Battles serve the "ice cream" jams at FYF Fest

Battles serve the “ice cream” jams at FYF Fest

Photo by Wes Marsala When I reached the stage to see Battles at FYF Fest they were nonchalantly setting the up their gear, chewing gum and setting out beers. The drum kit was center stage and toward the front with one tall cymbal raised high in the air. Looking around it was clear that the crowd […]

by Anne Marie Schiefer

August 24, 2015

Photo by Wes Marsala

When I reached the stage to see Battles at FYF Fest they were nonchalantly setting the up their gear, chewing gum and setting out beers. The drum kit was center stage and toward the front with one tall cymbal raised high in the air. Looking around it was clear that the crowd was filled with musicians; you could hear them all talking shop with one another. Then what seemed out of nowhere we heard a riff start, then it looped which got everyone focused on the stage as the guys one-by-one took to their instruments. I knew this was going to be a jam session and it really was.

Battles played the rock-pop jam “Ice Cream” near the top of the set and it was tight. It had all the musicians in the audience playing along with their air guitars and drums. I stood in the shadows of the trees enjoying the shade and the raw musicianship and energy that is Battles.

Words: Anne-Marie Schiefer

Photography: Jazz Shademan and Wes Marsala

Photo by Jazz Shademan