Inside ISOxo and Knock2’s Last Stand at The Shrine, a Spine-Chilling Celebration of Artistic Evolution

by Michael Ryan · Published November 27, 2023

The meteoric rise of ISOxo and Knock2 needs to be studied.

It's amazing what can happen in just a year's time. In late-2022, ISOxo made his Los Angeles debut at the Fonda Theatre, where he threw down for roughly 2,400 attendees. Meanwhile, Knock2 was rolling out his scintillating ROOM202 EP, which proved to be a breakthrough.

Fast-forward to November 2023, when the duo commanded the stage at the illustrious Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, selling out four consecutive shows and captivating a massive audience of more than 20,000.

ISOxo and Knock2 performing at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles.
Brownies & Lemonade

EDM.com on the ground for the Brownies & Lemonade-powered closing show at the Shrine. After ISOxo and Knock2 brought out the likes of Steve Aoki, Rich Brian, RL Grime, NGHTMRE and Madeon in the nights prior, we were excited to see what surprises the San Diego natives had in store.

The venue was teeming with enthusiastic fans as early as 6pm, eagerly anticipating entry to secure a close-up view of the event's unique dual stages. By 8, the doors were open as Aidan Hite was playing a B2B with Apex, and it was clear the final day was going to be a showcase of the San Diego Waterboys collective.

With other openers like DRYDEN, who played a set comprising a combination of experimental bass, trap and tech house, as well as a special B3B featuring ALEKO, FrostTop and RemK, the stage was set for a magical final night.

View the original article to see embedded media.

At around 10, ISOxo catapulted out of the mainstage to open his set with ferocious energy. Throughout the hourlong performance, the EDM.com Class of 2022 alum kept his foot on the gas, playing music from his debut album, kidsgonemad!, live for the first time along with a slew of electrifying edits, like those of Travis Scott's "FE!N" and Subtronics and HOL!'s "MIND PLUCK."

An undeniable highlight came when ISOxo brought out SLANDER, treating us to mesmerizing performances of "Love is Gone" and "Suffer."

View the original article to see embedded media.

As if ISO's set wasn't enough, Knock2 took the stage and continued the sonic onslaught, seamlessly picking up the momentum.

Following a sentimental video compilation that offered a poignant glimpse into the creative process behind his EP and tour, the EDM.com Class of 2023 star emerged from an illuminated box to the beats of a compilation of all his songs. It was a spine-chilling moment, to say the least.

Presenting the final show of his "ROOM202" tour, the Laotian DJ dynamically fused his signature blend of bass house and trap in a Boiler Room-style set. Not only did he present all his hits from ROOM202, but he also brought out Dillon Francis for a spin of "Buttons" and played an electric remix of Chase & Status' global drum & bass hit "Baddadan," among other rare edits.

After closing with "Rock Ur World," Knock2 expressed his gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support over the past year. As a farewell to the crowd, he excitedly revealed the upcoming release of his debut album, nolimit, which is scheduled to drop in 2024.

The night's unbridled energy and stunning production then reached new nights by virtue of a B2B between the two best friends, who played through the entirety of nitehearts. It was a bittersweet culmination of an epic four-night run that was emblematic of the profound impact ISOxo and Knock2 have had on each other's artistic journeys—and their collective influence on the electronic dance music scene at large.

It almost didn't seem like four nights at The Shrine was enough to contain the energy they created. But fans can find solace in the notion that there's so much more ahead. ISOxo is gearing up for his kidsgonemad! album tour next year and Knock2 is on precipice of his debut album, which has the feel of a watershed moment. The conclusion of their Shrine run wasn't the end of an era, but a gripping prelude to blindingly bright future for both of these generational artists.

View the original article to see embedded media.