Subtronics forged his watchful eye over the Tacoma Dome as his Cyclops Military assembled. I wish to suppose he’s what Sauron would have been like if he had been proven extra affection.
The dubstep celebrity and an all-star lineup planted the one-eyed flag of victory on the second annual Cyclops Dome November 15-17.
“Please drink some water, eat some food, and tell your friends and family how much they mean to you,” Subtronics stated after every evening in Tacoma. “Please be f—ing nice to each other. Lastly and most importantly, if you are driving and are remotely f—ed up, don’t drive. Get a sober friend or an Uber to take you home safely. And once you get home, smoke as much weed as humanly possible!”
Followers of Subtronics are conversant in his common closing remarks, however listening to it three consecutive nights emphasised why folks rally to him. Compassion, collaboration and humility are integral to the Subtronics expertise. That sentiment touched every thing in sight.
Cyclops Dome 2024 featured a formidable supporting lineup with Alison Wonderland, Dimension, NGHTMRE and RL Grime among the many hottest names on the billing. You don’t at all times see supporting acts with recognition on par with the headliner, however Subtronics has the reward of bringing folks collectively.
Subtronics anchored the present with three terrific headlining performances over the weekend. He welcomed Wonderland on Saturday to debut their since-released collaboration “No One Does It Like” and his spouse LEVEL UP on Sunday. It wasn’t uncommon for Subtronics to take small breaks to precise gratitude for the viewers, who he thanked for permitting him to play private or unreleased tracks with out judgment. The event wasn’t misplaced on him.
Headlining three consecutive days is a posh activity. Subtronics was refreshingly aware that he was performing for distinct audiences: three-day ticket-holders, two-day friends and single-day guests. In a intelligent effort to supply one thing for everybody, he would play completely different variations of fashionable songs like “Griztronics” and “Into Pieces” on separate nights. This ensured most followers would hear their favourite songs whereas rewarding repeat prospects.
The Tacoma Dome is a well-established and aggressive Pacific Northwest venue. Subtronics got here geared up with the suitable lasers and lights for the event however integrated a brand new manufacturing ingredient that units Cyclops Dome aside.
Almost a dozen specifically designed panels hung from the venue’s rafters. Every rectangular panel was fitted with LED screens, mild strips and lights. The panels—programmed together with the present’s different manufacturing parts—had been versatile instruments including unimaginable depth to the present. They generally replicated the display visuals or functioned as synchronized lights.
A private favourite was when the rigs rappelled down practically inside attain, and people dancing immediately beneath bathed within the lights. The panels offered an immersive expertise up shut and added theatrical parts additional again, offering distinctive vantages relying on the place you stood.
Cyclops Dome’s spectacular lineup lived as much as the hype, satisfiying dubstep fans whereas offering extra selection than comparable reveals in its style. Wonderland threw down so ridiculously laborious, you’d suppose she had some extent to show. Her thrashing set was accompanied by a cinematic intro and eerie visuals evoking the work of her husband, horror movie director Ti West.
Dimension and NGHTMRE had been a match made in heaven. B2Bs can battle with sounding disjointed or so related you may’t inform the artists aside, however that wasn’t the case right here. Apologies to the lavatory patron who boastfully—and disappointingly—claimed the duo would carry out a “bass house” set. Dimension B2B NGHTMRE was an ideal marriage of the previous’s drum & bass and the latter’s entice and dubstep leanings. NGHTMRE took the lead within the first half, easing followers into Dimension’s breakneck tempo down the stretch.
The “Angel” collaborators had been very efficient at mixing their kinds, taking a beloved NGHTMRE monitor like “Alive” or “FEELING GUD” and touching it up with frenetic drum & bass rhythms. The stage screens had been turned off for giant parts of the set, permitting lights and lasers to shine whereas giving the 21,000-capacity venue an underground ambiance. It was a marked distinction from the set that got here earlier than.
INZO deserves particular acknowledgment for placing collectively a touching set. The Visionquest producer penned a lovely script that was at occasions invigorating or wondrous. Cyclops Dome’s scale implored INZO’s set to be every thing one would think about. The visuals had been heat, the vibes had been immaculate and at the very least one patron in my occasion visibly sobbed. The togetherness skilled throughout his finale was a poignant reminder of what introduced everybody collectively.
To that finish, Subtronics genuinely appears to care. It’s evident by the nice and cozy surroundings fostered by his followers and his actions that weekend. The wait to get into the venue on Friday was admittedly painful—the road wrapped round a number of occasions and prompted lengthy delays getting in, seemingly resulting from restricted entry factors. Subtronics apologized on social media in real-time, assured he was addressing it and that it wouldn’t be an issue the next days. Not lengthy after, the entry course of picked up and stayed easy for the remainder of the weekend.
Subtronics is on the cusp of one thing particular. He’s constructing an empire not with an iron fist, however with a loving hand. His music is the muse of his success, definitely, however the camaraderie along with his viewers and friends are the cornerstones reinforcing his rising area. If the unique Cyclops Dome was a check pilot, this sequel strongly affirms a daring future.
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