Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2024: Weekend 2 Recap

Coachella at night / Photo by Robert Kinsler

2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

When: April 19-21, 2024

Where: Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA

What follows is followup coverage to an article published in Desert Star Weekly on April 24, 2024 highlighting Robert Kinsler and writer George A. Paul's favorite moments of Weekend 2 of the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival held Friday-Sunday, April 19-21, 2024 in Indio, CA. Below is Robert Kinsler's specific take on the event. Read the original coverage including George A. Paul's essential reviews of his favorite three performances HERE.

Pictured: "Dancing In The Sky" art installation by Morag Myerscough
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Lance Gerber

2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

When: April 19-21, 2024

Where: Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA

Friday, April 19, 2024

Pictured: Late Night Drive Home performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Mykiaela Pierre-Louis 

Although Narrow Head delivered an entertaining and hard-rocking set that recalled the raw approach of Dinosaur Jr., it was an exhilarating 35-minute outing from Late Night Drive Home that really impressed me early Friday afternoon. The Texas-based band's wonderful sound recalled a combination of early U2, Old 97's and The Replacements and the use of three electric guitars gave an extra boost to their set.

Pictured: The Japanese House performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Demian Becerra

The next standout for day 1 of weekend 2 was a strong performance from England's the Japanese House (the moniker for singer-songwriter Amber Bain). Performing in the Mojave Tent before a discerning crowd, her 40-minute set allowed her to showcase her signature blend of indie rock, folk rock, dream pop and even tinges of jazz. The bouncy "Touching Yourself," sumptuous "Boyhood" (the latter a single from her second album In The End It Always Does) and lovely closer "Sunshine Baby" were among the terrific originals Bain played.

Pictured: Faye Webster performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Julian Bajsel

Equally powerful was American singer-songwriter Faye Webster, who impressed from the opening "But Not Kiss" with its atmospheric soundscape surrounding her captivating soprano and and her band's dynamic sonic bursts. Her 40-minute set was filled with great originals showcasing her alt country-meets-indie pop sound. The Americana-styled "Wanna Quit All The Time," bewitching "Thinking About You," dreamy "Right Side Of My Neck" and confessional "A Dream With a Baseball Player" were other highlights of her outing in the Mojave Tent.

Pictured: Jordan Feller performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Nicole Busch

After the sun went down, I caught a good part of the sets from both Neil Frances and headliner Lana Del Rey. The better of these performances was the energetic electronica duo Neil Frances featuring Southern California native Marc Gilfry and Australia-born Jordan Feller who pumped up a packed Gobi Tent with their high energy dance music.

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Pictured: Erika de Casier performing on April 20.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Demian Becerra

Erika de Casier performed early Saturday bringing a cool Zero 7 meets chill to the Gobi Tent. This writer was not familiar with the Portuguese-born Danish singer-songwriter, but her 40-minute set established a wonderful mood.

Pictured: The Aquabats performing on April 20.
Photo courtesy of Coachella /
Photo credit: Demian Becerra

Fans of '90s alt rock had plenty to celebrate on Saturday. Whether by accident or design, pop-punk ska heroes The Aquabats, reggae punk outfit Sublime, groundbreaking Britpop favorites Blur and Orange County-spawned hitmakers No Doubt all performed on the bill at Coachellafest within the span of 7 hours.

With their masks and matching superhero costumes the Aquabats fused catchy high-energy songs, bona fide comedy, costumed villains and tossing of inflated props into the crowd to engage the excited audience throughout a fast-moving 45-minute set. The band's musical brew is a winning mix of alt rock and punk with a dose of ska, new wave and synth-pop for good measure.

From the melodic punk opener "Pool Party!" and Devo-flavored "Karate Body!" to several new originals ("No Rewind!" and "Doctor Space Mummy!" from the forthcoming album Finally! coming in June), the troupe thrilled the Sonora tent with their fun approach. Some of my favorite selections included the horns-adorned "No Rewind!", ska-punk cut "Martian Day!" and closer "The Shark Fighter!" 

Pictured: Jakob Nowell performing with Sublime.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / 
Photo credit: Anna Downs

Anyone wondering how Sublime could possibly at Coachella 2024 perform given the death of lead singer/guitarist Brad Nowell from a heroin overdose back in 1996 quickly learned what was happening given a short video tribute that preceded the third wave ska band's late afternoon set on the Coachella Stage. In late 2023, founding members Eric Wilson (bass) and Bud Gaugh (drums) reunited to perform with Brad Nowell's son Jakob Nowell for a benefit show. The 28-year-old Nowell (who does sound remarkably like his late father) led the band through an entertaining set of punk rock, ska punk and reggae-tinged favorites including "What I Got," "Wrong Way," "April 29, 1992 (Miami)" and the festive closer "Santeria."

