Kevin Bronson on April 15th, 2013

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Who: New Order in the Mojave Tent
In 3 or Fewer Words: Dreams never end.
Memorable Because: New Order dedicated my favorite song of theirs (“Perfect Kiss”) to my favorite city (Los Angeles). With plenty of synth hooks – if no Peter Hook – the venerable electronic rock band was itself perfect. Bernard Sumner wore his own band’s T-shirt, an uncomfortable reminder that this was pre-packaged, professionally polished New Order product that we had come out to the desert to receive, but it didn’t matter. They sounded ageless. I didn’t think it could get better than “Isolation” and “Bizarre Love Triangle,” but their incredible rendition of “Temptation” sent people running out of the tent in fits divided between joy and shellshock. Okay, actually, I’m the only one who did that. But it was sublime. “Age of Consent” was left off the playlist, but a couple Joy Division songs in the encore (“Atmosphere” and “Love Will Tear Us Apart”) made up for it. For the myriad of musical experiences Coachella offers, it’s still tough to beat exemplary musicianship and virtuoso aptitude.
What I’d Tell My Friend Who Was At Phoenix: If you heard a rumor that Daft Punk was playing in an abandoned warehouse in Juarez, would you go there, too? Hope the nonsensical R. Kelly cameo was worth it.
– Ben “Mouse” McShane (Photo by Scott Dudelson)