Photo: Ray Whitehouse

"It is hotter than a two-peckered goat today," announced Daughn Gibson, one of Pitchfork's first acts, in one of the few direct addresses he would make to the audience during his short 30 minute set.

The titters of polite confusion essentially sum up the ethos of Gibson's performance, featuring Jim Elkington on guitar, (both electric and steel) and Areif Sless-Kitain on the drums. 

Good—but weird.

A former Pennsylvania truck driver with a deep, Southern baritone, Gibson crafts tales of gothic shenanigans that are quite clever–-if you can understand him. Diction is not one of his better qualities. "Mad Ocean" and "Kissin on The Blacktop" featuring some electrifying guitar playing from Jim Elkington got some momentum from the crowd, but Gibson's penchant for playing soundbytes of what sounded like Pentecostal pastors didn't translate nearly as well.

If nothing else, Gibson's performance assuaged any worries that Pitchfork's freak flag has folded up as the festival has gotten more popular.