Lane 8 stopped at the Los Angeles State Historic Park last weekend (Nov 5th) for his Reviver Tour, debuting his new album Reviver. Under the banner of This Never Happened, the Anjunadeep musician was joined by CloZee, Le Youth, PRAANA, and Luzi Tudor. TNH is an experiment where attendees are encouraged to be in the moment by not being on their phones.
The Music
Although I’d seen Mr. Daniel Goldstein plenty of times, this was my first time seeing PRAANA, Le Youth, and CloZee. Due to work, I wasn’t able to catch any of Luzi Tudor’s uplifting house and techno.
When I arrived at the LASHP, my eyes were overcome by the PRAANA’s cinematic visuals. The duo’s energetic sound kept the crowd warm just as the sun began to set. Next was Le Youth, a name I’ve heard before but never seen. The breeze could have scolded me for forgetting my sweater, but the deep, joyful style sent chills throughout my body. The final guest was CloZee who took me by surprise. I am not well-versed with future bass but the French artist came at me with the right amount of wub and dub to the point where my face could not stop scrunching in approval.
Now Lane 8, well, he took me on a feelz-trip. I remember how dark I felt when he played “Opium” by Alastor & Jerome Isma Ae and the once flamboyant visuals shifted to a void of black screens and white lasers. Or the rush of euphoria when my friends and I held each other as we tried to sing along to “Don’t Let Me Go” after a couple of whiskies. For three hours, he played every track to its last beat. His long transitions made me feel a sense of closure between each emotional chapter of the Reviver Tour.
When the lights came on after “Little Voices” finished, I thought the show was over before hearing the one song I wanted to share with my friends. But that Daniel is a trickster as he came back on stage for an encore and played “Brightest Lights” mashed up with “My Purple iPod Nano (Salute remix).”
Normally, I would spend a lot of time recording parts of the performance for notes or a future video. But not being on my phone allowed me to be fully immersed as I heard every catalyst, every synth, and the weight of every beat.
The Venue
Surprisingly, this was my first time attending a show at the LASHP. I’m amazed at how deep the stage was in the park and how Goldenvoice set up the perimeter where it would be difficult for someone to try and hear the music outside. The event didn’t sell out, but it felt packed at times, especially on the left side since it was the first area one would see upon entering. The right side was pretty much empty the whole show. So for future reference, the right side has additional (and probably cleaner) bathrooms, various food trucks, and a buck ton of bartenders (saving you about 30 minutes of waiting).
The Vibes
It was a mix mash of people wearing Lane 8 merch; people dipped in black techno wear or those few dawning elaborate outfits matching their vibrant personalities. Though I didn’t wear any, I saw several people wearing Kandi and one glover. So, I tip my hat at thee. I suppose this show felt like it was in between a rave and a house concert.
Compared to EDC or Dreamstate, I would say the vibes here aren’t as pleasant, but on par with other house events I've attended. There weren’t many trains rushing to the front, and people were generally friendly, but a few of my friends did get their personal space invaded, which is never ok. Honestly, none of that really mattered anyways because I was surrounded by love and compassion.
When my friends asked me in July if I wanted to join them, I hesitated since I was unemployed. However, I eventually caved. Despite my reckless decision, rolling the dice on seeing Lane 8 with my friends, whom I’d not seen in ages, was the best decision I’d made all year. Since then, my heart feels full whenever I hear “Sunday Song” and remember the late-night shenanigans that never happened.
