HARD Day Of The Dead Comes Back From The Dead

HARD Day Of The Dead had not taken place since 2015, and with that being mentioned it was absolutely missed. This is identical pageant that noticed Marshmello make his debut. With that being mentioned it's simply one of many West Coast’s higher festivals. 2018 noticed HARD Day Of The Dead make its return to the Los Angeles State Historic Park, and to that, we couldn’t be happier.

The park reopened earlier this 12 months after going by means of a renovation, and it confirmed. Having gone to Insomniac’s “Zedd In The Park” on the similar venue earlier this 12 months, it was good to revisit the park and see it in a special mild.

I entered the venue near  5 ‘O Clock P.M., and at this level, the park was already stuffed with dressed up attendees dancing the night time away. The pageant was themed after the Mexican vacation of ‘Dia De Los Muertos’. While there have been quite a few individuals dressed up in Halloween garb, the quantity of ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ themed costumes vastly outnumbered the previous.

Day Of The Dead

As I entered and met up with buddies, I loved the sounds of Omnom and his wonky tackle home music. I shortly left the group of buddies and headed over to attempt to get my face painted, as HARD was providing free face work of their VIP part. Unfortunately, the road was longer than I had hoped, and that didn’t find yourself taking place. I opted as an alternative to seize a drink, to which I used to be impressed by the choice the bars have been providing. I made a decision on a Cherry Vodka Cocktail and made my technique to the primary stage.

As I approached, and the solar was setting over Downtown LA, I caught the closing moments of Cashmere Cat’s set, to which he dropped Virtual Self’s ‘Ghost Voices’. The crowd was loving it, and it was at this level that I made a decision to leap in and observe go well with. His set ended, and the gang grew quiet, we knew what was coming and we couldn’t’ be happier. Knife Party took the stage, and all of us misplaced it.

Knife Party

For an hour, we have been transported again in time as Knife Party’s set was nostalgic as may be. It was superior to see them play, as that they had additionally been at HARD Day Of The Dead again in 2014. Only one member made it out for the present, which was Gareth McGrillen, however it was worthwhile nonetheless. I hadn’t seen Knife Party since 2012, so this made it all of the a lot better. They dropped every thing from Sebastian Ingrosso’s & Tommy Trash’s iconic observe ‘Reload’ to 2011’s ‘Bang Bang’ by La Puente.

Blending tunes each present and previous, Knife Party devastated the LA Historic Park. My solely gripe was that we didn’t get an opportunity to listen to “Internet Friends” performed dwell. He teased us with the intro to solely to not play it. He claimed that their set obtained “Cut Short’, oh properly. They performed a great deal of their different music, and it was superb. Check them out if you happen to ever get the prospect.

Die Antwoord

Next got here a 45-minute changeover, because the mainstage manufacturing crew ready the stage for Die Antwoord. I wasn’t actually trying ahead to this, so I made a decision to discover the venue and take a look at what HARD needed to provide. Their menu included every thing from Gourmet Mac & Cheese, Lotta Tots, and even Bulgogi Korean BBQ. I opted as an alternative for a Churro, from the Churro carts that have been sprung across the venue, and I used to be fairly proud of my choice.

I managed to catch a little bit of Rodriguez Jr. dwell and was pleasantly shocked by the range his set included. I couldn’t identify the tracks he dropped, however it was sufficient to maintain the groove going, and preserve the general vibe that HARD was presenting. After some time, I made my manner again to the MainStage, and was serenaded by a gaggle of Mariachi’s enjoying ‘La Chona’. I lastly ended up on the essential stage, solely to be hit with a thick wall of bass.

Die Antwoord had taken the stage, they usually have been destroying the dance-floor. I received’t go so far as to say I used to be a fan of the South African Hip-Hop group previous to the occasion. I knew who they have been, and had even watched a movie that they starred in, however if you happen to requested me to call a observe from them, I'd draw a clean. After seeing them dwell, this opinion has positively modified, and I'll positively be seeing them once more. The vitality they carry is unreal, and the music of their discography is out of the world.

After listening to a few of their stuff, I made certain to Shazam the tracks, in order that I might add them to my private music library. One observe that stands out, specifically, was ‘Ugly Boy’ by the Capetown based mostly group. If you haven’t had an opportunity to hear test it out right here. It comprises a straight pattern of Aphex Twin’s ‘Ageispolis’, which is superior. When paired along with Ninja and Yolandi’s trademark vocals, the outcomes are nothing wanting epic.

Next got here one other 40-minute changeover, solely this time the sounds have been offered by Thee Mike B. I scrambled away from the Main Stage and made my manner over to Shiba San. At this level, he had already been enjoying for over 15 minutes. I took a minute calm down, and benefit from the surroundings, because the park was plagued by skulls, gravestones, and tons of different Instagram worthy photo-ops. After a while I returned to the MainStage, to catch Justice. 

In all honesty, they have been the explanation I attended HARD Day Of The Dead, to start with. I had been ready for practically a decade to see the elusive French duo that's Justice. I'm blissful to say that I used to be not let down in any respect. They performed all the tracks that we’ve come to count on, together with the stuff off of their new ‘Woman Worldwide’ album.

I left the stage a bit early to catch Lee Floss’ b2b set with Felix Da Housecat and was left proud of my choice. This was the proper technique to wind down the night time, as among the earlier acts sapped the copious quantities of vitality I walked into Day Of The Dead With. Floss & Felix stored the groove going till the present ended, and the vibe was excellent.

In Closing

HARD Day Of The Dead was held the weekend after Insomniac’s Escape. Due to this, I wasn’t certain if it will be capable to dwell as much as earlier weekends debauchery. I've by no means been extra unsuitable. HARD has confirmed time and time once more that they're greater than able to placing on top-notch occasions. HARD Day Of The Dead is one other shining instance of that.

After 2015, HARD Day Of The Dead went on a three-year hiatus, solely to return in beautiful vogue. We would hate to see this motion repeat, as this author is drastically trying ahead to attending subsequent 12 months. If you had the prospect to be in attendance, you already know precisely what I’m speaking about. If not, remember to make it out subsequent 12 months, you received’t be upset.

 

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