Riot Fest 2023: Day One Photo Review

Code Orange - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Turnstile - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine & Wesley Nott
Writing and Editing by Fiza Javid

Friday - September 15, 2023 - Douglass Park 

Riot Fest is back for the 2023 season and ready to cause a scene! The heart and soul of rock n' roll is in this lineup, and JBTV had a chance to cover incredible acts for day one. These photo highlights include: Olivia Jean, Say Anything, Parliament Funkadelic, Yard Act, Quasi, Code Orange, Kim Gordon, Quicksand, The Breeders and Turnstile. 

​There is no doubt that Foo Fighters are an honorable mention as well, with their first return to Chicago since the passing of their drummer Taylor Hawkins, we were ready to show them all the love and support.

Olivia Jean, while she is the wife of Detroit rocker Jack White, her roots are grounded in music. Hailing from Nashville, she showcased her badass rockabilly / garage rock vibes with serious swing. Her songs were tight, with songs including "Spider" and "Garage Bat," and her band is genuinely tight knit.  It way too short of a set, 30 minutes. Should've been an hour.

Next, Parliament Funkadelic. Led by leader George Clinton (Red Hat). George is 82 years old, Imagine that. And still emphasizing all thinks "Funk" , and making all things a "Funk Party", even at 2 in the afternoon.

Yard Act is a proto punk indie UK band, with fierce opposition and making a mockery of everything, including their brand of music mixed with jovial and humorous lyrical revelry. Dark humor with crafty beats from a tight band abound through their entire set. They were an absolute blast to watch, and trust got the crowd moving.

Quasi was truly an exciting one to unveil this year, led by ex Sleater Kinney drummer Janet Weiss, and her former husband Sam Coomes. For a duo- some fun noisy with emphasis on noisy rock mixed with some electronic rock, and Janet's booming kick drum followed by thunder thwack propulsive drumming.

Code Orange were absolute headbangers. Heavy duty metalcore outfits, led by lead vocalist Jami Morgan. They truly got the moshing started. With in your face gigantic moshpit onslaught- the band growing more abrasive with each and every album release, reflecting the mood of the times. Just look at Jami's t shirt for emphasis- "I'm a Librarian". That should tell you lots in regards to where they stand on book bannings, and "woke this, woke that". These guys are angry, with the punishing beats to prove it.

The one and only, legendary, Kim Gordon. She came to Riot Fest- she conquered. All on her terms. Drawn from the secular, into the vernacular. Fierce and uncompromising, with moody beats and electronica mixed with drums and sometimes chaotic backbeat vocals, emphasizing restraint, followed by some serious vocal wallops. Again, one of the major highlights from Riot Fest Day One.

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Olivia Jean - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Yard Act - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Code Orange - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Code Orange - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Kim Gordon - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Turnstile - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Quicksand turned Riot Fest on its head with a full Album Play- "Slip". JBTV alumni from back in the day, and still uncompromising, led by guitarist / vocalist Walter Schreifels, with a sound that's still polished and crafty, reminding you of Helmet, with solid melody, all songs, and yet emphasis on LOUD. They were incredible.

The Breeders were led by Kim and Kelley Deal, who are twin sisters. Kim Deal is known for her previous band, Pixies. Another Riot Fest Full Album Play- "Last Splash", from 1993, this was epic. The album still holds up, and they're faithful to the original, even down to the fuzzy "old school" mic that Kim occasionally yells into. This album is a cautionary tale, and yet so enduring and relevant to the present day.
Looked like they were having lots of fun throughout their set, even with the blazing sun beating down on them.

Last but certainly not the least was Turnstile. They are a barn burner of a band, hailing from Baltimore. In it to win it, always, and ready to play, as were the entire crowd witnessing them perform live, yelling and whooping and hollering throughout. Security had their hands full, running this way and that. Lucky we were able to stay in the pit for the three songs- this band is that volatile, led by jumping all over the place Brendan Yates, never losing his vocals, even mid twirl. 

Day one was overall filled with hardcore sounds, with tight grooves on top of grooves. We couldn't be more excited for day two!

Fiza Javid & Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television

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