Justice @ Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX

Words and photos by Scott Rowe

So, I need to preface this review with little tidbit that changes my whole aspect of this show. Quick back story. I've been going to concerts for as long as I can remember. Whether it was the somewhat relevant country stars at the Carter County Fair in Southern Oklahoma or when I finally made the leap to a real show, and I mean REAL SHOW, Garth Brooks at the iconic Texas Stadium in Irving, TX, I always had an appreciation for live music and it has since carried with me in my adult life. So when I brought my daughter to her first concert, ala Justice, at the Pavilion at the Toyota Music Factory, I felt a duality of hoping the show was awesome for photos and review, but I also wanted to make sure my daughter remembers this for as long as she can. And since Justice does not lack in production or performance, this show lived up to both expectations and will be carried by both of us moving forward.

Not having seen Justice since their last visit to North Texas way back in 2012 at the Palladium Ballroom (South Side Ballroom for all you newbies), I was genuinely excited to see over a decade's worth of music performed live. Having seen their Coachella and Live at Accor Arena livestreams, I had a good idea of what their show would be like, but seeing it on a screen doesn't translate to what you see in person. Much like their show at Palladium, they chose to open the set with their iconic intro to Cross, "Genesis." It just sets the tone perfectly as it's one of their more well-known tracks, and a track they've opened up with more often than not. But even it's an oldie but goodie, they do makes some modifications to their mix, with more bouncing bass and a switch into another favorite in "Phantom." The next track was one I was really hoping to hear, since I feel that "Generator" is the new-age "Stress" and the accompanying production did not disappoint. What many at Toyota may not know is that most of Justice's tour was booked at arenas more than twice the size of the Pavilion, giving the DFW patrons an intimate view of one of the larger productions in electronic music.

Perhaps my favorite moment of this show was when I finally made it back to my wife and daughter, just as Justice played their mix of "One Night/All Night" and "D.A.N.C.E." This was a mix that I had played on repeat since their Coachella broadcast and one that my daughter soon loved and recognized. So when the notes started, I pulled them from their seats and moved them to the unoccupied area above the sound board, where they had an unobstructed view of the stage and production. Seeing the smile on my daughter's face as I bumped her on my knee to the sound of the music meant the world to me. She understands that 'daddy shoots photos' but she finally got a glimpse of what that really means, and to share a moment with her mom and dad of something they both enjoy. I'd be lying if I told you how every bit of the remaining show went, but I spent the remaining show with my family, making sure they were attended to. I did enjoy the mixes of "Safe and Sound" and "Neverender", as well as the always uneasy, iconic sound of "Stress." And perhaps one of the most surprising parts of the show that I absolutely loved was the inclusion of "Planisphere" in the opening part of the encore. The hit-heavy ending was a ton of fun, but by this time, my daughter was spent and we had to make our exit. I was super proud that she made it as far as she did and that a few days later, told me how much she enjoyed it. It was a win for both of us, and more importantly, a win for Justice and their music.

Photos of the show are below: