Wild Nothing Kicks Off Just Like Heaven with Shimmering Synth-Pop Bliss

If you showed up early to Just Like Heaven Festival on May 10th in Pasadena, you were rewarded with one of the day’s most effortlessly cool and quietly dazzling sets. Wild Nothing, Jack Tatum’s long-running dream pop project, took to the stage in the early afternoon and wasted no time turning the sun-drenched park into a blissed-out, synth-soaked wonderland.

One of the first sets of the day, Wild Nothing drew an impressive crowd for the hour — a testament to the band’s lasting place in the hearts of indie-pop devotees. From the moment the chiming guitars and shimmering synth pads of opener “Chinatown” drifted out over the grounds, it was clear this was going to be more than just a warm-up set.

Jack Tatum and company brought all the hallmarks of their best work: glossy, nostalgic melodies, gauzy textures, and infectious hooks that shimmered against the bright California sky. The band leaned heavily on crowd favorites from Gemini, Nocturne, and Life of Pause, delivering tight, polished versions of songs.

For a festival set, it was perfectly paced — laid-back and breezy where it needed to be, but with enough shimmering synth-pop energy to cut through the afternoon heat. Tatum’s vocals floated effortlessly over cascading synth lines, and the band’s understated musicianship kept the vibe light, nostalgic, and endlessly listenable.

What made Wild Nothing’s set stand out was how natural it felt in the festival setting. Their brand of retro-leaning, indie dream pop was tailor-made for an outdoor park full of music fans ready to kick off a long day of tunes, and the crowd showed up early to soak it in. There was a shared sense of appreciation — like everyone there knew they were catching one of the fest’s underrated gems before the chaos of the main acts took over.

In a lineup stacked with indie heavyweights, Wild Nothing delivered exactly what you hope for in a midday festival set: beautiful songs, a laid-back atmosphere, and a reminder of how vital and vibrant this band still is. Here’s hoping it won’t be long before they’re back under California skies again.