JUST LIKE HEAVEN FESTIVAL DELIVERS INDIE PARADISE DESPITE RECORD-BREAKING HEAT
PHOTOS BY KAT MANOS AND GOLDENVOICE
Just Like Heaven, courtesy of Goldenvoice
On what turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far—temperatures soaring past 100 degrees—thousands of indie fans still flocked to Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for the fifth installment of Just Like Heaven Festival. With sweat-soaked shirts and sunburns setting in by noon, it would’ve been easy for the crowd to tap out early. But Goldenvoice’s expertly curated lineup, the idyllic setting, and undeniable good vibes kept spirits high—and the music flowing.
By midday, the mercury had crossed into triple-digit territory and shade was a rare commodity. Yet fans arrived early, rallying for sets by Of Montreal, Wild Nothing, and Peter Bjorn and John, the latter performing their entire Writer’s Block album to an appreciative, if sun-scorched, crowd. Swedish favorites The Sounds faced last-minute visa issues that prevented frontwoman Maja Ivarsson from performing, but Shiny Toy Guns’ Carah Charnow stepped in with charisma and confidence, keeping the band’s energy intact.
Just Like Heaven, courtesy of Goldenvoice
The nostalgia really kicked in when Grouplove brought their usual burst of chaotic joy to the main stage, closing with the inevitable crowd singalong to “Tongue Tied”—a song that’s basically stitched into the fabric of early 2010s indie playlists.
Across the grounds at the Stardust Stage, Perfume Genius enchanted a younger crowd with his dreamlike theatrics and powerful closer, “Queen.” Meanwhile, Courtney Barnett returned for her second Just Like Heaven appearance, this time joined by longtime collaborator Kurt Vile for a surprise performance of their duet “Over Everything.” The crowd swelled in size and energy as Barnett’s signature deadpan delivery gave way to one of the most tender moments of the afternoon.
Following her, The Drums kept the energy high with fan favorites like “Money” and “I Want It All.” As heatstroke loomed and patience thinned, security guards hosed down the crowd and a welcome breeze finally began to roll in.
TV on the Radio delivered what was arguably the set of the day. Making their first major return to LA since 2018, the Brooklyn-based art-rockers ripped through a ten-song set that spanned their catalog. Tunde Adebimpe was magnetic as always—dancing, howling, and gently reminding fans to stay hydrated. A massive dance pit broke out during “Wolf Like Me” and didn’t let up. At one point, Adebimpe gave a shout-out to Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s set across the field, saying no hard feelings if fans wandered—he’s a fan too. That moment of humility and kinship felt emblematic of the whole festival.
As the sun dipped behind the hills, Bloc Party took the stage, marking their return to LA for the first time since they played this very fest in 2022. Clad in tank tops and riding high on fan energy, they powered through a greatest-hits set. “Like Eating Glass” had people on shoulders, and Kele Okereke smiling ear to ear. The highlight came with “This Modern Love,” arriving just as the sky turned a golden hue. The crowd sang so loud, it nearly drowned out the band entirely—a cathartic, communal release ten hours into the marathon day.
Just Like Heaven, courtesy of Goldenvoice
Empire of the Sun followed with their signature visual spectacle, all lasers, theatrics, and futuristic glam. But the true emotional peak came when Rilo Kiley took the stage for their first full LA reunion set in 17 years. Jenny Lewis led the beloved indie stalwarts through a setlist heavy on The Execution of All Things—and for longtime fans, it felt like no time had passed at all. Thankfully, Angelenos who missed it will get a second chance when the band plays the Greek Theatre in October.
Just Like Heaven, courtesy of Goldenvoice
Vampire Weekend closed out the night with a set that managed to both celebrate their own evolution and pay tribute to the broader indie scene. After an hour of hits and deep cuts, the band surprised everyone with a five-song medley that included covers of tracks by Tame Impala, Beach House, Grizzly Bear, TV on the Radio, and Phoenix. It was like a thank-you letter to the genre and a perfect way to tie the day together.
Despite the heat, the long lines, and the inevitable exhaustion, Just Like Heaven once again proved why it stands out among LA’s stacked festival landscape. It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about revisiting these sounds with fresh ears, new memories, and a collective love for the weird, wild, and wonderful world of indie rock.
