I spent about an hour digging in my closet, trying to find the perfect all-black ensemble that combined alternative trendiness with all-day comfort. After settling on an oversized t-shirt, bike shorts, and Dr. Martens, I packed up my camera and headed to Pasadena. Over at the beautiful green surrounding the Rose Bowl, Cruel World 2024 was about to begin. Boasting a stacked lineup again this year, the festival drew a massive crowd of all ages. We all marched through the parking lot towards the entrance, a sea of black band t-shirts and heavy eyeliner. Each step brought us closer to the booming bass until finally, I was standing between the metal gates that showed me the grounds and all it had to offer this year. Cruel World was a haven for those who love a mix of some darkness and a little 80’s synth. 

Words & Photos by  Lilly Duran

The day started off strong, with sets lining up back to back to back, to back again. I was lucky enough to catch the tail end of Body of Light as I walked in. Their sound was really interesting, as it felt super nostalgic like it was taking us back in time. They have an impressive skill, blending new and old styles/samples to create something unique, yet familiar.

Immediately after was ADULT. at the mainstage. There were, unfortunately, some sound issues the band faced, which made for an awkward set that I almost felt like we shouldn’t be seeing. No fault to the band; Nicola gave it her all and still gave people a show worth watching. She threw in a joke, something to the effect of, “We aren’t gonna be like Grimes here.”

Then we had my new obsession up next on the main stage: Model/Actriz. Where do I even begin? One of the coolest and most engaging performances I have witnessed. Every moment on stage was made with careful thought, adding to the dramatics of their songs. Eventually, Haden entered the crowd, making things even more intimate. He spent a few songs strutting, singing, and dancing with the attendees. It was an experience accompanied by beautiful post-punk/noise rock.

Harsh Symmetry was an act I knew I couldn’t skip. “Mirror Twin” has been on repeat for the last year. This might not make sense to everyone, but the set made me feel like I was dancing with Drusilla and Spike inside the Bronze (sorry for the Buffy reference). Julian’s bright blond hair against the dark gray backdrop was just as stark as his brooding vocals against the piercing sunshine.

Nuovo Testamento was another band that offered a sweet suspension in timelines, combining dark pop underground club sounds reminiscent of the past with fresh new sounds. Each song felt like a hit classic we all should know the words to by now. This festival started off with such a bang, and each band made sure they gave you a reason to be there with them. 

As the day progressed and the sun began to set, we ventured into the second half of this musical dreamscape. Ministry came out with a crazy lineup of about 13 different musicians, all dressed in incredibly theatrical outfits that complimented their setlist. Many were excited to see them dive back into some of the discography they had sworn off for years. Looking through the crowd, they did not leave anyone disappointed.

The Jesus and Mary Chain, a staple classic for all the shoegaze lovers out there, brought a calming presence to the Sad Girl stage. James Reid’s voice drifted into the setting sun sweetly. One might say, just like honey…

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Simple Minds and Soft Cell both came out with lots of energy, reaching out to the crowd often. Both acts sounded so crisp and clear that you could have told me I was listening to them on the radio, and I’d believe you.

Placebo enforced a strict no-phone policy, forcing those who stayed for their performance to be fully engaged without distraction. They take a lot of time to set the perfect scene for their set, so I can definitely appreciate wanting people just to live in the moment.

Blondie was my mini headliner because… it’s Blondie! How could that not be a huge deal?! While bummed I couldn’t photograph Debbie Harry, I was still extremely grateful to hear her voice in person. It was surreal being able to experience such an iconic musical group in the flesh. Starting off strong with “One Way Or Another,” no second was spent standing still. Myself and everyone around me had to sing and shimmy through the setlist. 

Interpol’s set was predictable, but that did not make it any less enjoyable. The band took off with their short staccato beats, giving us a glimpse of each album through the setlist. Paul Banks and his aviator sunglasses live in my dreams each and every night.

Then, it was finally time for Duran Duran. I will say, as a Duran myself, this was a huge moment. The fog machines were on full blast as the screens played a clip of the members walking through their spaceship. Once they hit the main stage, their silhouettes were glowing as they looked over the crowd. It seemed like they were taking it all in, seeing how many people were there to see their show. “The Chauffeur” began our deep dive into Duran Duran’s musical history. Simon Le Bon playing the ocarina to a crowd of thousands and thousands was a moment that will not soon be forgotten.

The band’s dynamic stage presence and flawless renditions of classics like “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Rio” electrified the night. As they started their hit “Notorious,” all I could think of was doubting your commitment to sparkle motion, Donnie Darko… just me? The greatest part of Duran Duran’s performance wasn’t just the phenomenal vocals, stunning lights, or hit-for-hit setlist but the palpable joy and excitement each member exuded. They elevated their performance to an extraordinary level of emotional connection and shared experience. Tears were seen amongst fans as the band sang “Ordinary World.”

To everyone who asked about how Cruel World was, it was perfect. It was an absolutely wonderful festival experience that left me feeling giddy and giggly. Each performance left you feeling energized and made you more excited for the next.

Cruel World is a safe haven for fans of the darker and more alternative rock and electronic genres. What makes the festival all the more special is being able to experience the pioneers who built the foundation, as well as the newer artists who preceded them and drew inspiration from their iconic sounds.

Words & Photos by Lilly Duran

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