Cultivora

The second annual Governors Ball took place this past weekend slightly confusingly on Randall's Island, not Governors Island, from which the festival takes its name. The two-day lineup was divided perfectly by vibe and genre; the first favored the hip-hop, dance, and electronic fans with acts like Major Lazer, Kid Cudi, and Passion Pit, while the second featured indie-rock favorites such as Modest Mouse, Explosions In The Sky, Beck, and Fiona Apple.

Despite the genre differences, festivalgoers on both days enjoyed great weather (except for the brief rain during Beck on Sunday), delicious local food vendors, activities for set breaks, and memorable performances.

Santigold

In addition to the genre divide, the two days differed with sound quality. The Honda Stage on Saturday often had overpowering vocals in relation to the rest of the instruments (most noticeably at Kid Cudi) and the Hype Machine Stage didn't have enough (Santigold was asked by her fans to sing louder).

But as far as Santigold was concerned, the volume didn't hinder her performance. The singer and her dancers were on their game as usual on Saturday; getting the crowd dancing (especially when she brought a few on stage for "Creator"), and singing along to new and old tracks alike. I only wish the set differed a bit more from her appearance at Sasquatch! in George, Washington, last month.

Passion Pit

Gov Ball marked Passion Pit's first NYC performance in two years - and with an album coming out next month, it was about time they reemerged. The Boston-based group favored older tracks from 2009's Manners and 2008's Chunk of Change during their headlining set but sprinkled in a few unheard tracks in addition to new singles "Take A Walk" and "I'll Be Alright" as well. These new songs may not have inspired the crowd to continue their sing-alongs, but they didn't stop them from dancing.

Although I had a great time on Saturday, I still preferred Sunday more. Don't get me wrong, I love high energy DJs and a great dance party, but not necessarily at noon. But Sunday's acts fostered a more relaxed vibe through the day and night. You could definitely get into the bands and jam out, I sure did, but you at least had the option to park yourself on a picnic blanket by the stage or play a round of croquet without feeling as though you were required to paint yourself neon and dance yourself sweaty.

Phantogram

By the time I recharged my camera, stopped for a bagel and iced coffee, and caught the ferry to Randall's Island Sunday, Phantogram was already half way through their set. So I rushed over to the Honda Stage to catch what I could. The black-clad duo (plus their touring drummer) drew a large and energetic crowd for their 2:20pm time slot and fans really got into their trip-hop-inspired, psychedelic-synth-laden tracks despite the more relaxed atmosphere of the day.

Cults

Cults were just as charming as the bubbly tracks off their poppy eponymous album. Not many were full on dancing but not one person in the audience was still. You couldn't help but bounce and sway along as singer Madeline Follin did throughout each song. The crowd's movement epitomized Sunday's vibe - which keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Brian Oblivion summed up perfectly, exclaiming this was the chillest festival he's played and that no one was there to "party" - just to chill.

Built To Spill

The 90's throwback theme of Sunday kicked off with Built To Spill who, despite a lethargic start and a never fading cloud of marijuana smoke, seemed to get more and more active with each song. The set peaked at fan-favorite "You Were Right" and the rest of their distortion-heavy tracks proved the ideal soundtrack for a lazy Sunday afternoon in the park.

Cage The Elephant

Cage The Elephant delivered by far the most energetic set of the day, maybe even the weekend. All eyes were on front man Matthew Shultz as he ran around the stage, crowd surfed, and danced. Enthralled by his stunts, the crowd matched his high energy. But it wasn't just his onstage antics and banter that got the crowd involved, the band sounded great as well - even though Matt claimed he "sounds like shit right now" and asked for the crowds help (to which we all happily obliged).

Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple was no doubt one of the most anticipated artists of the weekend - most everyone I spoke to of Sunday's lineup marked her as their must-see; and the crowd around the Hype Machine Stage for her 6:20pm slot stood testament. But once I got closer to the crowd what appeared to be a mass of adoring fans seemed more a group of people who felt like they were supposed to be there, supposed to care. As you neared the stage, however, you came across the die-hard fans, or at least those in awe of the artist-of-the-moment. But whether or not the crowd was just there for the hype, Fiona Apple and her purple-clad band definitely impressed. You couldn't deny her talent nor her appeal as she contorted her body, pounded her chest, and jumped around the stage while belting out new and old tracks, taking her audience on an emotional roller coaster.

Explosions In The Sky

It's no surprise that Explosions In The Sky was my must-see band of the weekend - I'm pretty sure I already confessed my obsession with the Austin quintet in my Sasquatch! coverage. They've never disappointed live and they're my go-to band on Spotify no matter what my mood (I'm listening to them as I'm writing this article). But my bias aside, their Gov Ball set was flawless, and the crowd was the best I've encountered at one of their shows. Fans really knew the songs, anticipating each crescendo as if they were singing along to lyrics. Those not as familiar with their discography were equally as into it; whistling, screaming, and never once taking a break from bopping along as they exclaimed to neighbors how awesome it all was. It was refreshing to be amongst a crowd as into the music as the band members themselves always appear to be.

Modest Mouse

I love sets with a lot happening on stage and even though Isaac Brock isn't quite as spry as, say, Cage The Elephant's Matthew Shultz, I'm always impressed by the myriad of instruments and musicians (including two drummers) on stage for Modest Mouse. The crowd seemed just as pleased and was just as raucous and high-spirited as the crowd-pleaser-filled set list required - and their enjoyment didn't go unappreciated. The group was thankful for their response after playing an admittedly ill-received set the previous day at Metallica's Orion Music + More. To show their appreciation they not only played a killer set (which left people screaming for an encore well after Beck had already begun on the Honda Stage) but congratulated the crowd for being prettier than Metallica fans and for having jobs - apparently they thought Orion festivalgoers were the live at home at 40 type.

Saturday had fans dancing and sweating to computerized beats and equalizer tweaks and Sunday proved a crowd can still be moved by surging guitars and strategic crescendos. Whichever you prefer, the ability of Governors Ball to bring together both for one fun-in-the-sun-filled weekend will keep them as a mainstay in New York’s festival scene for years to come.