Headstash

Headstash on the Road: Sonic Bloom Day 3

Photo Credit: Tabor Bonde

Day three of Sonic Bloom started off hot one but spirits and energy were high throughout the afternoon. Relaxing most of the daytime in lounge chairs and under sunshades most people kept it low-key through some of the earlier sets.

One thing was for sure: by the third day, attendees were really roughing it, covered in dirt, dust and grime. Many people took to the flowing river to rinse off and refresh for the evening to come.

Boulder-based trio, Robotic Pirate Monkey opened up the afternoon on the Bloom Stage. Playing a variety of their well-known tracks intermixed with a couple new beats, the set was equally exciting as it was draining under the radiating sun.

Photo Credit: Tabor Bonde

They threw down one of their “signature” singles in "Joleen" – RPM's equivalent to Pretty Lights’ "Finally Moving." Soulful vocals and a catchy beat, this one always resonates as a crowd-favorite. Despite technical difficulties midway through their set, they ended on a high note with a remix of the theme from “Beverly Hills Cop.”

Immediately following Robotic Pirate Monkey on the Bloom Stage was the unique puppet performance from The Fungineers. A shrouded individual manipulated a purple dinosaur puppet who dished out silly and inner-child touching remixes.

From “The Jungle Book's”, "Bear Necessities," to “The Little Mermaid's,” "Under the Sea," the crowd got down to some fond childhood memories. Ending on a remix of, "Puttin' on the Ritz," The Fungineers brought a completely different experience to Sonic Bloom – certainly a performance we recommend music fans catch when it comes near you.

Next up was Welder, the lesser known but equally as impressive downtempo doppelganger of Bay Area producer ESKMO, took to the decks as the clouds rolled in and a cool breeze emerged, providing some respite from the beating sun.

For those who want a truly interactive DJ performance, Welder is your best bet. So little is done "live" these days (even Deadmau5 agrees), but with Welder, you can experience all that goes on in building a textured, danceable track right before your eyes.

Photo Credit: Tabor Bonde

After checking out a bit of Welder, it was time to head on over to ill-Mannered performing in the Dome. This Fort Collins-based trio played many tracks off their upcoming album, slated to drop on September 4. Recently signing to Circle Management, this group is taking it to the next level through dynamic hip-hop, funk and dub sounds woven with amazing live drums.

A favorite track was, "Gone Away," a single that will be released on the new LP and currently the score to ill-Mannered's latest promo video. This up-and-coming group is one to keep an eye on.

A live Zilla show is something that is not only heard, but felt. Featuring Jamie Janover on hammered-dulcimer, Michael Travis (String Cheese Incident/EOTO) on drums and Aaron Holstein aka ViBeSquaD on electric bass, Zilla transports the listener to a place beyond the seen realms.

For an act that only happens, "once a year, whether you like it or not," as Janover put it, Zilla showcases a mastery and cohesion that is not only a testament to the individual musical prowess of each performer, but collaboration and cooperation on more unified level. Simply put, Zilla is Sonic Bloom.

Photo Credit: Tabor Bonde

Sneaking away from Zilla for moment, it was time to head over to the Dome for Project Aspect. This Denver-based producer is making waves in the electronic world, being the most recent addition to STS9's, 1320 Records.

As always, Project Aspect brought the energy up as the sun went down. Throwing down a, "Sexual Healing," remix followed by an Ace of Base remix in, "All That She Wants,” the crowd was soaking up the 90s nostalgia enhanced with bass and glitchy synths. A wonderful set to welcome nightfall – Project Aspect's performance was another favorite of the weekend.

It was time for the group to split up as Paul Basic and Emancipator were on a practically the same time. Basic, a producer from Fort Collins, CO, is a member of the exclusive Pretty Lights Music label. Opening up with a favorite, "Cops," off his debut EP, "The Mirror," Basic quenched the thirst for a dirty and deep set.

Dishing out other dance-inspiring tracks such as "Daydreamin," and, "Doozy," Basic was relentless in keeping the energy high and connecting with the wild excitement of the crowd. Nearing the end of his set, he welcomed Michal Menert on stage where the duo performed as Half Color for a few tracks.

As 11:00 p.m. neared, Paul Basic left the stage and Menert took over and raged his performance harder than the crowd. Playing a newer track, "The Same Disease," Menert had everyone singing in unison. Another memorable moment was his remix of Basic's, "HBR," which flowed effortlessly into, "The Golden Rule," where Menert infused vocals from the late and great MCA.

Photo Credit: Tabor Bonde

Tossing in the unreleased, "Summer Love," a track that Menert and Derek Vincent Smith collaborated with together, smiling and booty shaking was rampant in the Dome. Ending things with, "Sun/Shadow," Menert truly sealed the deal of bringing an unforgettable performance by inviting GRiZ on stage to play the saxophone alongside Michal's beats. 

While the PLM crew was taking over the Dome, Emancipator was up on the Bloom Stage. For an act that has made a name for itself playing after-parties and main support roles to larger groups like STS9 and The Disco Biscuits, Emancipator looked every part the headliner on Saturday evening.

With a presence that was commanding and lush, yet amicable and welcoming, producer Doug Appling and violinist/Sonic Bloom MVP Ilya Goldberg crafted a set that had the crowd super hyped – the calm before the storm that was to come in the form of sonic scientist/bass aficionado/mind destroyer Dave Tipper. 

As Tipper appeared on stage in front of an ominously beautiful sculpted structure that would soon become the canvas for visual alchemist Android Jones to create upon, the energy was high and the Bloom Stage was packed. Each Tipper experience quickly devolves into a quest to maintain sanity whilst being bombarded by his signature brand of alien marshmallow bass.

With every beat meticulously constructed, and then seemingly in an instant, deconstructed in the very same manner, a Tipper set is the finest example of a mastery of sound science, one that is often imitated and never replicated.

The projection mapping was merely the icing on the cake – a peek into the future of what is to come with live interactive visual technology.

Photo Credit: Tabor Bonde

Those still jonesing to connect with outer space ventured across the bridge to the Hydro Dome to get down to the cosmic bass of late-night satellite connector, Heyoka. His squishy sounds proved to be just what the remaining zombies desired, weebling and wobbling into the wee hours of the morning, before temple-step producer Bird of Prey switched in, providing a smooth and soothing transition into the dawn of a new day. 

Of Porcelain, another amazing alter ego showcased throughout the weekend (this time of Ooah of the Glitch Mob), welcomed the sun into the valley with his textured, digital beats. Sounds that one would expect to hear on a beach in space, tinged with beeps and clicks reminiscent of a craft in orbit stating its functionality, Of Porcelain provided another wonderful conclusion to a day at Sonic Bloom.

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Ending the third day with many new memories, Sonic Bloom was turning out to be all and more than what was expected. Octopus Nebula, Tipper, OTT, Govinda, Supervision and The Sonic Bloom Orchestra will close out the final day. Be sure to check back tomorrow for our last day recap.

Stay tuned for more live coverage from Sonic Bloom on our homepage via Instagram and Twitter.

Photo Credit: Tabor Bonde