Max Cooper + Abi Wade + DJ Georgie
After a brief ambient DJ set from Georgie. Abi Wade got onstage, with a curious combination of a cello, drum machine and various other electronic gizmos. One of the problems, as with so many gigs, was talking. The hum in the NAC was really noticeable, to such an extent that it was easy to be distract from Abi’s spectral sound. Managing to play Cello, sing and also manage the percussion without making a single error was the lowest level of impressive. The musicianship displayed was brilliant. As a support she fitted slightly awkwardly along Max Cooper. While perhaps suiting Cooper’s more ambient, exploratory sound more – when cranked up, the mismatch was a bit odd. A mismatch at a gig like this results in the talking.
Max Cooper’s oscillating synths filled the room for a two-hour non-stop spacious beat-fest. It was immersing and intense – the room was filled by surround projections of flashing, surreal, morphing images from extreme symmetry to strange blobs of matter. Cooper bopped at the front, bouncing lightly to the ebb and flow of the music. At times it was disorientating, the flashing images combined with the intensity of some of the music – it was complex, multi-levelled. From pulsating, slow climax ambient Four-Tet side to weighty Underworld end techno, it was a diverse, exploratory show which didn’t catch itself at either extreme of the spectrum in an unbalanced way. The poppier hits received by far the best reception. The only problem concerning audience enthusiasm was during the quieter moments where, like with Abi Wade, a murmur of chatter could be heard throughout the room. It was a strange event – it sort of felt as though sitting would fit better, but then also dancing felt a bit too odd at times. The early start and setting was strange too, the heavier, more techno side of the music fitted a clubnight- but the atmosphere felt far removed from that. Nonetheless, it was an excellent evening of tight beats, even if at times somewhat fatiguing. It was also a surprisingly packed out night – despite the heavier price tag (especially for the Arts Centre). There was a good showing, although the audience didn’t seem to really get relaxed and moving towards the end of the set.
