Tim Hecker & Regal Safari

Local boys Regal Safari opened using Emeralds-type arpeggios and general electronic noodling in an accomplished lesson in ambient dynamics, using pace and restraint to produce a quietly hypnotic set. Tim Hecker then plied his gorgeous brand of “electronic cathedral music” in a focussed, intelligent mix of drones and stop-start samples, which combined brilliantly with deep, loud bass. It was fascinating for a fan to discern elements from his excellent ‘Ravedeath’, 1972 album alongside newer material, and cacophonous, broken keyboard stabs brought the evening to a stunning finale. A beautiful, shimmering, all-consuming noise experience, and the closest an atheist can get to a spiritual experience in church.

St Mary’s Church, 18 September 2013

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