As clouds filled the Utah sky and the heat dropped off, festivalgoers became even more excited for Day 2 of Kilby Block Party. Though we had somewhat of a later start than yesterday, we made it just in time for my most anticipated set of the whole festival.
When looking at all the artists playing this weekend, Jane Remover sticks out like a sore thumb, genre-wise. Hyperpop and hardstyle were nowhere else to be found on the lineup. But fans showed up and showed out for her, moshing and dancing like they would at any one of her own shows. The Mountain Stage physically shook for 50 minutes straight.
Back to back with Jane was Between Friends, an LA-based brother-sister duo who have been making music since 2018. The Hudson siblings have come a long way from being the indie soundtrack to my high school memories. Their performance was an absolute standout; my eyes could not look away, and neither could anyone else. By the end of their first song, 20,000 fans had crowded in to watch the magic that is Savannah Hudson’s stage presence.
Briston Maroney’s set was the perfect cooldown, with his Appalachian indie-folk sounds and infectious positive energy. He made a memorable Kilby Block Party debut, closing out his set with a cover of Oasis’ “Champagne Supernova” and his own “Freakin’ Out on the Interstate.”
Shortly after, from across the grounds, you could hear the soaring vocals of Abigail Morris, lead singer of The Last Dinner Party. This all-female rock band from London took the stage in lace and babydoll dresses, commanding the stage and rocking out.
From then on, I was constantly popping in and out of stages, since many of the acts I loved overlapped. Lucy Dacus, The Moss, Quadeca, Alex G; all incredible artists whose performances made the late afternoon as pleasant as the weather was.
As I made my way to the main stage for the final time that day, I stepped into the year 2016. The XX closed out Saturday, reminding everyone why they were truly the "it band" of the early 2010s, and that they still got it.
