Concert Review: Of The Trees in Washington, D.C.
Review & photos by Sally Watanabe
Credit: Lindsey Ruth
A portal was opened last weekend in Washington, D.C. when Of The Trees performed an extended set on his largest headlining tour yet, “Moonglade.” The well-known DJ and producer is revered for his ability to craft intricate soundscapes and deep sonic textures with his beats. Emerging from the heart of the underground music scene, he has cultivated a devoted following drawn to his distinct fusion of genres.
In the last month of this tour that started with two nights at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado and stretched across North America, the gravity of his forceful yet intentional energy was palpable. He was easily able to transport listeners on a journey through imagination and embodied emotions.
Despite the Super Bowl being streamed at the same time he began the set, the whole focus of the crowd was on Of The Trees as he got people moving and flowing through the packed, sold out space at Karma Club. The night started off with slow, grooving beats that encouraged turning inwards and reflecting on the ethereal colors and frequencies that filled the room. He played some of his hallmark tracks, such as “Windhorse,” “Spanish Moss,” and “Harvest” while also mixing in samples and beats from other hip-hop and electronic artists as he crafted the experience for the night.
The set was a comforting and exciting mix of new and familiar tunes throughout the two and a half hour performance. It was complete with a mesmerizing laser show and intricate visuals that brought us to enchanting forests, the cosmos of outer space, and everything in between. The vibrations of the bass shook the rafters in the room as Of The Trees excited the crowd by scratching on the DJ decks and occasionally teasing us with a song’s drop before running it back to the beginning. His mastery in weaving together different themes and his ability to push the boundaries of sound were evident, leaving the audience in awe and craving more.
The crowd was playful and blew bubbles, exchanged Kandi, and one person even asked me for a plural noun during a game of “Madlibs.” During the end of the set, he brought back the opener EAZYBAKED to go back to back with as they closed out an unforgettable night. It was a transformative experience that solidified Of The Trees’ place as a luminary in the world of electronic music, a guiding light in the exploration of sound, and a beacon for those seeking deeper adventures within their own minds.
