Coachella 2023 Favorites: Gorillaz, Sofi Tukker, Wet Leg, more!

"The Messengers" by Kumkum Fernando, comprises three monolithic figures, which appear at first as giant robots or action figures. But his “idols” — arranged in a row to create a colorful gathering place — pack volumes of meaning into their larger-than-life forms. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Robert Kinsler highlights six of his favorite performances caught at 2023's Weekend 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Images and details about some of the festival's impressive artwork is also featured in this post. A special "thank you" to Goldenvoice for the use of so many outstanding images taken at Coachella.

Los Angeles–based artist and architect Güvenç Özel engages the spectrum of human experience, from the physical to the virtual. His 60-foot-tall Holoflux is a portal to a broad digital ecosystem of ever-changing forms that you experience throughout the day. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Friday, April 21

Rhian Teasdale, left, and Hester Chambers of
Wet Leg. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Wet Leg — British indie rock duo Wet Leg (featuring singer-guitarists Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers) had a blast throughout their 40-minute late afternoon set in the Mojave tent. In fact, several times during the performance of "Too Late Now" Teasdale started laughing uncontrollably, obviously immersed in the moment. Wet Leg's super catchy New Wave-flavored indie rock was performed with an infectious energy that had concertgoers packed in the tent moving and responding to invitations to sing along. The opener "Being in Love," indie hit "Wet Dream" and ambitious "Obvious" (the latter with its Mazzy Star-flavored intro) were among the wonderful songs unleashed. Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl even joined in the fun during "Ur Mum," where he joined the band and crowd for an extremely loud and extended scream. During the closing song, the band's hit "Chaise Lounge," drummer Henry Holmes helped propel the favorite to new heights with his hard-hitting style.

Burna Boy — Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy led a large ensemble of backing singers and musicians — including a great horn section — for an intoxicating set on the Coachella Stage. The Nigerian artist and company artfully blended soul, reggae, R&B and world music across a masterful set. He closed his 50-minute appearance with a moving take on the anthemic "Last Last."

De La Soul with Damon Albarn, right, of Gorillaz. 
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Gorillaz fans who caught the Damon Albarn-fronted collective on the Coachella Stage on April 21 were treated to a parade of bona fide surprises. Indeed, when Albarn declared early in the set that "Weekend 2 is better than Weekend 1," he wasn't kidding. Beck, Little Simz, Thundercat, Bootie Brown and that night's headliner — Bad Bunny — were among the high-profile guests who made notable appearances during the virtual band's 75-minute set. Highlights of the outing included the aforementioned Beck joining Damon for an energy-filled "The Valley of the Pagans," a killer run through the infectious title track ("Thunder Island") from the latest Gorillaz album with guest Thundercat, the powerful and timely "Kids With Guns" and shimmering "New Gold" (the latter featuring Bootie Brown). Gorillaz' best-known material capped the set, with De La Soul joining the fun for a spirited take on "Feel Good Inc." and Del the Funky Homosapien sharing the stage for "Clint Eastwood."

Saturday, April 22

Bratty — Culiacán, Sinaloa native Jenny Juárez brought her bedroom pop meets garage rock project known as Bratty to the Sonora Tent on Saturday afternoon. Singing in Spanish, her catchy rock style and obvious strengths as a singer and rhythm guitarist were obvious throughout her brief 35-minute set. Only 22, this charismatic young artist is definitely one to watch.

Ethel Cain on April 22, 2023.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Ethel Cain — Singer-songwriter Ethel Cain's riveting performance in the Sonora Tent was among the best performances I caught on Saturday. Armed with a voice that is as emotionally detailed as it is beautiful, Cain delivered a seven-song set highlighted by the heavy "Family Tree," rootsy "Thoroughfare" (the latter featuring Cain's great harmonica work), brooding "Gibson Girl" and dramatic closer "Crush." 

Fans dancing during Sofi Tukker's performance on the Outdoor Theatre on April 22.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Sofi Tukker — Florida-based duo Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern — attracted a massive crowd to the Outdoor Theatre on Saturday. Halpern took the stage and asked: "Coachella!... Are we ready?" Almost instantly the large grass field was transformed into a gigantic dance floor with thousands of Coachellagoers moving to the undeniable groove of the duo's 2015 single "Drinkee." The momentum of their 55-minute outing seemed to gain sway by the minute. A creative stage setup with curved monkey bars (that doubled as a percussive instrument), a swing made from vines utilized by Hawley Weld on "Matadora" and exciting dance troupe known as Bob's Dance Shop collectively amplified the rush. Standouts included "Sacrifice" with Hawley-Weld's beautiful vocals showcased, the Latin-mining "Jacaré," catchy "Batshit" (the latter featuring Hawley-Weld's flashy lead guitar work) and rapid-fire closer "Purple Hat." 

Robert Kinsler

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Fridays, April