FYF Fest – Redwood Stage – The Rapture

The Rapture are a great band. They wowed us back at SXSW 2007. A curious absence followed their last record. Nary a word as to where they went or why. Then, amidst confusion on whether they broke up, it was announced that principal member Mattie Safer had left the group and the remaining members planned to soldier on without him. The good news is, the joyous energy that they brought to dance rock is still present with heaping helpings of vitality. What was left of the crowd danced with glee as the group rocked, funked and noised through their headlining set. However, the damage from earlier in the day had already been done. Over half the crowd at left hours earlier, and of those left multitudes could be seen heading for the exit. The lineup was great on paper, but greater care needs to be given by FYF in the future to the experience of the concertgoers. There’s no excuse for the lines and lack of resources that plagued the festival. The price point and eased entry isn’t enough to warrant putting up with circumstances such as those.