UTG PREVIEW: The 8 Must-See Acts At 80/35

July 2nd, 2014

Matthew Leimkuehler

Tucked away in Des Moines, Iowa is 80/35, one of the best festivals slated for the holiday weekend. Headliners Cake, Conor Oberst, Ziggy Marley, and Dr. Dog help round out an electric lineup of local, regional, and national talent who are all pouring into the heart of America for this annual event. Named after the crossing of the two major interstates in Des Moines (I-35 and I-80) there is no doubt 80/35 is ramping up for one of the best music-filled Fourth of Julys anyone could ask for and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.

Both days of the festival are filled with unforgettable and do-not-miss names in the indie, rock, and alternative music world, so which acts are most important to catch? Click the “Read More” button to check out who we think are the 8 must-see acts for the coming festival. Think we missed an important name? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Day 1

TWINS
Hailing from Waterloo, Iowa, this band is surprisingly full of a lo-fi punk rock notion that you would not expect to come out of Iowa. The band have an energy and vigor ready to explode off of the stage and all throughout the festival. Mixing melodic purity and a rock ‘n’ roll aggression, TWINS is a great start to the weekend.
APPEARING: July 4, 2 p.m., Hy-Vee Stage

Best Coast
There really is no going wrong when catching a set from premier California surf-rock act Best Coast. It’s the type of music to sit back and soak up the sun in, the type of music to drink a brew (or 5) to. Lay back and let the waves of new age, female-fronted greatness waft over you.
APPEARING: July 4, 5 p.m., DMMC Main Stage

MAIDS
Under The Gun alum and staff favorites MAIDS will be making a highly-anticipated hometown appearance this Independence Day. Gushing with infectious synth-led hooks and unforgettable melodies, MAIDS are one of the coolest acts of the festival. Move your hips and enjoy the sensational rush of dance-ready jams this duo will undoubtalty let loose on the crowd.
APPEARING: July 4, 6 p.m., Hy-Vee Stage

Max Jury
Fresh off of opening for the one and only Lana Del Rey in Berlin, Des Moines native Max Jury brings his seductive brand of singer-songwriter music home to Des Moines. One of the many hidden gems of 80/35, Jury, with his unique musicianship and unmistakable voice, is bound to skyrocket for success in the near future. Catch him now before he’s headlining festivals of his own.
APPEARING: July 4, 7 p.m., Hy-Vee Stage

Day 2

The Envy Corps
Occult hometown heroes writing timeless and monumental music, The Envy Corps will undoubtedly take the stage and move heads, as well as hearts. Traditionally well-composed and never-wavering both lyrically and musically, TEC write the kind of music that will grab you when you least expect it and change who you are from that moment forward. It is just that powerful.
APPEARING: July 5, 3:15 p.m., DMMC Main Stage

Parlours
Parlours is an interesting act, the kind of act that keeps you thinking. The music sways and sweeps between upbeat and infectious to experimental and addictive, all while holding a strong root in fantastic craftsmanship from beginning to end of each number. Engage in something truly transparent and catch Parlour’s set this weekend.
APPEARING: July 5, 5 p.m., Hy-Vee Stage

Holy White Hounds
Indulge in a dose of clever rock ‘n’ roll by catching Holy White Hound’s set this weekend. Abrasive but not annoyingly flashy, Holy White Hounds is exactly the dose of distorted and fashionable music needed to light the stage on fire. Bob your head and enjoy.
APPEARING: July 5, 7 p.m., Hy-Vee Stage

Cake
Because, it’s Cake. One of the most notable bands of the last decade, Cake just has some of the coolest songs in modern alternative music. We’re all going to be looking out for that girl in a short skirt and long jacket as the band brings this year’s festival to a close.
APPEARING: July 5, 9 p.m., DMMC Main Stage