Although I must be the same age as them, I'd never been to an Autechre
concert and didn't know what to expect.
Despite the lack of show - all the lights were off - I have been
overwhelmed by the sheer power of this concert.
The concert hall was probably equipped for World War III, but everyone here
knows that Autechre is no avalanches of noise or tunnels of sub-bass.
On the contrary, every transient is generously delivered, especially when
you least expect it, as you're often caught off guard. The "snare drums"
were in the spotlight, and despite many a techno night, I'd never felt such
intensity : my muscles were tense and fluid at the same time, and sometimes
I got liberated giggles. 1h30 of a rhythmic rollercoaster that James Brown
would not have disowned.
I came away with the feeling of having witnessed a masterpiece skilfully
laid out from start to finish.
I'd been following them from a distance since "Confield", which I hadn't
really appreciated, nor the following albums, but I'm going to dive back
in. They are their own best evangelists !
It was a splendid, ech-straordinary evening.