In traditional Utah fashion, the previous two beautiful sunny days were followed by a finale of frigid rain and sharp winds. But that did not stop us from getting an early start to the day. The local home-grown Bad Luck Brigade kicked us off with an incredible high-energy and funky set.
The afternoon kept us busy as we popped in to see Freakslug, Flipturn and American Football; it seemed for each set the crowd packed in tighter and tighter, trying to keep themselves warm. Flipturn was especially exciting to see. After being a casual listener for so long, I was reminded of how great they really are by their live performance.
Like an “Angel on a Satellite," Magdalena Bay’s Mica Tenenbaum was light as air, floating across the stage. With incredible props and visuals, the duo delivered a performance equally as stunning as their latest album, Imaginal Disk.
Back at the main stage, fans packed in. All anticipating Hayley Williams’ first-ever solo festival appearance. Her most recent album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, made major waves and cemented her as a frontwoman-turned-soloist to be revered for the ages. Similarly to Turnstile, her set was in true punk form and was both raw and political.
The wind and rain didn’t quit, but neither did festivalgoers, as Sunday was the most attendees ever recorded in Kilby Block Party history.
This can most likely be attributed to perhaps the festival’s biggest headliner ever, none other than Lorde herself. A Utah debut paired with an electrifying rain performance; Lorde gave Kilby Block Party a show to remember.
As a small (but mighty) team here at Barricade Magazine, we are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to attend and cover Kilby Block Party. We cannot recommend this festival enough and are excited to see what next year brings. Thank you, S&S Presents, and thank you, Salt Lake City, Utah!
