Kevin Bronson on April 14th, 2012

1

Who: Refused on the Outdoor Stage
In 3 or Fewer Words: Argh! Yeah! Woo!
Memorable Because: Dennis Lyxzén is the best frontman not named Cocker at Coachella this year, and his constant outpouring of emotional musings and sincere thanks between songs gave depth and heart to Refused’s frenetic tempo shifts and harsh leftist lyrics. A bleeding heart beats beneath Lyxzén’s scathing screams, and last night’s historic show was more of a post-hardcore lovefest than an angry revolutionary mosh pit. Every song thrilled, but “Worms of the Senses / Faculties of the Skull” sent chills. Today’s new noise is forever wed to Refused and their prophetic “The Shape of Punk to Come.” Last night’s reunion renewed the vow, a classic entry in the Annals of Coachella.
What I’d Tell My Friends Who Were at Swedish House Mafia: You got it backwards, you’re supposed to take the first bus out of Coca-Cola City.
– Ben “Mouse” McShane