Everyone always says that seeing Justice live will be one of the best shows you’ll ever experience – and honestly, that’s not an exaggeration. From the moment they stepped on stage, weaving between their decks, it was clear this was going to be something special. The entire production felt almost mathematical – moving light panels, lasers timed with almost rude precision, and a camera shot from directly above the decks that made you feel like you were in the middle of their creative process. I’ve seen a lot of shows, but this might’ve been one of the best productions I’ve ever witnessed. Possibly the best. Period.
Setlist-wise, they hit that perfect sweet spot between giving us what we wanted and keeping it fresh. They mixed in plenty of their classics with cuts from their newest album, Hyperdrama, and the way they revisited melodies and themes from earlier in the set gave it this full-circle, cinematic feeling. Whether you were there for “Neverender” or wanted a taste of their earlier hits like “D.A.N.C.E.” or “Waters of Nazareth,” there was something for everyone. Every time they reprised a mix or vocal from earlier in the night, it hit. Honestly, it was one of those sets where you didn’t want to blink because you might miss something clever.
The only surprise of the night? The crowd was thinner than I expected. Merriweather Post Pavilion can hold over nineteen thousand people – it’s been packed for artists like Rüfüs Du Sol, Hozier, and massive festivals like All Things Go. But for Justice, there was plenty of room to breathe. Employees were literally walking around offering seated tickets to people up on the lawn. Most groups passed on that offer – why trade in the open space, the freedom to dance with your friends, for a cramped chair? If you ask me, having more room to dance made it even better. A crowd will always add to – or take away from – an experience. Even though it was a smaller crowd, people of all ages wanted to be there – and they were there to dance. We’ve been dancing since “D.A.N.C.E.” told us to – and if this night was any proof, we’re never going to stop.