Soulwax
Manchester Academy
19th December 2017
So years ago ..16 years ago I first came across this 'Belgian' export of DJs, they remixed tracks for 'Muse' and 'Pulp' to name a few, I was under the impression this was a DJ set when I got the ticket, but the duo have an album out of their own work 'From Deewee' featuring 'Transient Program For Drums And Machinery' their first single for 11 years!!
Famed for their live DJ shows in Europe under the title of '2 Many DJs' same as their single from 2001, they had that formula tonight with 2 young DJs on decks in front of the crowd barrier not on the stage.
It started a bit slow the build up the crowd arrival but eventually the crowd pack out the capacity its Sold Out, 2 more DJ's come on and do some mixing the main support DJ is ready on the stage 'Joe Goddard' apparently he's well known in these circles, he arrives on stage and introduces a female singer on to sing the vocals live, she was a good vocalist but it wasn't my thing he played til over 9.30pm making me wonder when our main act were coming on.
2 more DJs arrive and I'm thinking this is an all nighter lol, meanwhile behind the curtains on stage there are strange goings on with people wearing white coats like scientists testing equipment behind the scenes, it's bizarre.. what do they need to keep checking on back and to they pass the curtains looking serious.
9.45pm some movement lights finally go down and all on the stage is finally revealed, and it's unbelievable, there are 3 different drum kits, 2 on the side, Keyboards and synths down the centre and drumkit behind, in front a metal stand with a head on it that is moving to the music.
The drums were not normal standard drumkits but they had attachments on them like pipes to carry the echo of the beats, 'Soulwax' are on synths and working the crowd up by the middle of the show they are like crazed conducters controlling an orchestra.
The crowd are going for it as their sound lifted the roof off, one track reminded me of a mix of 'Sunburn' by Muse it was epic even though I was not familiar with the tracks, their sound built around off the back of their remix technique it was astonishing seeing them play here Live onstage was a magnificent experience.
At the top of the ceiling in the right hand corner a huge Silver head spinning slowly repetitionally then speeding up at the climax of the show,really interesting show to end '2017'.
If you get chance to watch the guys in action you should as they rarely tour U.K. .
Ok 2017 That's a wrap !!!
See ya'll in 2018
LMi xo
