Having been added to the press list for this show super late… 15 minutes before stage time, we had arrived into the subterranean basement of Stereo slightly bedraggled and on edge.

Leaving behind our friends casually sipping the golden nectar (whiskey) at Bon Accord to grab our shooting equipment and get to the venue we felt plunged into a parallel universe of purple hues and pretty glockenspiel sounds.

Despite some initial sound issues, (which seen Hendrik Weber talk nonchalantly about how music is a vibration that connects us all together – how fitting) Stereo played host to a night of electronic enchantment with Pantha Du Prince at the helm. In this intimate setting, tonight’s performance proved to be nothing short of an electronica alchemist, transforming sound into pure magic.

The night began I have to admit uncomfortably early considering the genre which would be more suited to a club night at The Berkeley Suite and to be honest the room began to fill up closer to 9pm. I feel the scheduling was a bit of considering the calibre of the performance.

As the crowd sauntered in the venue was filled with a subtle, almost ethereal hum, reverberating through the venue’s walls. Stereo’s eclectic crowd, a diverse mix of devoted fans and intrigued newcomers, leaned in, ready to embark on an auditory adventure. Pantha Du Prince, shrouded in an aura of mystique, stood before an array of synthesizers and electronic gadgets, poised to cast his sonic kaleidoscopic spell.

From the very first note of “Mother Drum” it was clear that this was an immersive journey into the depths of electronic soundscapes. Pantha Du Prince’s intricate melodies, punctuated by mesmerizing beats, enveloped the audience like a warm embrace.

The visual aspect of the performance was equally beguiling. An intricate dance of lights, shadows, and projections painted a vivid tapestry that mirrored the music’s ebb and flow. It was as if the visuals were choreographed to the notes, creating a mesmerizing fusion of sensory experiences.

Our twinkling favourite “Bohemian Forrest with its violin and marimba, seamlessly intertwined with minimal techno textures, infusing the music with an unmistakable human touch. This delicate balance showcased his artistic prowess, blurring the line between man and machine.

The zenith of the performance arrived with a crescendo of energy and emotion that came in the form of “Lay in a Shimmer” that left the crowd in awe. Pantha Du Prince’s connection with the audience was palpable, as if we were all participants in a shared ritual. Even if the night ended early doors.

Words & Photos: Angela Canavan