In a set made almost entirely of highlights, some moments still rose to the top. Before, his songs were portals into new realms here, they were reminders of home. Here, the songs stood as pillars of purpose, validating milestones on the artist’s path to self-fulfillment - as Robinson’s journey came full circle, fans received the songs like embraces from long-lost relatives. Robinson dipped back into his discography, bringing out favorites off his 2014 debut Worlds such as “Sad Machine,” “Divinity” and “Flicker,” recontextualizing them among songs about overcoming personal hardships and finding peace. Present from the first song onward, the pyrotechnics captivated throughout the night, like an infinite supply of optimism perpetually skyward bound. At the song’s climax, deep bass notes and colorful fireworks soared into the night, and the audience’s energy shot into overdrive. It began in darkness with the artist sitting at an upright piano, swiftly transitioning from “Wind Tempos” into the opening notes of “Something Comforting.” As flowery, natural visuals illuminated the stage, Robinson stood and waved to the Second Sky crowd, full of ardent fans highly anticipating his return. Robinson’s latest album Nurture is just about the most remarkably hopeful album released this year, and his live set translated the new music into one of the most cathartic, uplifting EDM experiences of recent memory. Of course, the entire festival would be amiss without showcasing its brightest star: Porter Robinson. The large salvo of fireworks wouldn’t be the only thing lighting the night above the sea of voices at Second Sky.

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