Pictured: Blur performing on April 20, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Alden Bonecutter

Blur delivered a powerful and affecting hour-long set on Saturday night, featuring a track listing that featured originals pulled from across the English quartet's 30-year career. Highlights included early gems ("Trouble in the Message Centre," "Popscene"), new standouts from the band's glorious 2023 return The Ballad of Darren ("St. Charles Square," "The Narcissist"), as well as classics including "Song 2," "Trimm Trabb" with Damon Albarn's dynamic vocals and "Beetlebum" — the latter bolstered by Graham Coxon's extended lead guitar explosions at the song's finale). The band was also joined on stage by the Torres Martinez Cahuilla Bird Singers to add rich Native American sonic layers to several songs including "Death of a Party" and the moving closer "Tender." 

Before performing "Tender" Albarn noted: "So, in the spirit of transparency and truth, this is probably our last gig and the last time we play this song...no reflection on Coachella. I love Coachella, it's beautiful."

If the cryptic words from Albarn on stage are true and this was Blur's last-ever show, the band (which also includes bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree) have forged an incredible legacy of compelling and lasting rock.

Pictured: No Doubt performing on April 20, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Alden Bonecutter

When No Doubt performed at Weekend 1 of Coachella on April 13 it marked the first live performance by the Orange County hitmakers in nine years. So while the "wow!" factor of the band's Weekend 2 appearance may have not been there, don't tell that to the many thousands of excited fans who packed the field in front of the Coachella Stage to catch the band's 80-minute set. Singer Gwen Stefani led the band (which still features other founding members guitarist Tom Dumont, bassist Tony Kanal and drummer Adrian Young) through a hits-filled set. From the dance-fueled opener "Hella Good" and propulsive new wave followup "Sunday Morning" to an animated take on Talk Talk's "It's My Life" and wistful "Simple Kind of Life," the band hit a home run. The group's effective set list ended with a one-two-three knockout featuring "Just a Girl," "Don't Speak" and "Spiderwebs."

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Pictured: Mdou Moctar performing on April 21, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Charles Reagan

Concertgoers who get to Coachella early are often rewarded with the ability to get wonderfully close to performances and also some of the more interesting artists on the bill. Take those who caught Mdou Moctar in the Gobi Tent on Sunday. A Tuareg songwriter and musician based in Niger, his bewitching virtuoso skills on guitar and the exotic sounds of his band somehow seemingly blended Western jam rock, hard rock and traditional African music. 

Pictured: Olivia Dean performing on April 21.
Photo courtesy of Coachella /
Photo credit: Alden Bonecutter

Rising British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean made the most of her short 40-minute set on Sunday afternoon, performing her intoxicating fusion of Neo-soul and Motown mining R&B with a marvelous seven-member band whose talents collectively elevated the performance. Highlights included the uptempo "OK Love You Bye," the joyous dance cut "Reason To Stay," heartfelt tribute to her grandmother "Carmen" and inspired "Dive." There was a palpable connection between the songstress and the audience during the memorable performance. 

2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Preview

Coachellagoers walk past "The Messengers," an art installation by artist Kumkum Fernando. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Music writers Robert Kinsler and George A. Paul each highlight some of their must-see artists coming to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Taking place over consecutive weekends at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Coachellafest will be held April 12-14 and again April 19-21, 2024. This year's headliners are Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator, Doja Cat and No Doubt. There are countless emerging and established artists performing this year.

Fridays, April 12 and 19

Brittany Howard / Photo credit: Bobbi Rich

Brittany Howard — Just two months after the release of her acclaimed album What Now, five-time Grammy Award-winning artist Brittany Howard will bring her soulful and high powered approach to Coachellagoers in Indio. The former singer-guitarist of Alabama Shakes, Howard's 2019 debut Jamie landed on a slew of best-of-the-year lists including The New York Times, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork; it was named NPR's album of the year too. (RK)

Lana Del Rey
Photo credit: Chuck Grant

Lana Del Rey — Acclaimed singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey will bring her parade of wide-ranging hits and stylish approach as the headlining artist on both Fridays of Coachella this month. Last year the New York City native was named the Greatest American Songwriter of the 21st Century by Rolling Stone UK, and her wonderful powers as a vocalist bolster the delivery of wonderful songs such as the dreamy "Video Games," melancholy-adorned "Candy Necklace," electronica-tinged "Doin' Time," piano-anchored soft rock ballad "The Greatest" and shimmering "Say Yes To Heaven." Since the release of her major label debut Born to Die in 2012, the songstress has successfully fused and explored a growing number of styles in her celebrated work. (RK)

