Plaid

Plaid, the electronic music duo of Andy Turner and Ed Handley, has now been existence for 23 years, over the course of which they've released 10 albums (7 of them on Warp), written two soundtracks for film, 6 EPs, and various other collaborative projects with the Southbank Gamelan Players and the London Sinfonietta. So, in a way, there is more than one Plaid, and which one you get will depend on the project. Their widely praised live soundtrack for the anime film TekkonKinkreet, for example, includes a live string quartet and percussion, and is more based around dramatic cadences and chord sequences. If you were to catch them at a club, they may well play their more techno based material. A particular feature of Plaid, and for me their most likable aspect, is the building up of these long, snaking melodies that overlap and cascade, while punctuated with their characteristically rich and punchy beats. There's an almost New Age hint to some of their songs, but it's done in a sophisticated if not knowing way: more Eno than Enya. For some, having a live group (as with the Sinfonietta or the Gamelan Players), or having visuals helps, as their music isn't really danceable (there's nothing stopping you trying though) and, well, it's two guys sitting at their laptops playing some quite abstract music. Personally, I didn't find it to be a problem, as there's so much to enjoy in the music, but if I had to recommend a particular show, I'd say try to catch TekkonKinkreet with the live soundtrack - they really did a great job on that one.

Last night's show was highly entertaining in my view. When watching and listening to groups such as Plaid, you expose yourself to something else than just dance music. Not event the term Intelligent Dance Music reflects fully the extent of artistic expression you are bound to submerge yourself in. The music itself was perfectly contained: soft, melodic, soothing, coming in waves to cradle you and set you adrift. The multitude of layers is self-complimentary. Nothing seems out of place and everything appears to be serving one purpose: to make you experience the beauty and harmony of sounds like a sequence of pleasures... For those who preferred to keep their eyes open, the show provided a visual treat as well. This time it wasn't simply a screen but rather an installation made out of small triangular screens displaying letters and numbers, shapes and colours, smiling skulls and emojis - all this interacting playfully with your senses. A truly soulful encounter in a safe familiar space.

Waiting for that show for a long time, even booked a flat to really enjoy the night and be free of driving.

I have already seen 2 shows of Plaid in the past and I was expecting the same perfection.

But sadly it wasn't at all.

C12 organisation was very good and the staff really nice but the sound quality was just bad. Too much overloaded. I had sometimes difficulties to recognize some songs despite of the fact that I'm a big fan of Plaid. Didn't like at all the violin, maybe a question of personal taste but I had the feeling it was ruining the songs. I prefered guitar in the previous tour album show.

Don't know who's fault is for the big fail on the sound quality but I don't care, everybody is human.

Just a little bit disappointed

Plaid at their best!
Location inadequate, was a 5-a-side football pitch with outrageous prices for drinks, poor audio, unclear entrance costs..Don't think they were happy either. Also, they play well before the schedule for a hour only...don't think they were really happy either!

Fucking amazing. It was an honor to experience them live in a small venue. Each song was like a journey. Extremely well thought out music these guys talent and love for music is audible and felt. The visuals were on point as well. Holy fuck❤️