Watch Desert Age

Desert Age is a documentary-style movie released in 2016 which depicts the burgeoning Palm Desert music scene from the 1980s to the present. The movie is directed by Jason Pine and primarily showcases the lives and works of bands such as Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, and Eagles of Death Metal, among others. The film features interviews with several musicians from the scene, including Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri, Mario Lalli, Sean Wheeler, and Brant Bjork.

With visuals of the stunning Californian desert as its backbone and a soundtrack that resonates the essence of the desert, the documentary traces the history of the underground music scene that emerged in the outskirts of Los Angeles in the late 80s. The narrative is a deep dive into the origins, ethos and evolution of the music scene that saw dwindling numbers overtaken by inspired musicians who collaborated, adapted and generated a sound that defined a generation.

Desert Age opens with Robby Robb introducing the movie and talking about his band, 13th Floor Elevators, who are credited in the movie as one of the first bands to infuse psychedelic elements into rock music. From there, it jumps back to the 80s, where the film delves into the era of generator parties, illegal gatherings in the desert, and free gigs that drew people from all walks of life.

The movie shows how the Palm Desert scene developed, from the first gigs Kyuss played in the desert and the birth of Mario Lalli's seminal music festival, The Desert Sessions, to the formation of Queens of the Stone Age in 1996. It is fascinating to see how the different bands influenced each other, with members often playing in different configurations to create new sounds. Queens of the Stone Age, for example, is the product of Homme's mission to create a band that would embody the desert's sound, and which would include some of the scene's most talented musicians.

The movie also dwells on the horrors that unfolded on November 13, 2015, at the Bataclan in Paris, where Eagles of Death Metal were playing when terrorists stormed the venue. The movie's final act shows how the tragedy affected the bands and the scene as a whole. The film does not provide any new information surrounding the events of that night, instead the focus remains on how the tragedy inspired the scene to come together in solidarity and perform a benefit concert for the victims and their families.

One of the film's most striking aspects is its ability to present the tightly-knit band members as both artists and friends. Their bond is unmistakable, and Pine's camera captures the sense of camaraderie that exists among the members in a way that is palpable to the viewer. The documentary is filled with anecdotes and fond memories shared by the different parties involved, and which altogether offer an intimate look at the ethos of the Palm Desert music scene.

Desert Age is not just a documentary about music, but a loving tribute to a community that found an unconventional way to express their creativity and passion. The film is visually striking, with breathtaking footage of the desert landscape, and the musical score comprising of some of the most iconic music from the scene. The interviews lend authenticity to the narrative and provide a candid glimpse into the personalities that made the scene what it is.

In conclusion, Desert Age paints a remarkable picture of the evolution of the Palm Desert scene, from its underground roots to its mainstream acceptance. It is an ode to the music scene that shaped and influenced a generation of musicians, with a heartfelt message about the power of unity in the face of adversity. Desert Age remains an essential watch for anyone interested in music history, or for anyone who simply wants to experience a movie that is full of compelling stories and outstanding music.

Desert Age is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.