[Rick and Roll]

High Wheel - a perfect Nearfest opener - very harmless and pleasant rock - reminded me of North Star a few years back.

The Finns - got very plastered Sat PM, and did human pyramids at the hotel - and their music reflects that fun. I'm not a fan of their melody, but they were not boring. Even better than their Trombonist was Woodenhead on Friday night. Three trombones on the last five tunes - with a killer lead trombonist.

Tunnels - very disappointing. I've seen and enjoyed them at very small venues. As was the case with Enchant last year, they did not translate well. They were very under-amplified. Wagnon was unhearable in parts, and I was five rows back in the center. Don't get me started on Goodsall. He is not featured by design. He has deteriorated into substance abuse, and this is the third straight disappointment by him. Percy deserves better than that show.

Flower Kings - I was apprehensive at first - I saw them at a very small bar last year, and was blown away. They did not have the extra vocalist/etc. and the extra percussionist (the great Hasse Bruinsson), so each one played the same instrument. No problem. At Nearfest, with six members, in a large hall - still fantastic!!! Stardust We Are is my favorite song by them - totally unexpected, and made me incredibly happy. By the way, at the bar Tuesday in VA, the played Humannizano from the Flower King - whoa!

Magma - love the drummer - I don't mind the vocals - but they are incredibly repetitive. I could only stand the first 45 minutes (or one song). Day 2 in a minute.