Avant Garde is one of the hottest London shows around, with the programming shaping their monthly events over the past year alone its solidified their place within the London market.
With the likes of Trentemoller, Funktion, Dixon, Caribou, Kiasmos and Gui Boratto all performing over the last year they have set a standard at Bankside Vaults, their latest home. This past weekend they had their LIVE outing with none other than Kiasmos, Christian Loffler, and Extrawelt performing. Here we pick out our top 5 tracks performed.
Christian Lofftler & Mohna – Haul (Played Live)
Hearing things live will always trump recordings. A lot of that went down at this latest Avant Garde, and one of the best examples for mournful house minimalist Christian Loffler playing Haul. The crowd went mental for this one and really solidified his authority amongst the onlooking punters.
Kiasmos – Looped (Played Live)
This was another tender moment in the night, with Kiasmos softly layering up plaintive piano chords, barely there drums and organic, woody percussion into a lilting lullaby with just enough movement to lock you into a nice sway. It is just the sort of thing they have become so well loved for.
Kiasmos – Burnt (Played Live)
In the same set Icelandic BAFTA-winning composer Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen, the man from electro-pop outfit Bloodgroup, also played Burnt. Building slowly then breaking like sun through clouds on a late summer day, it has bumpy drums down low and more textured hits and pads all lifting you ever higher.
Extrawelt – Fernweh (Played Live)
For more club focussed live offerings, Extrawelt didn’t let us down. The cocoon man came correct with Fernweh, which saw him loopy skittish drums underneath a metallic melody line and really work his machines hard. Watching him at work is as fun as listening to him, and this one was no different.
Extrawelt – My Stupid (Played Live)
Known from being on M.A.N.D.Y.’s Body Language mix, this one is deep and supple, with smooth hits making for a gliding groove that really gets you going. Subtle bass and finger clicks, distant synth daubs and a smart arrangement all speak to Extrawelt’s skills with his machines and helped make tonight so special.
Next up is Avant Garde present Maceo Plex on November 4th then Royksopp on 25th November
