Northcoast Festival Reviewed

“I don't know think I will be getting home soon man. I think some kind of circus happened,” said a bewildered man on a cell phone who was looking at hundreds of sweaty festies try to pile onto the green line “L” train in Chicago after North Coast Music Festival's fourth year had came to a close. All three days was a circus indeed, with thousands of “coasties” who come in all different varieties, putting on their best tye dye, fest gear or costumes to enjoy labor day weekend with an amazing lineup of artists. Here are some of the Best Ofs and highlights of the weekend:

Most Obnoxious Headliner: Chicago weather
Although Passion Pit was set to headline Friday, Chicago weather was the headliner when it dropped the bass full of thunder clouds, high winds and heavy rains pelted down on everyone. Passion Pit suffered the most whose entire gear got destroyed by the storm forcing the band to only play a DJ set instead of their usual live electronic set. On Sunday an early evacuation also cut Lotus' set short, making Chicago weather one of the most obnoxious things one would have to deal with.

Most Underrated Set: Just Blaze
Even though he was just playing the small Dos Equis stage, legendary producer Just Blaze went through a set that featured mostly his very own productions, including classic songs from Jay Z, Joe Budden and Kanye West. The classic hip hop set was really a treat for hip hop heads who understand the genius production of Just Blaze.

Most Upbeat Set: Bondax
Bondax brought a little of Britain to Chicago with their upbeat and bouncy set that would be best comparable to Disclosure or Joe Goddard of Hot Chip, but they also had their own sound in the mix. Stabbing piano chords and a buoyant bass line kept the audience in a hypnotic groove with some 90's inspired background visuals that reminded me of Save by the Bell.

Most Ethereal Set: Purity Ring
When I think of Purity Ring vocalist Megan James' voice I think of a mermaid singing deep within the depths of the lost mythical city of Atlantis. Corrin Roddick's live mixing and voice effects added, gave it an even more magical sound that put the packed Coast Stage into a euphoric trance.

Most Surprising Set: Skream
Skream, one of the founders of the underground UK dubstep scene, announced earlier this year that he was quitting dubstep because he feels like “it's over.” I knew about this before seeing his set, but I just didn't know that Skream would deliver one of the most interesting and unique sets of not just the entire weekend, but probably ever. His set incorporated rolling bass with hints of underground warehouse and UK bass music. Elements of the legendary German producers Kraftwerk were really evident in his set, especially during a warped remix of “Call Me Maybe.”

Best Item Seen on a Stick: Umbrella Jellyfish
While partying at night under the trees at the Last Stand Stage, the homemade light up Jellyfish that creative coasties made out of clear umbrella's really added to the mood and illuminated the night.

Most Mind Warping Set: Gramatik
Gramatik hit the decks at the North Stage and sent tsunamis with crowd with the amounts of bass he sent through the subwoofers. His set had twists and turns at every end and was completely void of the American dubstep sound that Skrillex made so popular earlier in the year.

Best Stage Set Up: Purity Ring
Purity Ring's signature light up cocoons decorated the stage and although they aren't as full of impact as they would be in a smaller venue, it still gave the audience a sense of intimacy, as if we were all gathered in the woods to enjoy their eclectic set.

Funniest Conversation Heard in the Crowd:
Drunk Guy 1: How do you feel about the color Maroon?
Drunk Guy 2: I think it's underrated bro.