This post was written by Hatchet reporter Madeline Twomey

The Sonic Circuits Music Festival kicked off Saturday at the French Embassy, showcasing Pilesar, Vector Trio, Hume and the Muffins in the afternoon and Magma in the evening.

Pilesar’s electronic set sounded at times like Indie band Animal Collective and other times sounded a bit more experimental. The band played, “Itchy Carrots,” a “stupid little song” about the lead singer’s wife’s allergies to carrots, strawberries, celery and other foods.

Vector Trio’s set included homemade instruments like a cigar-box and an aluminum can.

Magma, a French group and the most well-known of Saturday’s performers, has been around since the ‘70s but only plays for festivals.

Despite the concert’s traditional setting, the mood was laid-back. A few concert-goers even walked around shoeless.

The festival will show in a variety of venues around the D.C. area, including the Kennedy Center and the Fairfax Old Town Hall and will continue through Saturday. A full schedule of the festival can be found on their website.

The Belgian group Univers Zero and Montreal-based opening act Miriodor will end the festival, debuting in the District for the first time. Tickets are $20 with a student ID.