It’s arduous to place into phrases what Skrillex pulled off at Crimson Rocks this previous Tuesday night time. After his iconic solo set in 2023 being his first return to the venue in practically a decade, expectations have been excessive. However someway, Sonny Moore exceeded them. This time round, it wasn’t only a journey by his discography, it was a declaration: Skrillex remains to be one of the crucial daring and forward-thinking artists in digital music.
The set began off with two hours of genre-bending insanity that showcased Sonny’s masterful work on the decks. Basic reggae, deep home layered with iconic vocals, after which a fully hypnotic phase of business techno deep cuts left an environment of rigidity and pleasure by each soul in attendance. It wasn’t your typical Skrillex set, however that’s what made it so thrilling. The efficiency began off on a a lot heavier be aware than in 2023, laying the groundwork for what would come through the subsequent 3 hours. Paired with stripped-back visuals and that large Crimson Rocks ambiance, it felt as if Sonny was constructing to one thing huge.
Then got here the centerpiece: a full front-to-back playthrough of his latest album, “FUS.” Whereas it wasn’t the primary time he’s carried out it stay, as he had debuted parts of it at Extremely Music Competition in Miami, it was positively essentially the most intimate and immersive model of the efficiency to date. Listening to your entire mission in that setting actually introduced it to life. Each observe hit, and you possibly can inform how proud Sonny was of the curation of the album. Since it’s meant to be listened to straight by, with out interruption, that’s precisely what the embellished producer gave us. Whereas “FUS” was being carried out, it’s value mentioning how rather more of the manufacturing got here on at this level. The lighting and ambiance of the stage grew and grew till it felt like a correct Skrillex headline-set, and at this level the group was going insane.
Tune: Skrillex, Digital Riot – Whereas You Had been Sleeping VIP
From there, he dropped a wild run of unreleased music, together with collabs with ISOxo, Nitepunk, Wuki, Moody Good, Habstrakt and extra. These weren’t simply fast edits or teases both, he performed full-on tracks that felt like instantaneous classics all through which solely amped up the joy. The gang was tuned in and Skrillex appeared like he was having the time of his life behind the decks.
Whereas he stayed silent on the mic for practically your entire present, the reference to the group was loud and clear. Nonetheless, on the very finish he lastly grabbed the mic and stated only a few phrases together with: “I’m speechless… what extra are you able to ask for?” and, earlier than strolling off stage, “I’ll see you subsequent time.” It was brief, candy, and sincere which was precisely the type of uncooked power that made the night time really feel so particular.
Additionally they introduced again the wristbands from 2023, which lit up in sync with the music and turned your entire venue right into a madhouse. You possibly can take a look at a clip of that beneath. It was a small contact, nevertheless it made us followers within the crowd really feel linked to the present in a means that’s arduous to duplicate.
Tune: Benny Benassi, Gary Go – Cinema (Skrillex Remix)
Because the clock neared midnight, it turned apparent that nobody needed the present to conclude. Sonny’s set had been an ideal steadiness of experimentation, nostalgia, and what’s to come back. If this turns into a biennial custom, you’ll be able to rely us in each single time.
A marathon efficiency by an artist that so clearly cares for the individuals who help his work. The present completely exceeded my expectations, and truthfully, simply blew me away. 11/10.
Photograph: Robby Hauldren
REVIEW: Skrillex’s Crimson Rocks Set Was 5 Hours of Unfiltered Genius
