We’re almost ready to put the 2010s in the rearview and dance into a new decade. But before rolling up to the Colorado Convention Center for Decadence, let’s go over the first night’s sets (besides Bassnectar, that’s a given) that’ll get you vibing so hard you’d be a fool to miss them. Bassheads, in particular, may not be as familiar with all the names on the stellar lineup for December 30, but it’s so stacked that you should plan to arrive early.
As this will be my first opportunity to see German producer and irresistible remixer Boys Noize, I’m more amped for this set than any other. His pulsating electro style combines guttural synths, industrial techno and dastardly electro house, while his energized reworks of notable tracks positively invigorate ravers with revving tones. No one else at this fest can touch his distinctly Euro, electronic aggression, which lands between Mr. Oizo and Gesaffelstein.
French bass-music innovator CloZee also promises one of the most unique-sounding sets of Decadence. This pioneer of world bass interlaces airy organic sounds – like xylophone, breathy vocals/chanting, violin, flutes, guitar and so much more – with downtempo, soulful electronic and bass-driven melodies. She crafts an intoxicating yet meditative journey of stirring harmonies with each performance, made all the more enchanting by her beyond-lovely voice.
Feed Me’s infusion of robotic dubstep-breaks into his tasty electro house and progressive melodies elevate his strong rhythms from not only fitting perfectly on the mau5trap label, but also connecting with a broad EDM audience, including those who lean towards headbanging. The range of his tracks proves both appealing and impressive, lending a zesty pace to his music. It can be easy to overlook Feed Me, but his spicy sets memorably stand out.
Big Gigantic, who are based just outside of Denver in Boulder, have prominently featured at Decadence in past years – but their b2b with trap headliner NGHTMRE offers a fresh collaborative side of them. While Big Gigantic has grown fairly predictable for me and NGHTMRE wavers between overly harsh and discouragingly soft/mainstream for my taste, this Gigantic NGHTMRE team-up entices with the prospect of rollicking, bass-heavy funk. This is a rare opportunity indeed, and judging by their effervescent joint single “Like That”, this set will delightfully cruise down Funky Lane.
My second-most anticipated set comes from superstar Dutch producer Oliver Heldens, whose zooming brand of future house unleashes absolute mania upon the dancefloor with unstoppable grooves. Resounding rhythms, catchy vocal hooks and bewitching basslines – especially from Oliver’s more underground, banger-ific bass-house alias HI-LO, which he always incorporates – ensures electrifying body-shaking and big-room bouncing. I’ve seen him close out the best day of three major festivals and each time he slays everyone to Heldeep and back.
French b2b combo Tchami x Malaa have been on a righteous future-house crusade with their “No Redemption” tour, and you can expect them to instigate a ferocious party at Decadance. There’s no shortage of ghetto and bass house in their groovy style as well, so booties will be dropping and shufflers will be poppin’ to their propulsive, down-and-dirty sound. These guys are formidable individually; together, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Tickets are still available, with passes for night one starting at $172.05 after fees, $193.15 after fees for night two, and $311.48 for a two-day pass. See you next week for the final blowout of the decade!
*Featured image by Jonathan Shoup via Decadence*
