Live Review: Autechre, Fis and PYUR, Drew McDowall, Iona Fortune, Rings Around Saturn

Though the interior of Hobart's MAC2 is far removed from the industrial setting of Berlin Atonal's home, its proximity to the installation wonderland that is Dark Park goes a long way toward making up for its lack of texture, and if attended in succession, these experiences become wonderfully complimentary.   

After stunning Dark Mofo audiences with dazzling displays of sound and visuals, Berlin Atonal's Laterne refines its program for the second night, focusing on a selection of artists whose performances are primarily concerned with the auditory experience. This shift is made explicit from the get-go. Upon entry, staff provide a courtesy warning for the uninitiated, informing the audience that tonight's headliners will perform in "total darkness"; this then becomes further elaborated by placards on each entry to the venue. It seems a little over the top for something as simple as turning the lights off for a while, but for a culture so ingrained in habitually using screens and flashing lights to affirm self and identity, to risk a confrontation with total darkness is to risk confronting the inner-bogeyman.   

Melbourne based producer Rings Around Saturn (not to be confused with the death metal band of the same name) kicks things off on a harmonious note, drawing from his geologically themed Erosion EPs to lull us into a false sense of security, acting as the calm before the storm.

Hot on the heels of her debut success, Tao of I, Glasgow's Iona Fortune is already reaping the rewards. It's quite the honour to be included on such a remarkable bill and Fortune explicitly demonstrates her acknowledgement and gratitude by tipping her proverbial hat with a cover of Coil's Dark River. She plays seated in front a small keyboard and laptop rig, sitting with commendable composure for the full duration of her 45-minute set, much to the amazement and envy of the mass of slouching bodies strewn all across the floor.  

The sinister elements are invited into full play by Drew McDowall with his presentation of Time Machines, in its entirety. With the untimely passings of John Balance and Peter Christopherson, the chance to hear a set of Coil material performed live seemed beyond a fan's wildest dreams. However, McDowall has stepped up and made it a reality, touring this Time Machines presentation around the world, and audiences must be feeling blessed to have the experience, for the surprising intensity of the bass frequencies delivers a certain bodily effect that can't be duplicated on a home system or headphones.  

The evening starts to feel a little more lively as Berlin Atonal alumni Fis and PYUR present the premiere performance of their latest collaboration 7 Blue Stones. Unfortunately, due to the speedy change-overs, it proves impossible to experience in full for those who wish to have a little preparation before the electronic wizards that follow.

Many who have never experienced Autechre live will argue that they don't make dance music, but all that nonsense is catapulted straight out the window as soon as the moment comes. It simply becomes a matter of attuning oneself to the swing of their complex rhythms. Once let loose on the dance floor, the body's intelligence often proves more capable at catching up to speed with a rapid evolution in timing. It's not just about beats and bodies though; their live sound is so dynamic that it puts most others to shame. Underlying their rhythms are dense pools of melody and texture, which complement an experience that simultaneously affects in a deep, visceral sense. The only downfall is that the one-hour duration of their sets never seems long enough; this has got to be the saddest a room in Hobart has ever been to see the lights turned on.