Nightmares on Wax at Koko, London

Longtime electronic music producer George Evelyn AKA Nightmares on Wax last month graced all us fans with his highly anticipated eighth studio album. ‘Shape the Future’ is Evelyn’s first record since 2013, an eleven track blissful masterpiece. Although Nightmares on Wax now lives in Ibiza he has been pounding round Europe touring the new LP. The British producer has been making music since 1988, starting his career with his love of hip-hop. This is evident in the music that Evelyn has created over the last thirty years. Nightmares on Wax’s debut record ‘A Word of Science: The First and Final Chapter’ was released on Warp Records in 1991 and subsequently helped launch his career, developing into a household name.

Evelyn’s long-awaited album is definitely something to admire, a record that embraces a world of connectedness and togetherness; a rich tapestry of well-orchestrated organic sounding melodies coupled with signature Wax beats and drum loops. Evelyn never ceases to amaze listeners with his extensive range of music, pulling influences from a multitude of genres most notably dub and hip-hop. Not to mention the album’s wealth of soulful guest vocalists that appear on a large proportion of the tracks.

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Catching Nightmares on Wax in one of London’s best venues, Koko, the sold-out gig had an excitable atmosphere right from the off. Seeing such a legendary producer play in unison with a live band is spectacular and Evelyn made sure that his talents didn’t go unnoticed. Although working hard, Nightmares on Wax and his band had an air of calm and relaxation around them with the stage set as if it were a front room, and Evelyn playing from a sofa for the majority of the set, only standing when lyrics he sang were featured. This evoked a homely feeling; a nice touch to help the gig to be unique and offer some alternative production values. Despite the new release, the setlist was excellently balanced with a winning combination of old and new tracks. Featured singer Mozez added another level of positivity to the gig, lending his incredible voice to a number of the live tracks.  The set was also very personal, it felt as if it came from the heart and that Evelyn was honoured to share his music with every member of the audience. A plug for the Yorkshireman’s charity work didn’t go amiss either.

With a number of high profile festival gigs already announced for the summer, Nightmares on Wax is one to look out for in 2018. Make sure you get to experience his many talents in his live sets and also when he’s spinning vinyl.

THE GIG IN REVIEW:

  • Well thought out set combining a number of new and old tracks.
  • Unique stage production that gave a homely, personal feeling.
  • Three guest singers that helped bring the live set to life.

inSYNC Rating – 9.0/10.0

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Tobi Stidolph

Press Manager & inSYNC Writer

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