Some of the finest music festival moments involve discovering underrated artists overshadowed by the pomp and circumstance of prominent headliners. This year’s Sonic Bloom Festival in South Park, Colo., amalgamated a slew of electronic artists, both unknown and renowned, to create a lineup that was the perfect combination of Colorado jamtronica, psychedelic trance and electro-funk. There is no denying that headliners, such as Simon Postford of Shpongle and the Polish Ambassador, put on phenomenal shows, but what really set this event apart from other festivals were sets performed by the underdogs. Whether it was the compounding of performance art or simply the ability to incite an infectious dance party, the following five acts stood out in particular.

 1. Marvel Years

A producer of just 20 years old, Cory Wythe threw down a set at Sonic Bloom which could be compared to the likes of DJs who have been spinning live for a decade. Reminiscent of Colorado’s beloved king of electronica, Derek Vincent Smith of Pretty Lights, the music of Marvel Years is a layered symphony comprised of hip-hop, glitch and funk influences. Wythe gripped the audience with a variety of original tracks and remixes, most notably an innovative electronic take on the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter,” arguably the most famous rock n’ roll song of all time. I arrived at the Marvel Years show with the intention of only staying a few minutes, but found myself too enthralled to leave. The funk-infused dance party triggered by this promising youth far exceeded the sets of several big-name headliners.

 Connect with Marvel Years:

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud

 

2. Signal Path

Too often the electronic genre is polluted by press-play DJs absent of any genuine musical abilities. Luckily, the Montana quartet dubbed Signal Path is quite the opposite. Composed of a full live band, electronic overtones are just a flavor enhancer for a raw instrumental technique which could easily stand on its own. Signal Path’s set was scheduled smack dab in the middle of a savage wind storm, causing the valley to morph into a hideous dust bowl. Nevertheless, Sonic Bloom attendees fastened protective bandanas to shield their noses and mouths, and the show carried on. The rhythmic, genre-bending sound of Signal Path translated into a phenomenal live set that was significantly more interesting than performances by certain headliners.

 Connect with Signal Path:

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3. Desert Dwellers

A transformational festival, Sonic Bloom seeks out artists who incite transcendental live music experiences. Desert Dwellers make sacred bass music that is ripe with spiritual meaning and shifts the listener into an otherworldly mindset. Their set at Sonic Bloom adhered to this mantra, as the entire crowd was spellbound by their psychedelic sound enhanced by stunning aerial performances. By connecting with the crowd on a deeply personal level, Desert Dwellers put on one of the most memorable sets at Sonic Bloom.

Connect with Desert Dwellers:

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4. Krooked Drivers

In all of my years of attending live shows, I have never witnessed more magnetic stage presence than that delivered by Colorado-based duo Krooked Drivers. On top of producing some of the best electro-funk that has ever graced my ears, Donnie Dalbora and Maddie O’neal possess an unparalleled ability to connect with their audience. By singing along to every word and dancing wildly on stage, Krooked Drivers put on the best dance party at Sonic Bloom, hands down. The most memorable moment of their Hummingbird Stage set had to be their performance of the DMX x Albert King remix “Where the Hood At?” Check out the track below and try not to fall in love with Krooked Drivers.

Connect with Krooked Drivers:

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5. Birds of Paradise

Similar to the effect Desert Dwellers has on its listeners, Birds of Paradise takes you on mystical journey with their music. I had never heard of the California-based duo until randomly stumbling upon their set at Sonic Bloom, but quickly found I had discovered something special. Their booming sound is powerful without being abrasive, fine-tuned by psychedelic overtones and pristine sound design. The Colorado Dome Stage was an apt setting for the Birds of Paradise set, as the acoustical reverberation of the stage allowed the robust sound to bounce off the metal structure with ease. By delivering a set which you could feel from the inside out, Birds of Paradise surpassed the likes of competing headliners.

Connect with Birds of Paradise:

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PHOTO CREDITS:

[Signal Path]

[Desert Dwellers]

[Birds of Paradise]

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