Photo of Kayzo by Michael O’Connor
The Old Rock House erupted with unstoppable raving energy on Saturday, July 26th. Machaki kicked off the night with thunderous wubs and hypnotic visuals, striking the delicate balance required of an opening electronic act. His set was delivered with finesse, setting the stage perfectly for what came next.
I’ve been going to electronic shows since 2021, and it’s rare to see a pit this alive. Almost the entire ground floor was opened up, setting up for beastboi’s (Khai Adams) heavy riddim drops. Adams himself had an ecstatic energy as well, his passion unmistakable in every beat he threw down. Adams has seen major growth this year especially, collaborating with heavyweights across the electronic music scene. With one of his recent releases including his track “next to me” with BARELY ALIVE.
Calcium (Adam Cooley) played a banging riddim setlist before the headliner. Originally from Texas, Cooley has played at large stages like Beyond Wonderland, while also having his tracks played by other big artists like Excision, Svdden Death, and Subtronics. His set stood out for its depth in sound design—layered and technical, Cooley has mastered the art of musical experimentation.
I was put onto Kayzo’s (Hayden Capuozzo) music by a friend back in 2022 (when he released his most recent album, NEW BREED) and haven’t looked back. His music is a beyond-impressive combination of heavy metal, dubstep, and club-like tracks, and he is known for having setlists that mix these genres with seamless precision. The Old Rock House was set with lasers that painted lines throughout the venue and heavy LEDs that complimented these tracks extremely well. Capuozzo has historically partnered with other major artists as well, a few being Sullivan King, RIOT, and Gammer. Hearing his setlist integrating these familiar tracks was a testament to his artistry and craft.
As the final neon lasers sliced through the haze, the crowd still buzzed with energy, not ready for the night to be over. What lingered after the last drop was a shared understanding that this show prioritized the music over the spectacle of large productions. Stepping out of the Old Rock House, adrenaline high and ears still ringing, it was clear that this lineup and intimate venue brought to light something deeper: a reminder of why we fall in love with sound in the first place. Moments like these to be rare now, but Saturday night was undeniably special, all at the Old Rock House. | Michael O’Connor
