Even though the rain yesterday made Summer Fest smell like a closet full of hot, wet dogs, it was good to see the crowds brave the rain and heat and come out to see the bands.

Austin’s The Eastern Sea was the most impressive “new” band I saw yesterday, though I spent much of the afternoon at the smaller side stage. Southern Backtones absolutely killed it with its set (punctuated by the hilariously out-of-his-mind “mysterious Asian man”), and Roky Moon & Bolt lived up to the hype–it will be good to watch this band progress.

The Manichean, who have a song on the upcoming Love & Rockets tribute compilation, played an energetic set, although I can do without a good bit of the band’s art rock poetry slam (the music’s great though). The Hates brought the moshers out and about, which was good to see, and on the main stage The Sideshow Tramps wowed the crowd with its eclectic brand of trippy folk rock, while Wild Moccasins–cute as always–once again failed to impress me because of the vocals.

Overall, I think the Free Press Summer Fest was very successful and I will disappointed if this doesn’t become an annual event.

You can find additional coverage at 29-95.com and Free Press Houston‘s website.