Asian Dub Foundation at Colston Hall in Bristol - Live Music Review
Posted on: 2015-10-22
Our rating:
Asian Dub Foundation's newly composed live soundtrack to George Lucas' 1971 debut fantasy, THX 1138, blends all of these elements into one flowing, cohesive sonic spectacular that works flawlessly with the story and the images.
Wednesday 21 October 2015 may have heralded the much-publicised Back to the Future Day, but the Colston Hall in Bristol proffered its own slice of (albeit very different) futuristic fantasy with Asian Dub Foundation: THX 1138.
While many were reveling in the time travelling exploits of Marty McFly and Doc Brown in 1989's Back to the Future Part II - which saw them zip to that very day to a world populated by hoverboards, self-drying jackets and flying cars - those who ventured out of the house were treated to one of the most inventive, audacious movie/music combos of the year.
Asian Dub Foundation stemmed from inspirational beginnings when it started in 1993 as a London-based musical project teaching Asian children the basics of music technology. Their 1995 single, Rebel Warrior, garnered notable acclaim as did their follow-up album, Facts and Fictions, and they've joined forces with several titans of the music world including Primal Scream, Sinead O'Connor and Radiohead.
But they've also cemented their reputation as live performers, combining a unique fusion of diverse musical styles such as punk rock, bhangra, rapcore, dub, ragga, ambient and minimalism. Their newly composed live soundtrack to George Lucas' 1971 debut fantasy, THX 1138, blends all of these elements into one flowing, cohesive sonic spectacular that works flawlessly with the story and the images.
Before he became the bearded guru of many modern day busters of block - namely the Star Wars and Indiana Jones series - George Lucas co-wrote and directed this Robert Duvall and Donald Pleasence starring dystopian fantasy which focuses on a cold, emotionless future world gripped by authoritarian control through android police, CCTV and chemical brainwashing. No Ewoks, droids or Jawas here then; this is a sterile, twisted, dark, uncomfortable and bleak Hell of a place.
Having not seen the film for many years - which has become a cult classic in its own right - watching it again was a revelation. The nascent creative impulse and stylistic fingerprints of Lucas are all over it but in much murkier, thought-provoking, serious form, though there are occasional moments of humour which break through the often edgy, uneasy tone. There are also several key set pieces which culminate in the gobsmacking final reel car chase and 1138's escape to freedom - still thrilling, adrenaline-pumping action cinema. The special effects - long before Lucas became obsessed with limitless possibilities of CGI - also hold up very well.
ADF's trademark blending of musical styles was nothing short of sensational, complimenting the visuals with impeccable timing and well-judged musical nuances which enhanced the narrative and propelled the story forward. There were a few moments when the mix resulted in fuzzy, unclear dialogue reverberations but this is a small criticism. ADF's masterful interpretation of the score ebbed and flowed, pulsed, howled, screamed, yearned, agonised and loved as the film demanded - one minute a thrashing maelstrom of riffing, pounding guitars and drums that shook your very soul; the next, a wistful tapestry of mellifluous, gossamer-thin ambient moods.
A magnificent symbiosis of sci-fi cult classic and a genuinely thrilling, rollercoaster soundscape. One of my top five gigs of the year.
5/5
Reviewed by Jamie Caddick for 365Bristol - the leading events and entertainment website for Bristol.
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Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
