Faithless Soundsystem – Essex University Student Union, Wednesday Feb 10th
As the snow falls over the vast campus of Essex University we arrive at the SU to see the stripped down, University/club friendly set up for dance giants Faithless. The packed underground venue is buzzing with anticipation, and as the audience are pinned firmly to the front of the stage Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss and Rollo make their entrance.
They’re met with screams as they kick off with the title track from their upcoming album; ‘Sun To Me’. The resonating bass, along with the post-poetic vocal of Rollo is a clear continuation of the massive club sound that brought Faithless their original acclaimed success.
Followed by anthem ‘Insomnia’, it’s clear to see that this ‘Soundsystem’ arrangement can still throw a venue to near riotous euphoria as drinks and hands are thrown into the air. Whilst this line up of MC, DJ and percussionist could play out their big hits successfully to a venue of this size, I can see difficulties in translating it to the massive arenas where these tracks belong.
The Soundsystem certainly rose to the occasion though, creating an intensely vibrant atmosphere and sound for which Faithless are renound. With upcoming shows across the country, this is definitely one worth seeing.
Words: Tom Lillywhite