Steve Reich: Radio Rewrite

Radio Rewrite is the latest project from Modernist composer Steve Reich, which has sees him take inspiration from an unlikely source in the form of two Radiohead songs. The Radiohead tag, it would be fair to say, was the biggest draw for the tweed-heavy crowd, but anyone expecting a carbon copy from the pioneering composer would have been severely disappointed. In fact, if you had not known it was inspired by Radiohead, you probably would never have made the connection. This obviously was not the point. With the fear of sounding gravely uncultured, the main problem was the rather relentless and emotionless style of composition, which after a while grew tiring. A fantastic performance of ‘Electric Counterpoint’ notwithstanding, this show was for the Reich purists and not the casual bystander.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 7 March
Rating:
Woodrow Whyte