The prodigal son returns to its SW9 home with Magnetic Man, the Dubstep super-group of Skream, Benga and Artwork, and one thing is certain – it will be loud. The Academy is made for Dubstep: the height, incline and the little nooks and crannies give the ideal space for sub-bass rumbles and low oscillating wobbles to reverberate. Brixton is left in awe: imagine if Marvin Gaye joined Underworld to play Scritti Politti covers in a Sheffield warehouse. Set closer ‘Photoshop Handsome’ is pure hand in the air rave, 4/4 bass pounds and snare build ups, with teasing guitars whispering dodgy deals in your ears over hypnotic vocals. ‘Suffragette Suffragette’ reveals the deep groove that permeates through their set as if Prince was backstage giving a motivational speech. There’s a post-punk disjointedness to them – dressed in matching grey boiler suits embodying the spirit of Devo, yet the soulful vocals of Jonathon Higgs adds a human touch. There is a festival atmosphere for Everything Everything, a definite euphoria in the crowd which the band embrace as they enter to a trance-like build up, before breaking into the carnival frenzy of ‘Qwerty Finger’ moves seamlessly into the tribal rave of ‘Schoolin’’.
Tonight Matthew, I will be a historical record. It’s a celebration of where music is in February 2011 an opportunity for ground breakers to prove their wares. None of them need this tour, and all have their avid followers, but tonight isn’t about market exposure. On further inspection one sees a quality unseen on previous tours: each of tonight’s bands have built their own momentum and could fill the epic Brixton Academy in their own right. This year the line-up appears to be obeying its own cliché by opening with the latest hype machine but this is a good thing as it gives a prime opportunity to look for badges on the merchandise stall instead. Previous contestants have been The Killers Vs The Futureheads, Coldplay Vs Campag Velocet, and my personal favourite Heavy Stereo Vs Fluffy.
Whose MP3s will be deleted in five years time against the band it’s okay to name drop when talking about the good ‘ole days. I personally like to play the “who’s cool and who’s the fool” game. The annual NME tour never fails to amuse with its put-a-pin-in-a-page random selection of wannabe stars. Roll up roll as the circus comes to town. Click on any image to enlarge | All photographs by Steven Walker
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