GJONES PATHS TOUR - LIVE CONCERT REVIEW

I attended Gjones' Paths Live Tour on October 20, 2023, at the renowned Hollywood Palladium, where he, Lunice, and Eprom played.

This was my third time watching Gjones, and it was an out of body experience. Greg Jones, or Gjones, is well-known for his enthralling electronic music, which he created using synthesizers, drum machines, and MIDI controllers. Lunice, a renowned Canadian producer and DJ, brought his distinct blend of hip-hop and electronic music to the stage, while Eprom, known for his experimental bass-heavy sound, rounded out the exciting lineup. The evening took place in the lovely setting of the Hollywood Palladium, a renowned theater that has held a plethora of iconic shows over the years. The event began at 8:00 PM, allowing spectators to immerse themselves in an evening of captivating music.

The genre of the performances revolved around electronic music, with each artist bringing their own distinct style to the stage. These guys’ music flow into many different genres such as dubstep, drum and bass, acid house, techno, and hip-hop. Lunice, who opened first, showcased his innovative approach to combining hip-hop and electronic music, playing hits like "Run Around" and "Dollaz.” He even played one of SOPHIE’s “Faceshopping,” a classic SOPHIE song that stood out to me. I think any DJ who plays SOPHIE knows how much it means to fans due to hear death in 2019. Eprom's set was characterized by heavy basslines and intricate sound design, with tracks like "Pineapple" and "What’s Her Name" taking the audience on a sonic journey. His set introduced a four-part series that took the crowd into an immersive experience through his sounds over time. Gjones presented a fusion of bass music, glitch-hop, and experimental sounds, captivating the audience with tracks like "Remnant" and "Time."

The audience at the Hollywood Palladium was a diverse mix of music enthusiasts and wooks, ranging from long-time fans of the artists to newcomers excited to experience their unique sounds. The atmosphere was electric, with a palpable sense of anticipation and enthusiasm. People were dancing, cheering, and fully immersed in the music, creating a vibrant and energetic ambiance throughout the venue. It always puts me in shock when I see people who are obviously not in the same lane as me, like a middle-aged white male, but they are still headbanging to the songs that I am headbanging to.

The performances by Gjones, Lunice, and Eprom were nothing short of phenomenal. The artists' technical skills, creativity, and stage presence were truly captivating, and they succeeded in creating an immersive and engaging experience for the audience. Lunice playing the most obscene sounds and dancing to the beats with us was a great memory. The visual production, including stunning light displays and mesmerizing visuals, enhanced the overall ambiance and added another layer of depth to the performances. I remember when Eprom came on and his stage presence was so calm but when the music came on, he had the cool-guy vibe to him. When Gjones came on, I was feeling so many emotions. I was happy, then sad-happy, but then I was hyped. I would say he gives off the vibe of if Aphex Twin and Autechre had a baby. Compared to his last albums, Jones used this LP Paths to burst the American EDM bubble that he's been caught in for most of his career. With "Perpetual Bloom, a blissed-out hardware improv session, and the nostalgia-soaked "Remnant," the album reveals a more subdued technique on his part.

From my perspective, the performers undeniably succeeded in delivering an outstanding show. The combination of talented musicians, a vibrant atmosphere, and stunning visuals created a show that was worth every moment. Whether you were a long-time fan or a newcomer to electronic music, the performances by Gjones, Lunice, and Eprom offer a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe.