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this was Justice's first real live set (i am told) -- they weren't using CDs, mp3's exclusively and had some improvisation moments.

Some background to the set:
1. Cross+ had not yet been released
2. Daft Punk had headlined the Sahara on the Saturday night a year earlier
3. Justice's reputation was built on a handful of Ed Banger releases, a few shows in US at end of 2006, and the We are your friends Simian remix.
4. The tent was pretty well packed.

So given that Cross hadn't been released statewide, Genesis was new to me and was an awesome track to open the set at which point the band's emblematic cross came alight. The dramatic opening sequence of Genesis was followed by the tracks crunching bass (which my paltry camera couldn't handle). The duo were hidden behind the cross in the midst of an array of empty marshall cabinets -- looked great. Those Marshalls have become a signature of their set design and I must say -- it's a pretty inspired choice. A true wall of sound illusion is created.

the set pretty much followed Cross + song for song. We are your friends and D.A.N.C.E. each got intro'ed off one of the remix versions and the band took some detours into DJ moments.

All in all, it was an exceptional introduction for any band to Coachella. They definitely have disco ambitions and, given that they are due play Hard Festival again this Halloween (2008), it will be interesting to see if they progressed further toward the disco/electronic crossover perfection they pursue (much as Daft Punk did with their sophomore album Discovery back in the day).

I much prefer Justice's "live" sets to their DJ sets but they are strong in both environments. If you haven't, go see them -- earplugs advised for those with sensitive cochlea.

• On 10/30/08 at 4:46pm fustice said: great pic. very close to where i was actually. fantastic show and much better than the 2008 show because although the tent was full it was not packed full of kids (which it was in 2008). i'm guessing more videos are on the way? This is a comment on a file from the review gallery. View File Reply

• On 10/30/08 at 11:17pm trimmer said: super quality video man - what an intro to their set... gnarly bass. This is a comment on a file from the review gallery. View File Reply