AUTECHRE + Massonix @ Club Soda

By Dan Stefik - The Ground-Up - 04/13/2008

As far as I know, Autechre fans haven’t yet reached a definitive verdict on their latest LP, Quaristice. The camps appear divided: while some feel that a recent departure from their tried and true approach is nothing short of blasphemy, others argue that the LP’s shorter tracks and more minimal stylings are strangely affecting. However, neither camp could contest the explosive energy of Sean Booth and Rob Brown’s performance at Club Soda last night.

The show’s duration was punctuated by two DJ sets – which were relatively uneventful – and an additional set by the show’s opener Massonix (Graham Massey from 808 State fame). Massey began in fine form, but as his set drew to a close it was fairly obvious that fans were itching for Autechre. Massey’s use of live instruments (an assortment of winds, synths and guitars) and looped images provided the “visual” spectacle for the evening, but Autechre would soon take the stage and refuse any visual stimulation whatsoever.

Montreal’s Club Soda provided the backdrop, with the necessary -- shall we say, amplification -- and make no mistake, Club Soda is fit in terms of sound. Anyone who’s bothered to listen to Autechre on disc or vinyl can vouch for this fact. Club Soda delivers soundwise, and then some. A powerful sound system is a pre-requisite to the faithful transmission of Autechre’s music which is comprised of a cacophony of sounds, faint melodies, and chest-pounding beats and rhythms.

And let it be known that Booth and Brown separate the boys from the men, so to speak. This isn’t your average dance, techno or drum ‘n bass gig. They aren’t doodlers on laptops. They are nothing short of visionaries of the aural persuasion, and fans have known that for over 15 years now.

The best thing about an Autechre show is the fact that fans seem to be dancing, grooving, bobbing, or stomping with both their bodies AND minds. Their bodies are anchored by an incisive rhythm (a rhythm that is characterized by its pulsating, primal nature) and their minds are engaged by a myriad of sounds -- far too many to consciously keep track of – that extend from the pulsating core. Autechre fans appear fully engaged and totally submitted to the sounds themselves. To attend an Autechre show is to enter the recesses of Booth and Brown’s minds, a space cleared for psychic dance music. And thankfully, their sounds stretched out through an almost entirely underlit venue -- save for the lights emitted by their abundance of equipment -- an aesthetic choice that certainly adds to the psychic element in their approach.

Next time Autechre pulls into Montreal, do yourselves a favor and submit! Your brain and body will thank you plenty.

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