Paint-soaked and adrenalized, a massive crowd of human canvases counts down the seconds approaching the inevitable, the colorful, the “Big Bang”.

Although doused in a chemical substance may not appear to be the ideal way of enjoying a concert, “Life in Color” proved to be a surprisingly messy way of indulging in the energetic atmosphere that is electronic dance music.

Upon arriving at the concert, I was impressed by the massive venue, with colorful flashing screens, and enormous lines of white clad concert-goers, all producing a uniquely vibrant quality. Although the artists had yet to begin their sessions and the paint cannons yet to fire, the audience shortly became covered in a spectrum of neon-colored paints derived from purchased bottles. Basscrooks was the first of artists to perform, energizing the crowd as a timer counted down the minutes until the introduction of the concert. The audience cheered as the final seconds drained away, revealing an unexpected skit performed by mad scientists in search of the ability to bring color to life. The crowd then experienced what was coined as the title of this year’s tour: “The Big Bang”. Gallons of paint were unleashed from the stage, raining down upon the crowd as the bass thumped loudly. Although the paint was the most unique and arguably the most enjoyable quality of the concert, there was truly no escape from its colorful wrath, and often, people were blinded by its unsuspected and undeterminable blasts. The music continued on as the next act, a group known as GTA, was introduced. Much like basscrooks, GTA provided a show that kept the audience dancing throughout, but they were no comparison for the most anticipated act, Adventure Club. Their sets were diverse, and fulfilled the musical desires of listeners of any genre.

After listening to the final set, now drenched mercilessly in paint, I maneuvered my way out of the crowd and back into the real world. “Life in Color” was an experience truly like no other, possessing a level of intensity that could not be recreated. Despite the element of chaos, “Life in Color” is an event that any electronic dance music fan, adventurer, or color enthusiast must attend.

writer: Sara Metzger