Desert Daze Music & Arts Festival, the golden child of Moon Block Party founder, Phil Pirrone, delivered its sixth year of stacked daily lineups this past weekend, featuring nothing but the who’s who of live music. The multigenerational bill made up of just about every rock and roll sub-genre, offered a little something for everyone from punk and psychedelic to shoegaze and jam bands.
The fest was hosted at the Institute of Mentalphysics in Joshua Tree, which was designed by the distinguished American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The interactive art installations that lined the paths of the grounds created a playground-like environment for festival goers to relax and explore in between sets.
Considering the renowned lineup of musicians, it’s hard to pick favorites, so here are some of the acts at the top of the bill who blew us away this time around.
Day 1
Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile
Only 24 hours after releasing their collaborative LP, Lotta Sea Lice, the pair hit the Moon Stage to debut most of their new works and also some of their solo material including Vile's "Pretty Pimpin'" and Barnett's "Avant Gardener." The pair, though having strikingly different stage presences, worked through their set together totally in sync. Be sure to catch Kurt and Court at one of their stops during the remainder of their US tour.
The Budos Band
Rounding out the first of three nights was the nine-member Afro-Soul outfit, The Budos Band. For those looking to dance their way into the night, the Budos boys surely provided as they played jam after jam beneath the Wright Tent. Prior to his passing, The Budos Band backed the great Charles Bradley for his cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes.” Check it out here.
Day 2
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Australian psych rock royalty, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard reigned Saturday, pulling in nearly every individual in attendance. The band had plenty of material to choose from considering they’ve put out eleven (yes, ELEVEN) full length studio albums in the past five years. Known for their high-energy performances, the Aussies had fans going nuts during performances of their hits, “Work This Time,” “Hot Wax,” “Gamma Knife” and everyone’s favorite, “Rattlesnake” which could be heard echoing from groups of campers throughout the rest of the weekend.
Iggy Pop
We don’t know who had a better time watching the most anticipated act of the weekend; the sea of thousands kicking up a dust storm or Henry Rollins grinning from ear to ear standing stage left. 'Twas legendary, nonetheless.
Day 3
Eagles of Death Metal
Then, just when you think the weekend couldn’t get any better, EOD made their way to the stage in style with front man, Jesse Hughes sporting his iconic white suspenders and lead guitarist, Davey Catching donning a straw hat so big, it could have put an eye out. Hughes & Co. kept the energy up covering David Bowie’s “Moonage Dream” and performing their own hits, “Complexity," “I Want You So Hard (Boy’s Bad News)” and of course, “Silverlake (K.S.O.F.M.).” At one point, Hughes paused to proclaim how beautiful it was that everyone could gather together under the desert stars in the name of rock; this seemingly an allusion to the tragedy the band experienced at the Bataclan in Paris in 2015. Despite a couple minor technical difficulties, each band member managed to deliver unforgettable solos before bowing out gracefully.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Final act of the weekend, Unknown Mortal Orchestra turned up the Block Stage, inducing a full-on dance party for the die-hard fans who were willing to stick it out. Band leader/singer/guitarist, Ruban Nielsen blew everyone away with his captivating vocals and expert shredding. Rounding out the night, UMO graced the crowd with fan favorites, “Ffunny Ffrends,” “How Can You Luv Me” and radio hit, “Multi-Love” before closing with “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone.”
