With two stages and a non-conflicting schedule, APF allowed festival goers to catch every set without feeling the need to pick and choose. Our coverage started with Vieux Farka Toure, whose performance was an uplifting blend of African blues, rock and folk music. It set the tone for the rest of the day with its energizing rhythms and refreshing sounds. 

Following right after each other, El Combo Oscuro with their funky beats and Latin rhythms had the crowd dancing as a warmup for Los Bitchos. The London-based all-female band followed with their surf rock and cumbia-influenced tunes that were both catchy and infectious. 

Among other local Austin bands, Bratty delivered an intense and emotional set that was both raw and vulnerable. Melody’s Echo Chamber took the stage next with their ethereal vocals and lush sounds.

Finally leading to Cuco, closing out the night and the three-day festival. The long-awaited anticipation to see the signature blend of dream pop, indie rock and psychedelic R&B was finally over. As the band progressed through the set list, I felt transported back to a time where his album “Para Mi’ was on repeat and witnessing it live with likeminded fans felt comfortably familiar.

Each act brought their unique flavor to the stage and left nothing short of a crystal-clear lasting impression on the audience.