Animal Jamz 2 live at Don Quixote in Los Angeles review

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After spending three hours dancing, leaping, and headbanging non-stop, finding the stamina for even more hours can feel quite challenging. However, securing a prime position at the front barricade of a rave requires effort, but it’s achievable while still relishing every moment.

The event, Animal Jamz 2, is a reprise of a show that took place in February but was halted by the authorities due to venue complications. Originally postponed artists will finally get their chance to perform on May 2nd, marking a proper continuation of the event that started at 9 p.m. ET and lasted into the early hours.

I arrived an hour early as doors were about to open, observing one group after another with strikingly diverse styles. Since the evening’s lineup consisted entirely of furries, it was no surprise that the audience showcased their passion through internet-inspired attire, animal accessories, and, naturally, fursuits.

Vast expressivity and audience energy

Once I stepped inside, it became clear that the community welcomed one another warmly. There were two 8-stall restrooms for all genders, located both downstairs and upstairs. The vendors circling the bar offered a range of furry merchandise such as stickers, pins, and CDs, with one vendor specializing in Russellbuck items exclusively.

In just around 10 minutes, I quickly scanned through the offerings before a deep bass sound enveloped the entire space, vibrating powerfully within me and almost overwhelming my hearing. It was then that the music started, marking the entrance of Purityleech and DJ Supermonkeyball onto the stage, kicking off the performance.

With less than 40 minutes of music available on Spotify combined, it was anticipated that their one-hour performance would include unexpected elements. They frequently swapped positions at the central stage, where they operated both a control board and a laptop. They played fast-paced and intense electronic dance music tracks, while a few others joined them in dancing on stage.

As the opening act, everyone was just starting to find their rhythm, yet their energetic, bouncy tunes managed to create an electrifying atmosphere that paved the way for DJX, who stepped in for Nana.kr during the break between the first and second Animal Jamz performances.

Stage presences were well-arranged

On the night in question, DjX delivered an extraordinarily synchronized performance, mastering the fine balance between control, precision, and flawless timing for those beat drops. Throughout his set, he incorporated pre-planned interludes like a staged phone call to keep things interesting. The audience’s enthusiasm was so passionate that the barricade was almost pushed right up onto the stage, causing security to set boundaries on its reach.

Instead of using a stage microphone, Enable Secret opted for a mysterious presentation by wearing a disguising ensemble, employing backlighting, and relying on text-to-speech narration. In the groove for dancing, it was hard not to get carried away with tracks like “P3T” by Teyana Taylor.

By now, fatigue was setting in. As individuals around me faded away during the course of the night, I clung to the railing to maintain my position. However, sipping from the small water bottle I carried barely touched the edge of my growing appetite.

Last night, around the fourth hour, a set was performed by Mewni and iPawd that I regret to say, left me rather drowsy. However, as the rave neared its end in its third hour, Russellbuck joined them onstage, an event that sent waves of cheers throughout the crowd.

An hour-long shot of adrenaline

As a die-hard Russelbuck fan, I must admit that the mere thought of his performance was what kept me going despite my exhaustion. When he finally graced the stage, my enthusiasm simply took over. The evening kicked off magnificently with a tune from his latest album, RAVEPOP, which skyrocketed Bandcamp’s pop charts when it dropped in 2024.

Following the initial performance, he transitioned into renditions of various songs, such as those by Charli XCX, Britney Spears, the “Peanut Butter Jelly” tune, and Panic! at the Disco. After the concert, it was later disclosed on X that the Panic! at the Disco mix would be released as a forthcoming single.

As events unfolded, a dance area emerged in the heart of the pit, with an individual impressively performing the worm dance routine. Towards the latter part of his set, Russellbuck played additional original tracks from his new album, causing everybody to jump around wildly for each tune.

As the night wound down, it was electrifying to witness the first-ever live performance of a remix for my hottest track right now, “b-b-BASS DOWN LOW.” This pulse-pounding beat is set to be included in an upcoming album of remixes. With my adrenaline pumping, I eventually realized it was time to catch my breath and refuel, so I stepped away from the crowd and grabbed something to eat.

Concluding the night

Ian Starr was the sixth performer, and his performance began at 1 AM. The mixes he played were energetic and unpredictable, featuring Drake’s “6 Man” among others. During this set, I danced with those around me, leaping, twisting, and generally letting loose.

At the end of the night, Tracey Brakes teamed up with DJ PuppyWuppy for their closing set, but unfortunately I didn’t get to hear much as I dashed off to a gas station nearby with some fresh acquaintances. There’s something special about forming immediate friendships, and it seems there might not be a better setting than a rave where people can truly be themselves.

At present, there aren’t any future shows scheduled for the majority of the Animal Jamz 2 roster. However, Russellbuck is set to perform at Price Center West in San Diego on May 25th, marking the 16th stop of the Ravepop Tour. This tour has previously traversed the U.S., Canada, and Germany.

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2025-05-15 19:30