I hadn’t been planning on going to this years Siren Festival because I’m not a fan of the sun and none of the bands held any particular interest, but was asked to cover the event for Skyscraper and I couldn’t turn down the press treatment (even if it meant running around on the boardwalk between stages every 15-20 minutes).

Siren Festival at Coney Island, Brooklyn; July 18th 2009

Tiny Masters of Today were the first band scheduled at the Main Stage (right next to the famous Cyclone roller coaster).  One of the many Brooklyn bands performing at the festival, they did not distinguish themselves very much.

Tiny Masters of Today at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Next, doing the opening honors at the Stillwell Stage, were my new favorite band, The Blue Van. The Siren program dubbed them “Nordic rock gods” and I’d have to agree. I stayed for the whole set (one of two whole sets I saw all day) and if that’s not a clear indication of liking, I don’t know what is. ‘Man Up’ has become my summer jingle.

The Blue Van at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Hustling off after the excellent set by The Blue Van, I made in time to get the general idea of blog-darlings Micachu and the Shapes. I can’t recall their brand of indie, just the fact that I didn’t stick around for long.

Micachu and the Shapes at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Next batch of Siren photos will include Bear Hands, Japandroids, and the Thee Oh Sees.