this is your blues” and he meant it. Their entire set conjured up memories of 70s and 80s American blues rock. Though when it’s 40 years later and through a very different lens, the music has a wonderfully new feel to it. I
The “How many people are in this band?” Award: Blackrune Circle Esoteric Orchestra
Blackrune is usually a two piece band, consisting of just a guitar and drums (among some occasional other instruments). But for Stopover, they decided to recruit a slew of Savannah musicians to back them up. With upwards of 9 people on (and slightly off) stage, they created a mini orchestra that was a perfect closer to the furhoof showcase at ampersand.
Best use of a Trumpet Award: Pitchblak Brass Band
Pitchblak Brass Band is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. A full brass ensemble with a little bit of rap and R&B thrown in for good measure, their set was energetic, dancy, a little bit unhinged, and the perfect way to close out the first night.
The “What did I just see?” Award: Boy Harsher
Boy Harsher’s dark brand of atmospheric pop is just as hard to digest as it is enthralling. The duo played an incredibly moody set that was perhaps one of the best of the festival, utilizing slow beats and intense emotional singing/wailing, they are definitely a band to watch in the future.
Most Pleasant Surprise: Family and Friends
Despite their being from the nearby city of Athens, I hadn’t heard much about Family and Friends before Stopover. This only made their set that much better. I was surprised by an energetic, uplifting folky set that made great use of multiple guitars and vocalists, lots of foot stomping, and all around good vibes.
Most crowd-Involved Set: Terror Pigeon
I’m not really sure how to describe how to describe Terror Pigeon. However, what I can say is that they put on a hell of a show. Constantly hyping the crowd up, and at one point even throwing a tarp over them and having them chat. Very strange but very rad.
