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[title]Although most festivalgoers poured through the gates bruised and sleep-deprived, day two of the EDM spectacle Spring Awakening music festival brought in even higher levels of attendance and excitement to Solider Field. And, with guests such as Zedd, Nicky Romero, NERVO and eminent EDM emperor Bassnectar, the performances were there to match.
The massive crowd on Saturday also highlighted the difference of electronic shows from other genres—for most attendees, the sum was greater than each of its parts, as the music was equally important to the spectacle of the fest (glow sticks, neon fur boots, tutus, etc.).
An overlooked element of an EDM festival is the minimal set-up time needed between acts. The show’s set times ran like clockwork, and the crowd's energy was consistent. “Da Drive Tent” welcomed Chicago house DJ veteran Zebo, who spinned old favorites while improvising some tracks on the spot. Flosstradamus made their Chicago return with the night’s most versatile set, weaving more deep house and dance music samples with hip-hop additives, such as the repetition of Ace Hood’s infamous lyrics “I woke up in a new Bugatti” and pieces of Missy Elliot’s “Work It.”
To end the night, Bassnectar’s performance was just as spectacular as the brightly colored crowd had hoped, hitting its peak as his set on the main stage inside Soldier Field was hit by a sudden rainstorm during the guitar-driven “Falling,” causing the audience to respond to the shimmering raindrops with enthusiastic screams as he asked, “Can you feel it?”