There’s something about the vibe from Hard Events that I especially enjoy. Initially, one would think, “Oh, another electronic dance music promotion company, they’re just run-of-the-mill raves, right?” Not so much. Perhaps it’s their early adoption of the no lights and LED toys policy. Perhaps it’s their dabbling with the no candy bracelets policy, or the overall less dressed-as-a-spectacle fans. Though I do enjoy both sides of the coin from time to time, all the Hard Events I’ve gone to have always gotten the universal head nod. And the particular reason? The music.
With a company aptly named Hard Events (at larger shows they have a Hard and Harder stage), the talent usually brings fitting music and performances. There’s no running from the harsh electronic beeps, the obnoxious hoovers and buzzing, and the deep pounding bass that makes your body feel like flipping inside out with each beat. If you like your music hard, these electro-centered events are definitely the place to be.
Hilariously vivid photo credits to Lesley Park
Of the total lineup, I was able to catch Mumbai Science, festival-founder Destructo, and of course, big name headliners Fake Blood and Simian Mobile Disco. The event was held inside Staple Center Plaza’s Club Nokia, which brought an interestingly clubby vibe to the overall event.
Mumbai Science ended up being my favorite set of the night. They nearly caused the death of me, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I watched the two DJs, their chemistry obvious, as they mixed, looped, and manipulated the tracks while reaching across each others’ work stations, all the while creating music that sounded as if it were coming from one person. Their set was extremely unapologetic; no melodies and vocal tracks needed, just a steadily wafting bass, blaring alarms, and buildups that made my hairs stand on end and created enough tension in my body that I thought I’d collapse at any given moment.
Destructo came in as the next DJ and MC for the event. Fitting to the company he created, his track selection came in hard hitting. His set was a bit more techy with some industrial trance and some more melody centered electro. The highlight of his set was dropping THE sickest Tron soundtrack remix I’ve heard.
Fake Blood and Simian Mobile Disco charged through the night with sets that were just out of this world. Being pretty new to Fake Blood, I was amazed to see him scratch and mix vinyls like an old school turntablist. Electro beats and dance-hall rhythms permeated through Club Nokia as I heard the cuts and loops of his name sync in time. Best of all was that a lot of the screen visualization focused on a top down view of Fake Blood himself. Just something about watching a DJ at work, especially as hard working as this one, creates a whole ‘nother dimension to the show. When their track “I Think I Like It” dropped, I seriously thought the whole 3rd level of Club Nokia was going to collapse as the entire floor flexed and shook in unison with the jumping of fist-pounding hipsters.
Simian closed off the night in probably one of the most amazing ways possible. It could have been the bright-as-the-sun honeycomb LED set up that they had, it could have been the fact that they mixed their biggest hits as well as new stuff from their Delicacies album, perhaps it was James Ford’s audacious fro billowing against the fog and lighting. No, it was definitely the explanation for their “live” DJ set title. They had a cardinal direction four way set-up that allowed them to start facing one another, then for whatever reason conducive to the next song, they’d rotate around as if performing a tripped out games of musical chairs.
DAMN. What a _______ night. The first show I’ve ever been to that gave me pain from all the bass. No joke.
To listen to the track that nearly demolished Club Nokia, just press play.
To listen to Mumbai Science’s track that nearly caused my heart to stop, just press play.
