Kevin Bronson on April 14th, 2014

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Who: MGMT on the Main Stage
In 3 or Fewer Words: Kids are alright
Memorable Because: Call it MGMT Episode Three: Revenge of the Synth. In their third Coachella appearance, four years after disappointing fans by withholding “Kids” at the peak of its popularity, the Connecticut indietronica outfit left pretenses at home and gave the people what they want. (Years since MGMT has played “Kids” at Coachella: 0. Was that so hard, guys?) MGMT’s indie pop by-way-of psych rock came of age Saturday night, maturing into a distinguished sound worthy of the coveted Main Stage sunset slot. “Time To Pretend” would have synched perfectly to just such a tableau, had the dust clouds cooperated. Instead the Main Stage was shrouded in gray before night, an apropos atmosphere for a chilling rendition of “Alien Days.” The superb performance shut ‘er down with “Electric Feel,” which was sublime. Congratulations, MGMT. An oracular spectacular indeed.
What I’d Tell My Friend Who Was At Future Islands: “A Dream of You and Me,” a conflicted fest schedule with two places to be.
– Ben “Mouse” McShane