Wednesday night, KUCR hosted the final Barn show of the quarter, and they went out with an electronic, earth-shattering bang. This was KUCR's quarter to bring the campus exciting up-and-coming acts like Zion-I, Pachamama, Mika Miko and many more.
This show kicked off with KUCR's very own DJ Shenanigans mixing laid back grooves from MGMT to Sigur Ros and transforming them into sped-up electro-dance bangers, setting the mood right for the rest of the warm night. People scattered around the Barn, enjoying the cheap and delicious food while the music blasted from inside.
The Barn erupted into a thundering, ground-shaking roar that indicated Alice and the Serial Numbers' arrival. Hailing from Montreal, Canada and transplanted in Los Angeles, Alice brought forth catchy, striking beats that explored the realms of Eastern-influenced melodies to intergalactic tones blending into continuous, unwavering metallic pulses. She knows how to get a crowd hyped, since she started making electronic music in 2001. Alice performed for an intimate, growing crowd that nodded their heads and tapped their toes to the energetic beats.
Alice herself was in the zone, casually bobbing her head to her own infectious tunes and letting the music speak for her.
Only looking up for occasional photo shots, she gave the camera a charming smile.
The lights behind her gave her an all-powerful silhouette as they blinked in sync with the rhythm. A group of brave party goers saved the room from being an "awkward prom" scenario full of too cool, cross-armed, head-nodders and they danced ferociously to the thumping beats that Alice produced from her laptop. By the end of her set, she received roaring applause that signified the satisfaction of party goers.
After a brief intermission featuring more grooves from DJ Shenanigans, Carmen Rizzo launched his extraordinary set.
The crowd was suddenly entranced by continuous ambient sounds as Rizzo's rampant, exotic tones hypnotized the pack. Everyone inched closer to the stage like dancing insects attracted to Rizzo's narcotic, Persian-influenced sounds pulsating from the speakers. His set was also aided by interesting worldly visuals of vintage vixens, henna tattoos, geometric patterns and glowing lights projected in the background. Rizzo is a heavyweight in the electronic world as the two-time Grammy-nominated artist has worked with Seal, Alanis Morrisette, Pete Townshend and countless other prominent names in the music industry
As the night progressed, everyone abandoned the "cool guy" façade as nodding turned into body swaying and crossed arms suddenly whipped into the thick, warm air of the Barn.
Bodies leaning against walls impulsively broke out in spastic movements all over the dance floor. Others grabbed partners and grooved. A circle of dancers all tried to outshine each other with their erratic movements as green flashlights that were passed out earlier shined over everything and everyone in the room like manually-powered strobe lights.
Even though Rizzo's set exceeded the hour-long mark, there were no signs of fatigue. Cheers and screams amplified as the music increased with intensity and a sweaty, fanny pack-wearing, barefoot attendee threw all inhibition to the wind and crazily danced with everyone. It is safe to say that Carmen Rizzo had everyone wrapped around his finger.
Once again, KUCR put on an amazing show for the students of UCR and broad music lovers. The last show of the quarter was definitely a success.
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