By Jett Wells
The headliners at this weekend's All Points West Music Festival in Liberty Park, New Jersey are are all must-see artists who tend to turn in exceptional performances, including Jay-Z, Tool, Coldplay and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. But beyond the top-billed groups, there is an abundance of great bands, each of whom could steal the show early. If you want to be on top of the performances that everybody will be talking about when Monday morning rolls around, be sure to arrive early and check out the following sets.
Day 1
The Knux
(1:15 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at Blue Comet Stage)
The New Orleans hip-hop duo brings old-school rhymes and inventive instrumentation to the stage. Their buoyant single "Cappuccino," a catchy rap song with funny lyrics and electronic beats, was featured in "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay."
Ra Ra Riot
(4:25 p.m.-5:10 p.m. at Bullet Stage)
Wes Miles and his local Syracuse, NY gang are steadily picking up steam as one of the smartest and most charming indie rock bands on the scene. With their inspired use of string instruments and an electric stage presence, they're easy to fall for.
MSTRKRFT
(10:20 p.m.-11:30 p.m. at Queen of the Valley Stage)
Despite coming off a disappointing sophomore album, these guys are some of the most talented techno DJs in the business. They mix rap and metal and make nasty remixes for big name acts like the Yeah Yeahs Yeahs and Justice. It's going to be an intense dance party on Friday night.
Day 2
White Rabbits
(1:10 p.m.-1:50 p.m. at Blue Comet)
Originally from Columbia, Missouri, White Rabbits are a tough sextet with a humble, workmanlike indie rock sound (think Spoon with less smoking). Watch closely: On stage, they show off their versatility by switching instruments every other song.
St. Vincent
(6:05 p.m.-6:55 p.m. at Bullet Stage)
Annie Clark is an enchanting talent straight out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She disarms audiences with her acoustic guitar and mysterious smile, but she's hardly all style with no substance, as her songs employ funky, scratchy beats and her lyrics tell intricate, often funny stories.
Crystal Castles
(9:10 p.m.-10:10 p.m. at Queen of the Valley Stage)
There's nothing better than finishing a day of live music than with some experimental Canadian electronica. Crystal Castles are a highly stylized duo with songs like "Crimewave" and "Vanished" that became underground hipster anthems last year. It should be worth it alone just to see the multi-talented Ethan Kath perform on his arsenal of instruments.
Day 3
La Roux
(6:20 p.m.-7:10 p.m. at Queen of the Valley Stage)
To go along with her Flock of Seagulls-esque hair, La Roux's British electro-pop should dazzle with her catchy synth-beats and powerful vocals. She was a late addition to the lineup, but she might be the best kept secret at the festival.
Lykke Li
(7:35 p.m.-8:35 p.m. at Queen of Valley Stage)
Of all the incredible talent to come out of Sweden in the past few years, Lykke Li is the queen bee. She has a child-like voice and crafts addictive girl-pop songs with just enough rhythmic attitude to offset her overwhelming twee-ness.
Etienne de Crecy
(10:25-11:30 at Queen of Valley Stage)
As the final act of the festival, Etienne de Crecy will light up Liberty Park with intense French techno. The French know their techno (Daft Punk, anyone?) and Etienne is an old-school spinner who always brings some wild visual effects to augment his angular take on house, big beat and hip-hop.