King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard recently returned to the high-altitude landscapes of Buena Vista, Colorado, for the second installment of their Field Of Vision music festival. The event underscored a unique reality in modern music: when an act achieves a certain level of cultural resonance and dedicated lore, they can transcend the traditional stadium circuit to curate their own immersive worlds. This year’s gathering offered much more than a standard concert series, featuring three headlining sets, a diverse supporting lineup including Angine De Poitrine, drag performances, and interactive activities like creekside floating and outdoor cinema.
featured photo by Maclay Heriot
Our journey began with an arrival in Denver, where we spent time acclimating to the 8,000-foot elevation before heading toward the Meadow Creek venue. While initial travel plans hit a snag due to a shuttle accident, the transition to the festival grounds was seamless. The site itself felt like a meticulously crafted sanctuary, reminiscent of an intimate Electric Forest, complete with bioluminescent-style lighting, hammocks, and a refreshing creek that served as a natural cooling station for attendees.
Staying in the "Pond Glamping" area provided a comfortable home base, but the proximity to the town of Buena Vista was a significant bonus. Being able to easily walk into town for coffee or thrift store browsing added a true vacation atmosphere to the festival experience. Friday’s musical programming kicked off with DJ Boogie Boudreaux’s disco set on the island stage, while Stu Mackenzie experimented with modular sounds at the Castle stage. The high-energy math rock of Angine De Poitrine later proved to be a standout, showcasing immense technical skill that silenced any skeptics in the audience.
King Gizzard’s first headlining set was a genre-bending display, moving fluidly between heavy metal, jazz, and electronic textures. The modular synth jam, which featured a standout performance of "Smoke & Mirrors" with Ambrose donning a clown mask, served as a mid-set highlight. Even after the music ended, the community continued to thrive at the outdoor cinema and the late-night Castle stage, which hosted artists like Blood Incantation and Nikki Nair until 3 AM.
The festival’s "Mirage City" area offered a fan-driven marketplace similar to the Shakedown Street of the Grateful Dead era, allowing attendees to trade art and custom merchandise. Saturday’s schedule brought a crushing death metal set from Blood Incantation, who balanced their intensity with ambient soundscapes. King Gizzard’s second night was equally impactful, highlighted by the live debut of their single "Alien Metal."
Our final day was spent soaking in the creek within the festival. Feeling the rush of cold water flowing through the rocks while being surrounded by Gizz fans is something that is cemented in my memory forever.
Field of Vision proved that a festival centered around a single, highly engaged fanbase creates a unique, magnetic energy. It was a refreshing departure from larger, more commercial events, offering a tight-knit community experience that felt both personal and otherworldly. As we departed, the consensus was clear: the community is already looking forward to the next installment.
