Boston Calling day two saw fans in knee-high Converse, fishnet tights, and thick black eyeliner securing their spots at the barricade right when gates opened. The lineup boasted iconic nostalgia pop and rock acts that pack a punch, like Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, Cage the Elephant, The Maine, and more.

Each of Saturday's unique acts is known for their distinctive aesthetics and uncompromising sense of self. Singular artist Sofia Isella embodies that concept, making it fitting that she kicked off the festival. Isella's set had the heaviest downpour of the weekend, a weather condition that might scare away other fans or artists, but not Isella, who thrives in discomfort, or her fans, who were glued to her gripping and eerie performance. Isella is known for her thought-provoking and dark aesthetic, creating music that explores femininity, existence, and power. Her look typically incorporates mud, whether it's actually muddy outside or not, making the weather a serendipitous match. She bent backward while playing the electric violin and used expressive arm movements and facial expressions to connect with fans. She just released her new EP, I'm camera., on Friday, and fans couldn't wait to hear new songs like "Muse" on the main stage. Her genuine love for her supporters carried through to after the set, when she roamed the festival grounds, first posing for portraits with Following Boston before surprising guests she spotted in her merchandise. Witnessing the pure joy of fans when they recognized her displayed the full impact of her empowering music.

Canadian indie-pop band Valley brought the vibrant, flowering fields from their newest album, Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden, to the big screen. They played a variety of heartfelt tracks, like "A Little More," which explores pushing through to brighter days, much like fans were doing just that as they waited for the clouds to part. The Red Sox received more love on day two when drummer Karah James sported the team's bomber jacket. The band's eccentric personalities glowed as they jumped around, stuck out their tongues, and laughed together.

Lucius brought their mesmerizing smooth vocals and indie-rock guitar riffs to the Allianz Blue Stage. The performance was especially meaningful for vocalists Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, both of whom are Berklee College of Music alums. The band championed the color red, decked out in cherry-colored jumpsuits and outfits. Wolfe and Laessig's coats featured household items, such as blenders and sewing machines, embroidered in white, creating a satisfying contrast that matched the white cactus statues sprinkled around. The fringe on their costumes enhanced their dance movements. During songs like "Old Tape," they walked to their instruments, which faced each other in the center of the stage, and exchanged grateful glances as they took in the moment.

Local rockstars PINKLIDS tore up the Orange Stage with distorted sounds and limitless energy. Lead singer Amber Lawson wore a furry black coat, a pink blouse, and clanging statement jewelry, creating a striking look as she grabbed a tambourine. The band operated with emotive movements and yelps, thrashing to tracks like their newest single, "SAX," which is inspired by What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, a 1981 collection of short stories by Raymond Carver. A cover of The Beatles' "Helter Skelter" displayed their grit and irresistible charm.

The Maine brought the desserts of Arizona to New England, projecting an orangey cactus oasis behind their set. They strutted out in crisp white suits and denim with larger-than-life confidence. During "Like We Did (Windows Down)," they invited a lucky fan to sing with them on stage. Frontman John O'Callaghan yelled, "This is your moment," and the fan did not miss a beat, immediately jumping into the song with a gravelly voice and matching energy. At the end of the song, the fan placed his cowboy hat on O'Callaghan's head, which happened to match his outfit perfectly.

Cage the Elephant, one of the most dynamic entertainers of this time, delivered a next-level performance. One might think lead singer Matt Shultz would take it easy after finishing their last tour with a broken foot, but that person would be quite mistaken. Shultz barely touched the stage as he jumped around and carried the mic stand. The stairs made it easy for Shultz and his brother, Brad Shultz, to rock out with fans at the barricade.

Avril Lavigne took the first headlining spot of the evening, performing in front of a stack of pink speakers and a skull and crossbones graphic in a giant heart. She emerged to a montage of videos that followed her iconic career from her first album over 20 years ago to the present day. She had a show in Maine that night, a testament to her impressive stamina. Hearing songs like "Girlfriend," "What the Hell," and "Complicated" back-to-back reminded fans of her remarkable discography of hits. Her classic emo aesthetic, featuring lime-green and pink hair, transported the festival back to the 2010s as she strutted back and forth. She delivered each lyric with the drama and gestures it deserved, such as giving the middle finger or waving to fans. She thanked everyone for coming and shared how "I love Boston so much. We always have the best time here."

Fall Out Boy ended the night with the biggest spectacle of the weekend. Their off-the-charts energy and production level turned their set into what felt like a full headline show. Moments like Pete Wentz's bass that shot fire, a gaggle of cheerleaders with the American Beauty/American Psycho face paint on masks dancing on stage, Franklin the flying sheep from Infinity On High, giant blowup Folie à Deux bears, and Wentz ascending into the sky in a harness holding onto balloons made the show feel like a fever dream. Lead singer Patrick Stump showcased his signature raw vocals and incredible range throughout the set, pausing to make Boston feel extra special when he delivered a cover of "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond on the piano. Their setlist spanned each of their eight studio albums, creating an eras tour of their own impossibly packed into one festival set.

Stay tuned for Following Boston's Sunday and weekend recap coverage coming soon. We'll see you next year!

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