Creatures of the Night Assemble! Only at Nocturnal Wonderland 2018

 

Feature Photo: Tony Nungaray

Nocturnal Wonderland 2018

This previous weekend marked the 23rd version Nocturnal Wonderland and I couldn't have been extra excited to attend. As North America’s longest working dance pageant, it holds a particular place in my coronary heart. Nocturnal has been the one occasion nonetheless working at this venue so far. Over 65,000 headliners flocked to San Bernardino’s Glen Helen Regional Park for the black-lit neon playground. The occasion boasted 4 state--the-art levels, costumed creatures the evening, glowing artwork installations, tenting actions, and prime notch performances from over 60 artists. Main acts included AC Slater, Audien, Cristoph, Illenium, NGHTMRE & SLANDER plus way more. 

Friday

Catering to a extra mature crowd, this occasion carried drum and bass, a bit bit dubstep, and loads tech home. Black mild shines in all places, jungle vines and neon painted creatures come out in numerous corners. I caught the tail finish Brennen Grey up at Sunken Garden. This stage had a lighthouse that located on the darkish nook atop the hill with its search mild circling. Grey’s set sounded corresponding to the nice Eric Prydz.

Photo Credit: Keiki-Lani Knudsen

Heading down the hill to Danny Bryd, I assumed to attempt some new music out. His drum and bass set kicked f the evening completely. High vitality and a hype man to tell us simply who we have been watching, I had a superb feeling about this occasion. Jonas Rathsman introduced the deep home vibes sprinkled with some tropical feels. Finding the Boombox Art automotive on the backside the hill within the again nook, Scooby carried out some extra DnB. The area round right here is open so pushing by crowds was not crucial. Habstrakt carried out his hype home music with lure on the Wolves Den. I heard about Cristoph however needed to see him reside so we made our method again to the Garden. Only one of the best deep, progressive home vibes discovered right here.

My most anticipated artist the weekend, little question, was Netsky. He delivered on the Labyrinth above and past my expectations. With his wonderful drum and bass hits, he illuminated the group. Intensive vitality from all his followers exuded for that hour set. I even heard some completely happy hardcore and hints dub which threw extra wildness into the air. It definitely match the weekend’s theme. The best factor about this stage have been the lasers!

Photo Credit:  Ivan Meneses
Oscar Da Grouch had three rappers battling it out. I had by no means heard phrases spoken so quick nevertheless it was fairly a present. For anybody within the space at the moment, Insomniac founder Pasquale Rotella roamed round and took footage with everybody, myself included. Eli & Fur introduced the smoulder deep home vibrations. Their minimal, deep tech-house set confirmed that DJing isn't just for the boys.

Figuring out who to shut with was powerful. I needed to bounce round between Illenium, Nora En Pure, and Flux Pavilion. Illenium explored the daring and delightful shades bass but in addition combined in his emotional hits as effectively. Flux placed on a heavy bass/dub/lure set. I ended with Nora’s tropical deep home sound. Jumping and X-stepping all evening requires a bit calm.

Saturday

Gearing up for day 2, Dateless caught my consideration together with his tribal tech home set. However, I needed to catch BlackGummy as he's a legendary sound engineer. His distinctive prowess deems him worthy the mau5trap label. I’ve been following his music for some time now so to see him reside, it was nice. AC Slater killed it as at all times. Mikey Lion B2B Lee Reynolds launched me to the Desert Hearts label they usually threw a celebration like no different. Tech-drenched home vitality and angle, this was a depraved efficiency.

Photo credit score: Keiki-Lani Knudsen
Said the Sky had the feels popping out like waves. Boombox Cartel gave a singular set true to their sound. Throwing in some bass/dub and lure, the group obtained lit. Deorro returned to this occasion and gave us one of the best large room home anthems we’ve had since festivals started. Ending a predominantly home occasion with MK made the weekend all price it.

Overall, I believe this yr’s occasion succeeded in its re-branding. The whimsical performers, reside mural work, and psychedelic 3D artwork spoke to the kid in all us. While I didn’t get to camp this yr, I do know its custom lives on and tops itself every time. It’s the right venue that casts the right vibe open air and music pageant. Despite one demise, Insomniac continues to offer excellent massives that we keep in mind ceaselessly. As we enter Fall, I wait anxiously for the subsequent occasion. Until subsequent time–peace, love, evening owls unite!

Photo credit score:  Ivan Meneses

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