Picture this: sunset at Coachella on the brand new Quasar stage. What’s better? Well, maybe the fact that Australian electronic trio RÜFÜS DU SOL took the decks for an unprecedented 3+ hour DJ set.
Once you get there, you are immediately struck by the massive LED panels that make up the performance area. The striking futuristic design radiated an almost extraterrestrial energy. As RÜFÜS took their place behind the towering DJ booth, those panels blinked to life with abstract, ever-evolving geometric visualizations. We were about to embark on a true audiovisual journey.
The opening warm-up saw the group ease us in with understated, atmospheric soundscapes zoning in on a hypnotic, rolling groove. Melodic synth pads ebbed and flowed as RÜFÜS effortlessly blended new unreleased tracks with deeper cult cuts from respected underground imprints. The visual accompaniment matched the vibe – hazy, colored clouds and fractalized natural scenery pulsated organically.
Slowly but surely, the intensity was ratcheted up. Acapella vocals from the group’s anthemic hits like “Underwater” were deftly weaved in between punchy, driving kick drums. The visuals shifted too, morphing into hyper-realistic urban environments that disintegrated into otherworldly alien landscapes. We were being transported to another realm.
As the night reached a feverish climax in the set’s final lush third, RÜFÜS kicked up the energy into an irresistible techno frenzy. Remixes from scene heavyweights like Adriatique got funky reworks, while the iconic “The Runner” by Foals got a thunderous club edit. Laser rave sticks danced feverishly as the crowd moved as one pulsating organism.
Watching RÜFÜS seamlessly flow between underground house, techno, melodic grooves and more was a true clinic in technical wizardry and creative versatility. But it was the fully immersive, symbiotic audiovisual experience that left me in awe. The Quasar stage’s visuals were as much a “performer” as the three artists themselves, transcending standard concert visuals.
As the final thumping kicks faded and RÜFÜS raised their arms in triumph, the human ocean roared its approval. We had all just witnessed a historic, boundary-pushing statement that raised the bar for what a DJ “performance” can be.
