Cut Copy:

I'd bought the Cut Copy album many months ago after hearing a couple of songs on this hot girl's MySpace page. Turns out it was the best thing I ever got from her. I really didn't expect much besides some groovy, swirly synth pop, but Cut Copy may have had the biggest and bounciest crowd of the main stage during the entire festival. I would like to see them as an evening act in the future. They are not top tier yet by any means, but they have potential to be very good.

Devotchka:

It was unfortunate that a light rain hit Red Rocks just as Silversun Pickups were finishing their set, as it seemed to drive some people out of the seating area early. It did not last long, and those who stuck around were treated to a smooth orchestral performance from Devotchka. After a long day of shooting photos, it was nice to rest my weary legs and soak in the melodies of one of Denver's finest contributions to the music scene in years.

Fratellis:

I have been a big Fratellis fan since I saw them play two shows at SXSW in 2006. Costello Music was tops of my most frequently played albums in iTunes. Their sophomore release, Here We Stand, was a more refined and polished musical effort. While I won't say their show at Monolith was a let down, it definitely lacked the raw intensity and camaraderie of that small whiskey bar on 6th Street in Austin.

A Place to Bury Strangers:

Strobes and raw noise are almost all I remember from A Place to Bury Stranger's set. Constant pulsating light and darkness messed with my camera, which if animated, would surely have seeked immediate shelter in a closet or bathroom. With a crowd packed tight in the Heart of the Rock stage, more was felt rather than heard.

Port O'Brien:

And the winner of the Crowd Participation award is... Port O'Brien! After thoroughly enjoying the guitar and piano melodies from this Oakland folk outfit, fans were invited to select pots, pans, and other mountain cabin hardware from a wooden case and join the band on stage for the last few songs. I think everyone would have joined them had the stage allowed. Port O'Brien definitely made some new friends in Colorado.

Presets:

The Presets, a psychedelic duo from down under, closed out the inside stages on Saturday night with raucous finesse. Bathed in blue light and sporting a electric pink sport jacket, Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes gave all those fortunate enough to make it in the room one of the most sonically invigorating performances of the weekend with hypnotic trips as "Talk Like That" and "This Boy's in Love".

Vampire Weekend:

There's something simple, elegant and just righteous about the vibe that Vampire Weekend portrays. I honestly feel smarter hearing their record and seeing them in person. "Mansford Roof" was a perfect start to a set that carried listeners through their entire self-titled debut album. They mixed in some new tunes, giving fans a preview of what might come in what will be much anticipated follow-up record. Ezra and company closed with "Walcott", named for the main character of Ezra's unfinished indie film from which the band is named.

//Chip can be contacted via email - chip.diffendaffer @ jetfiredesign.com.
//Chip Diffendaffer @ Flickr