FYF Fest 2010: Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti

Ariel Pink has always been considered to be quite eccentric in both his music style and stage persona. He’s released some extremely odd videos to accompany the songs that are “freak-folk,” with this latest one being “Mistaken Wedding.” However, it’s his music that has caught people’s attention and however weird he may be on stage or in person, people will always give Ariel Pink’s music a chance.

As I walked back over to the Oak stage where tons of dust had circled around our heads during the Titus Andronicus set, I was a little giddy to see Ariel Pink and his oddities. I was excited to hear that falsetto, see his badly dyed hair, and whatever else he was going to offer me on top of the music.

The first song was a bit rough but once he started spouting out his Haunted Graffiti hits, the vibe immediately shifted within the crowd. Songs such as “Round and Round” can easily do that as it touches on all sorts of genres that include chillwave, funk, soul and lo-fi rock.

I also have to say that this was the most crowded set of the day for FYF Fest. People were coming in from all sides to come and check Ariel Pink and his Haunted Graffiti out. Thanks to the Haunted Graffiti as his backing band, most sets such as this one, go off without a hitch. I was a fan of Ariel Pink since he started releasing the lo-fi material but I have to agree with those who think his new robust sound with a band is much more enticing in a live setting.

The amount of people that gave Ariel Pink attention at FYF was justified by the great sounds during that set, but I couldn’t figure out why he chose to wear that orange bag during the entire performance. If anyone else knows, do share!

Photo by Carl Pocket

Check out more photos of Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti in our FYF Fest 2010 photo gallery!