This simply must not miss event kicks off at 6pm and the beats barely stop ‘til well gone midnight, as we witness easily one of the best shows Glasgow will see this year.
The night organised by Kieran Hebden, aka Four Tet, features a mouth-watering array of DJ’s and electronic musicians topped by the massively hyped Caribou, whose latest release Swim has achieve critical acclaim pretty much across the board.
Set with unenviable task of warming up the crowd are Rocketnumbernine who provide some experimental electronic delight as the ABC slowly fills to capacity.
Nathan Fake is next to take the stage, ducking and diving through a delightful set as the crowd slowly but surely build up momentum, give them credit it’s still only 8pm. James Holden quickly follows as he feeds on Fake’s lead keeping the crowd going at a steady pace before the main events take to the stage.
As former post-rocker Hebden moves in to take the reigns there is a vast push forward from the crowd as they see a familiar face and quickly descend into one hot sweaty mess.
Hebden appears slightly awkward as he bobs away behind his desk but there is a unique charm about the Londoner, even deep in concentration he comes across as likeable. With tracks like ‘Angel Echoes’ and ‘Love Cry’ it’s hard to fault anything about the man.
Starting out with post-rock band Fridge, Hebden took the moniker Four Tet for his more electronic experimental solo exploits and although only recent album There Is Love In You has gain much acclaim in the mass you have to look back at least a decade to pin point his debut. As he ends a rousing set with a cheeky smile and wave you can tell he is joyous at how the night has gone and how far he has come himself.
A slight questionability lies in the air as what has so far been non-stop music is cut to nothing as the stage is set up for Caribou’s live band. But as the band kicks into their set any questions as pushed aside as Dan Snaith and his band lash into a rip roaring set which is made further emphatic by the inclusion of a live band.
The band set up in a cluster in the centre of the stage never miss a beat as they power through a set primarily made up of tracks from Snaith’s latest work which is easily his most upbeat to date. The only gap in the set comes as Snaith announces how close the band were to having to pulling out due to their bassist being hospitalised in Newcastle.
New album stand out ‘Odessa’ packs a punch and is easily the popiest of Snaith’s decade worth of output, whether under Caribou or Manitoba. A real highlight of the set comes from 2007’s Andorra in the form of the wonderful ‘Melody Day’, which sees the crowd and the band lifted to euphoric highs as the Canadian drowns the crowd in pure beauty.
The tech-house throb of ‘Sun’ sets the crowd alight one last time as Snaith and co prove they are well worth every ounce of hype they receive elevating himself to the very top of the electronic scene.
Leaving the ABC there is that unique feeling that you only get from those life affirming shows, and this certainly has been one. Electronic music is alive and well and we’ll be hearing these acts for a long time to come.
If you haven’t had your fill the night is still young and Hebden has made the jaunt down to Hung Up! at the Subclub to carry on the beats way into the night.
Photos: Fran Lightbound
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