MUTEK Recap: Amon Tobin

Amon Tobin at Metropolis

Of all the amazing shows promised at the 12th MUTEK, few were as anticipated as the World Premiere of Amon Tobin’s brand new live A/V show, focused around music from his latest record ISAM. Visually, there were hints of “next level shit” all over, but nobody was prepared for just how groundbreaking the visual show actually ended up being…

After a few years off from releases, Amon Tobin came out with a bang and redeclared his status within the global electronic community. Visually, the A/V set was phenomenal, with Tobin embedded inside a cube control-booth that was engulfed in a multi-dimensional installation/video screen (see video above to really get an idea). Splashed over the entire thing was the most intense video-mapping animation you could imagine; from ice-cube grids, to fiery jaunts through what looked like hell to astral travelling, the stage was a transfixing experience.

Musically, Tobin is still venturing down the path he started with Foley Room – localized field recordings are now the main source of his sound & his scientific processing/manipulation of them crafts otherworldly sonic scapes. Combined with the intense sound in the main room of Metropolis, Tobin’s music at time seemed like the apocalypse contained within a song. Often surreal & unbelievable.

-E