After much anticipation, ISOxo and Knock2 made their triumphant return to San Diego for a two-night ISOKNOCK event, wrapping up an impressive year and solidifying their presence in the music scene.

ISOxo and Knock2 have both enjoyed significant success in their solo careers, but the energy escalates when these two best friends unite as ISOKNOCK. This year, their collaborative project has reached new heights, featuring standout performances at Coachella, Ultra Japan, North Coast Music Festival, among others, and the release of their debut album, 4EVR. As the year drew to a close, these two San Diego artists planned one final show to celebrate their hometown.

I had been observing ISOKNOCK’s rise throughout 2024 from a distance. Although I was familiar with their solo works and felt the buzz around the duo, I missed their much-loved Coachella set and other performances that were too far away. When it was announced that they would bring their vibrant style and energetic sound back to San Diego for a two-night event, I knew I had to be there.

Social media was buzzing with stories and clips from the first night, with most reactions praising the performances but critiquing the venue. Thrive Park at Snapdragon Stadium is a newer venue, so it’s understandable that there were some initial hiccups regarding entry and security. Thankfully, by the second night, the staff had resolved the long lines from the previous evening, allowing us to enter the venue in under 30 minutes.

The crowd felt noticeably younger compared to other recent festivals I had attended, like Dreamstate SoCal. Everyone appeared excited as we navigated through ID checks and security, sharing memories from the previous night or discussing various aspects of ISOKNOCK. Attendees showcased a mix of styles, from grunge and cyberpunk to comfortable casuals, which was fitting for the slightly chilly San Diego weather.

Glaive was performing when we arrived, and we explored the expansive venue. The stage was set on a small hill on one side, while the bars, food vendors, and merchandise booth occupied the other. Lines were refreshingly nonexistent throughout the night; I could grab food and drinks within minutes of approaching a vendor.

Sonically, the San Diego 4EVR lineup mirrored the dynamic energy characteristic of ISOKNOCK.

The first night featured major acts like Madeon and PEEKABOO, but the second night’s lineup, which included Brutalismus 3000 and RL Grime, called to me even more. Brutalismus 3000, an electronic duo from Berlin, is at the forefront of the hard dance scene, blending techno, hardcore, and neo-rave sounds. RL Grime, a trap legend, has played a significant role in ISOKNOCK’s rise.

Both Brutalismus 3000 and RL Grime delivered phenomenal sets filled with innovative soundscapes and electrifying moments. I thoroughly enjoyed both performances, but I noticed a lack of energy in the crowd compared to what I expected. It may have been the cooler temperatures or simply the current state of the scene, but I anticipated more movement during the high-energy set from Brutalismus 3000 and RL Grime’s trap drops.

As the countdown to ISOKNOCK’s set began, the energy levels swelled, culminating in an unexpected surprise.

From my usual spot at the back of the crowd, I typically don’t expect the energy to be focused on that area, but ISOKNOCK shattered that notion. Unlike their previous night’s performance, where they drove a car on stage, this time spotlights illuminated them on a structure at the back. With mics in hand and decks in front, they started their set with a live edit of “THRASH (PARTY STARTER).”

Their commanding presence atop that structure elicited cheers, as everyone’s attention shifted between them and the stage. Massive mashups ensued, with the duo descending at different times, reinforcing the message that ISOKNOCK is not just for themselves but for their audience too.

For nearly an hour, ISOKNOCK delivered a mix of solo hits, collaborative tracks, and remixes of beloved songs like “Baddadan,” “Stereo Love,” and more. Fresh IDs added to the excitement, resonating powerfully on that cool San Diego night. Brutalismus 3000 joined them on stage to perform their new ID together before transitioning into “kidsgonemad!” and “SIGNAL,” with RL Grime joining for “SMACK TALK,” leading into the final segment of the set.

The final wave of tracks sustained the energy, but the emotions expressed by ISOKNOCK took center stage.

Over the years, I’ve seen many artists who once hailed from San Diego leave for larger cities like Los Angeles, often forgetting their roots. However, ISOKNOCK bucks this trend.

Throughout their set, especially toward the conclusion, ISOxo and Knock2 emphasized the importance of the San Diego scene to their journey. The love and support they’ve received from the community have profoundly impacted them, and they reciprocated with uplifting, heartfelt messages to the crowd.

Ending the incredible night was the announcement of a new venture: ISOKNOCK will bring another experience, Nitehearts Festival, to San Diego in 2025. While details remain under wraps, it promises to be as electrifying as this two-night event.

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