He still maintains a fantastic energy throughout his set, but even with an interesting choice of songs (Sabotage by Beastie Boys anyone?) Skrillex disappointed me.
Skrillex full of energy on stage.
The usual pill-infused Electronic Dance Music fans came a-flocking with ridiculously over the top security checks imposed by the venue failing completely (it took us 40 minutes to get in including showing ID and tickets, and getting vigorously patted down by a security guard with the face of a bloodhound).
I was excited for the support acts, with the familiar faces of 12th Planet, Jack Beats and Koan Sound. But while Skrillex and Koan Sound entertained me, Jack Beats produced one of the most boring hour and a half sets I’ve ever heard. It was just a droning wave of generic-house, inspiring the entire audience to mob the bar.
One of the oldest faces in the dubstep scene from Los Angeles, 12th Planet delivered a fairly entertaining set, with just enough effort to make the crowd believe he was trying. But it was Bristol lads Koan Sound closing the evening that made me glad I came out, with a glitch-hop-meets-orchestral set packed full of energy. I’ve seen Skrillex before, but never managed to them live.
Verdict
While I had fun, this was far from the best time I’ve seen Skrillex. Whether it’s my own music tastes shifting, or him on a downward slope, I can’t honestly tell you, but something about the night felt off. The eyes of weekend ravers shone a little less bright in the hazy gloom, the strobe lights a little less epileptic.
Koan Sound were the resounding highlight of the evening for me, but I was surprised by how average the other acts were. Don’t get me wrong, it had its highlights (there was a hotdog stand in the smoking area) but I fear the EDM tidal wave has reached is peak, and is now on a comedown (like most of the audience a few hours later).
Be sure to check out Koan Sound’s “Sanctuary” EP.