Pitchfork Fest 2012 day 3 in pics (Vampire Weekend, Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, Beach House, Araabmuzik, & more)

July 17, 2012

words and photos by Fred Pessaro // BBG, more photos by James Richards IV and Chase Turner

Vampire Weekend/Ty Segall/Araabmuzik crowd – Pitchfork Fest 2012

Thank god for the Chicago Transit Authority. Several “cooling stations” (city buses) that provided respite from the onslaught of heat and humidity at the third day of Pitchfork 2012 in Chicago’s Union Park (7/15), a weather pattern which replaced the previous days’ periodic downpours. The heat, combined with squirt guns & bikini tops, helped create the perfect setting for performances from the sunny tennis-sweater rock of Vampire Weekend and dream pop of the oh-so-aptly named Beach House.

Random thoughts on the day: Personal highlights for me included a stretch of bands that were unfortunately all clustered across the three stages in the afternoon: Milk Music, Iceage, The Men, Ty Segall, Thee Oh Sees and Chavez. From catching moments of Kendrick Lamar on the Blue Stage, it was proven to me that he’s an excellent live performer, a sentiment clearly echoed by Lady Gaga (who looked on during his set). Onohtrix Point Never‘s material is compelling, but doesnt fit well on an outdoor festival stage. And it’s confirmed, this reviewer still detests Vampire Weekend.

Vampire Weekend uber-fans

Pictures from the third and final day of Pitchfork 2012 are below, including pictures of all bands mentioned above, as well as King Krule, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Araabmuzik, and The Field. If you didnt make it to Chicago, maybe you streamed it? If you haven’t been keeping up with our coverage, make sure to check out pictures from day one (one set HERE, another HERE) and day two (HERE and HERE) along with video from the festival to complete your desktop Pitchfork Festival experience. Hopefully from an ice cold room.

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