Saturdays, April 13 and 20

Sublime — When Sublime founding singer-guitarist Bradley Nowell passed away  in 1996, the band broke up and it appeared the trio from Long Beach, CA might be forgotten. However, the band's third full-length album released two months after Nowell's death spawned the huge enduring hit "What I Got" and interest remained in the reggae rockers. In 2023, founding members Eric Wilson (bass) and Bud Gaugh (drums) announced the reforming of Sublime with Nowell's talented son Jakob Nowell — the band performed at a benefit show at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles, and are now set to make a more high-profile return via their Coachella appearances where they will undoubtedly perform energetic classics such as "Wrong Way," "Santeria" and "What I Got." (RK)

British rock great Blur 
Photo credit: Reuben Bastienne Lewis

Blur — During the Nineties, this London quartet spearheaded the Britpop music movement thanks to an inclination toward making eclectic music – a trait singer/songwriter Damon Albarn continues with Gorillaz and other solo projects. Best known in America for the modern rock radio hits “Song 2” (ubiquitous at sporting events), “Girls & Boys” and “There’s No Other Way,” Blur notched a dozen top 10 hits in the U.K. Last year, it headlined two nights at Wembley Stadium there and released their atmospheric, reflective ninth album The Ballad of Darren alongside producer James Ford (Arctic Monkeys). Guitarist/singer Graham Coxon said the songs, recorded with everyone in the same room, were “loaded with the right intention and emotion.” No stranger to Coachella, Blur has played Indio twice before. (GAP)

Bleachers / Photo credit: Alex Lockett

Bleachers — A decade ago, following stints in Steel Train and fun., mild mannered New Jersey native Jack Antonoff launched Bleachers. It is essentially a one-man-band by the Grammy-winning producer/musician (Taylor Swift, St. Vincent), who often crafts rousing rock anthems with multiple instruments and prominent use of saxophone, lending comparisons to Bruce Springsteen (The Boss even appeared on ’20 single “Chinatown”). Bleachers’ popular adult and alt-rock radio singles include “I Wanna Get Better,” “Rollercoaster,” “Don’t Take the Money,” “Stop Making This Hurt,” and recently, “Modern Girl.” The excellent new eponymous fourth album contains guest appearances from Florence Welch, St. Vincent, and Matt Healy of The 1975. Antonoff has also worked with Lana Del Rey, so his Coachella set could easily have some special guests. (GAP)

The Drums / Photo credit: Qiao Meng

The Drums – Singer Jonny Pierce co-founded The Drums in 2008. Two years later, the NYC pop/rock band’s self-titled debut made major inroads in England, where several singles charted there and in Mexico. The reverb-drenched vocals, melodic guitars and keyboard-driven sound frequently recalls the Eighties heyday of Postcard and Rough Trade Records acts. By 2017’s Abysmal Thoughts, The Drums transitioned into a solo vehicle for Pierce, a LGBTQ artist who writes songs with unflinchingly honest lyrics. Last year, The Drums’ old giddy jangle pop gem
“Money” went viral on social media and was certified gold here. Seventh studio album Johnny finds noted female hip hop singer Rico Nasty guesting on “Dying.” A new deluxe version expands the latest release to 21 tracks. (GAP) 

Sundays, April 14 and 21

Taking Back Sunday
Photo credit: Ashley Osborn

Taking Back Sunday — Long Island's Taking Back Sunday was definitely among the more captivating emo/post-hardcore bands to emerge in the late 1990s/early 2000s. A Warped Tour regular, they gained popularity from the get-go with indie album Tell All Your Friends. Yet when guitarist Fred Mascherino joined for Where You Want to Be, his playing style and interlocking vocal interplay with frontman Adam Lazzara took everything up a notch. Modern rock radio hits “Make Damn Sure,” “A Decade Under the Influence,” and “Liar” were prime examples. The intervening years have seen several lineup changes. Solid latest album 152, named after a long-running in-joke between band members, contains what Lazzara said is “a lot of fun stuff and more pop-influenced material.” (GAP) 

TBA

No Doubt — Few people expected a reunion of the massively successful alt-rock and ska band from Anaheim, considering singer Gwen Stefani’s busy solo career, Vegas residencies, coaching stints on NBC’s “The Voice,” clothing and beauty lines and various singles with husband Blake Shelton. Coachella will mark the foursome’s first gig together in nine years. No Doubt’s last studio album was 2012’s underrated Push and Shove. Stefani told Jimmy Kimmel they plan to play a deep cut from 1995’s diamond-certified Tragic Kingdom. Chances are good that fans will also hear some big hits like “Spiderwebs,” “Sunday Morning,” “Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak,” “Hella Good,” “Hey Baby,” and the fine cover of Talk Talk’s “It’s My Life.” (GAP)