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

What’s the secret to longevity? Is it the energy of product and model, the flexibility to adapt to altering occasions, having your finger on the heartbeat, some mixture of the entire above? Regardless of the secret is, there is no such thing as a doubt that Pasquale Rotella and his inventive workforce at Insomniac have the method down pat. Witness one other stacked and packed version of Nocturnal Wonderland, North America’s longest operating 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. Nevertheless, within the case of Nocturnal, that doesn’t actually matter. Once we final attended Nocturnal in 2019, previous to the unexpected (on the time) world pandemic, it was thought that that may be Nocturnal’s final version at its long-time dwelling. Quick ahead three years, and it’s unattainable to think about Nocturnal going down anyplace else however Glen Helen. From its pristine out of doors setting, insane hilltop views, smooth 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 (foremost 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 fashioned a half-circle within the heart of the stage the place the artists’ foremost visuals can be displayed. Within the outer half-circle, a wheel spun that featured a waning and waxing moon. Three rectangular video panels descended on both sides of the stage’s half-circle heart. There was additionally extra pyro and lasers than I’ve ever seen at Nocturnal. The principle stage really was a sight to behold and headliners obtained handled to a pleasant fireworks show on the finish of every evening.

Visually, the Labyrinth stage was simply as spectacular. This yr’s model featured cube-shaped stage ends bookending three rectangular video panels within the heart of the stage. The lasers have been completely going off at this stage. Regardless of being the Bassrush stage with its excessive depth head-banging, it’s truly a terrific 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 actually an unforgettable sight.

What concerning the music, you ask? There was by no means a uninteresting second, Night time 1 featured lots of bass-house, dubstep and lure. I caught units from Jack Beats + Taiki Nulight Current: Reel Temper, Moksi, Journey Membership, Yellow Claw and Illenium on the foremost stage. I additionally made my method as much as the Labyrinth stage for units from Trivecta, Should Die! b2b Tisoki, Saymyname and Sullivan King. The power of the group was unbelievable as each conceivable pressure of bass music was pumped out by the audio system. The lasers and pyro have been on level on the second stage in a method I’ve by no means seen. Fortunately 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 group vibes have been far superior to Day 1. Whereas home music was plentiful, so have been Moombahton, mid-tempo and large foremost stage units. Apart from going to see Blanke up at Labyrinth and Dillon Francis carry out a highly-anticipated DJ Hanzel set at Sunken Backyard, I spent all the day on the Wolves’ Den. And why wouldn’t anyone? I obtained the day began with a nasty set of bass-house from Disco Traces. By the point I’d returned to the Wolves’ Den after sunset, JSTJR had taken over the mainstage dropping an lively combine that’s practically unattainable 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 trip of massive room hits, old style 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 evening and he or she took the home down together with her pummeling model of mid-tempo, you would really really feel the bass in your chest for her set.

There you’ve got it, the twenty seventh version of Nocturnal Wonderland was a powerful 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 facet that’s to this competition. I believe it’s a secure wager to say that North America’s longest operating rave will proceed its reign. As long as Insomniac continues to offer the wonderful expertise that’s Nocturnal (and tenting too!) there’s no cause to suppose the magic gained’t proceed!