Stoned at a none-existing desert

Desertfest New York – Day 1

Knockdown Center New York City, New York 20220513

Someone once pointed out, that there is no desert in Berlin. Still the collective Desertfest celebrating California’s very own genre has its origins in Europe. And now, another time they bring their favorite music to the Big Apple, more precise the Knockdown Center in Queens.

After the warm-up at Saint Vitus Bar, day one presents one highlight after another on two stages like e.g. Geezer, who will appear at HPS Fest as well. Due to the circumstances, the line-up had its changes and Monster Magnet and Stoned Jesus cancelled. But asking the visitors on social media, there were enough ideas for great replacements.

One of them are Mothership, who toured with the brothers from Ukraine already. Even though there is still light outside, they party like it is late at night. Especially guitarist Kelley Juett’s behavior full of energy reminds of legendary Angus Young running around the stage.

The likeable frontman of Orange Goblin, Ben Ward, recalls that they played their first show overseas 20 years ago in Brooklyn. Highlights like „Sons of Salem“, „Turbo Effalunt (Elephant)“ and „Renegade“ which they dedicate to Lemmy get the pit going like they did at SBOA.

Another happy replacement is John Garcia and The Band of Gold. The voice of the former Kyuss vocalist still flows strongly above the Fuzz. And not surprising, they include many tunes of the pioneer band like „Gardenia“, „100 Degrees“ and „Green Machine“ as they did with Vista Chino. 

As rare, loud and pressuring final for the first day, the veterans of Corrosion of Conformity do the honors. Their Hardcore Southern Sludge mix is amazing to step out into the night. Of course they perform „Albatross“ and at the end, the only pity is, when you can’t see the rest of this great festival and more attractions like Baroness, High On Fire and Red Fang.