High Voltage: WIUX Culture Shock 2009

Although the blustery winds and freezing conditions might suggest otherwise, spring really is right around the corner. I know I have to be speaking for the majority of weatherworn students when I say an emphatic “Hallelujah!” and begin to count down the days until the sun decides it’s sticking around for good.

However, this spring has more to look forward to than the return of foliage and an excuse to wear sundresses.

As the season of music festivals begins, Bloomington will certainly not be left high and dry. This year’s WIUX Culture Shock, held on April 18 in Dunn Meadow, will not only provide performances by several national and international up-and-comers, but also feature a few local gems. 

Here’s a taste of what’s on this year’s lineup:

Four Tet
Electronic mastermind and remix extraordinaire Kieran Hebdan will make his way across the pond as this year’s headliner. Fresh from Australia’s St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival alongside artists like Girl Talk and Stereolab, Hebdan will bring a dose of elevated electronica to the Bloomington stage.

Destroyer
Performing a solo set, the prolific Dan Bejar, who has released an album under the name Destroyer nearly every year since 1996, will bring his distinctive singer-songwriter material to the festival. The musician is well-known for his collaborations with the likes of Neko Case in his work with the New Pornographers as well as his recent Jagjaguwar side project Swan Lake, which also features members of Wolf Parade and Frog Eyes.

Dan Friel
One-fourth of Brooklyn-based Parts & Labor,
Friel is running on the acclaim of his 2008 full-length debut “Ghost Town” and taking his experimental electronic side project on the road throughout the month of April.

Death Vessel
As part of the roster for indie monolith Sub Pop, Death Vessel’s Joel Thibodeau, who has toured with the likes of Iron & Wine and Jose Gonzalez, will grace Bloomington music lovers with his brand of acoustic, neo-folk stylings.

Extra Golden
Adding a worldly flair to the lineup is Thrill Jockey’s Extra Golden, who originally formed in Nairobi, Kenya. The group will provide the day’s groove with their signature blend of benga and funk.

Tremendous Fucking
Local favorites and purveyors of experimental punk, TremFu will pick up the volume and provide a significant edge to the day’s events.

Found Objects
The duo composed of IU students Dan Morris and Patrick McMinn will kick off the day with their ethereal blend of trippy feedback and experimental electronica.