It’s back, that time of year when the music permeates all of amazing downtown Boise for five days. Yes, it is my favorite time of year and so far it hasn’t disappointed.

This year is a bit of a different approach. Instead of just roaming, I am much more disciplined as my time is far more limited. Being a dog dad means tons of dog love but also a lot of responsibility, so the 12 hour days at Treefort are no more. It’s a worthy trade-off.

Still, there have been a few surprises that one can’t help but come across while enjoying one of the best festivals in the U.S.

Let’s start with Wednesday.

Wednesday

With my dog, Brahms, in mind, I didn’t head out quite late and only stayed a few hours, but those hours were filled with several great acts.

While heading to the Treefort Music Hall, I found myself diverted to something that just sounded fun. And it was. The Boise Brewing stage is a super cool stage that has had some excellent acts. Buddy Crime is undoubtedly such an act.

A single musician, Louisville, Kentucky based Buddy Crime is backed by prerecorded hard thumping electro-pop to which he adds his lyrical and guitar skills. He’s high energy, puts out some incredible sarcastic vocals, and keeps the audience moving. The crowd was absolutely engaged and I look forward to seeing him again someday.

While I truly desired to stay late and see excellent Boise musicians, Magic Sword, it’d be an early night with only one more act on tap, Neko Case, at the main stage.

Neko Case has been labeled as “alt-country” or indie-rock,” but she defies the labels, becoming almost otherworldly and emitting a chilling vibe in songs such as “Hold on, Hold on.” With haunting sound and lyrics, she grabs you, and you can’t walk away mid-song. Her long career in music has yielded a large amount of work, and she deserves your listen. Check her out on your music service.

Thursday

An annual tradition is watching the first Gonzaga NCAA Tournament game at the excellent Owyhee Tavern while eating a steak. Afterward, it was past eight, and it was time to get out there.

While I only caught the last three songs of Australia’s Blusher at the Treefort Music Hall, it was a blast, making me wish I’d been there for the whole thing. An electro-pop infused experience from three female amazing singers made it part girl band and part high energy indie. Let’s just call it what it is, a ton of fun.

Look for Blusher to be touring the U.S. this next year, as they told me they just got their visas and will be living in L.A.

Things mellowed quite a bit with French Cassettes, but they are a phenomenal band putting out their own harmony-driven pop, with a sound best (but very loosely) compared to Vampire Weekend. Check out their pre-release song, “Benzene.” It’s fabulous.

Then there is Karina Rykeman, who recently dropped her debut album, Joyride. There’s nothing like Karina. She is an incredible bassist, her guitarist is phenomenal, and her lyrics are silky smooth. In many ways, I felt like I did when at a Khruangbin concert but without all the reverb.

Karina is high-energy and keeps everyone dancing, and the crowd loves her. Listen to her track “Joyride” right now!

And that’s it. It was another early evening with absolutely amazing bands. This is why Treefort is incredible; you’re constantly discovering new music to fall in love with.