Nocturnal Wonderland Proves Why It’s North America’s Longest Running Rave [Event Review]

What is the key to longevity? Is it the energy of product and model, the flexibility to adapt to altering instances, having your finger on the heart beat, some mixture of the entire above? Whatever the key is, there isn’t a doubt that Pasquale Rotella and his inventive crew at Insomniac have the system down pat. Witness one other stacked and packed version of Nocturnal Wonderland, North America’s longest working rave, which went down earlier this month at Glen Helen Regional Park in San Bernardino.

There wasn’t actually an excessive amount of distinction about this yr’s version to distinguish it from earlier editions of the competition. However, within the case of Nocturnal, that doesn’t actually matter. When we final attended Nocturnal in 2019, previous to the unexpected (on the time) international pandemic, it was thought that that might be Nocturnal’s final version at its long-time dwelling. Fast ahead three years, and it’s unimaginable to think about Nocturnal happening anyplace else however Glen Helen. From its pristine out of doors setting, insane hilltop views, tender inexperienced grass throughout, there actually is one thing magical about Nocturnal Wonderland that Insomniac’s different festivals simply can’t seize.

Let’s get into what stood out at this yr’s version of Nocturnal. First off, the Wolves’ Den (essential stage) was extraordinarily spectacular. This yr’s stage design was easy however modern. The Nocturnal Wonderland marquee was gone from the stage this yr. Video panels shaped a half-circle within the middle of the stage the place the artists’ essential visuals could be displayed. In the outer half-circle, a wheel spun that featured a waning and waxing moon. Three rectangular video panels descended on either side of the stage’s half-circle middle. There was additionally extra pyro and lasers than I’ve ever seen at Nocturnal. The essential stage actually was a sight to behold and headliners obtained handled to a pleasant fireworks show on the finish of every night time.

Visually, the Labyrinth stage was simply as spectacular. This yr’s model featured cube-shaped stage ends bookending three rectangular video panels within the middle of the stage. The lasers had been completely going off at this stage. Despite being the Bassrush stage with its excessive depth head-banging, it’s truly an excellent spot to catch a breather, seize some meals and sit on the highest of the hill and benefit from the insane view you get. Seeing the solar peak over the mountains because it units is really an unforgettable sight.

What in regards to the music, you ask? There was by no means a boring second, Night 1 featured quite a lot of bass-house, dubstep and entice. I caught units from Jack Beats + Taiki Nulight Present: Reel Mood, Moksi, Adventure Club, Yellow Claw and Illenium on the essential stage. I additionally made my means as much as the Labyrinth stage for units from Trivecta, Must Die! b2b Tisoki, Saymyname and Sullivan King. The power of the gang was unimaginable as each conceivable pressure of bass music was pumped out via the audio system. The lasers and pyro had been on level on the second stage in a means I’ve by no means seen. Thankfully so, the sound on the primary day form of sucked. It was tremendous bass-boosted and also you couldn’t actually hear any mids. It seems they obtained that labored out for Day 2 because the sound was a lot crisper.

The lineup on Day 2 was completely stacked and the gang vibes had been far superior to Day 1. While home music was plentiful, so had been Moombahton, mid-tempo and large essential stage units. With the exception of going to see Blanke up at Labyrinth and Dillon Francis carry out a highly-anticipated DJ Hanzel set at Sunken Garden, I spent your complete day on the Wolves’ Den. And why wouldn’t anyone? I obtained the day began with a nasty set of bass-house from Disco Lines. By the time I’d returned to the Wolves’ Den after sunset, JSTJR had taken over the mainstage dropping an lively combine that’s almost unimaginable to not dance too. My private favourite set of the weekend needed to be R3HAB, who 11 years after he first carried out on the competition, took followers on a wild journey of massive room hits, old fashioned classics, and future rave remixes. Dillon Francis was up subsequent and he didn’t disappoint as he additionally dusted off the moombahton and dropped some new music amongst his many competition classics. REZZ closed out the night time and he or she took the home down along with her pummeling model of mid-tempo, you would actually really feel the bass in your chest for her set.

There you have got it, the twenty seventh version of Nocturnal Wonderland was a convincing success! Will it’s again subsequent yr? It hasn’t been introduced but, however I’d be shocked if it weren’t. Since I didn’t camp, we didn’t even discover how enjoyable a side that’s to this competition. I believe it’s a secure guess to say that North America’s longest working rave will proceed its reign. So lengthy as Insomniac continues to supply the wonderful expertise that’s Nocturnal (and tenting too!) there’s no cause to assume the magic received’t proceed!