Flit

Flit is a collaborative project based on the theme of journeys and home, directed by Martin Green (Lau) and also featuring Adrian Utley (Portishead), Dominic Aitchison (Mogwai), Becky Unthank (The Unthanks), Adam Holmes and Whiterobot (animators). The show was less than the sum of its parts however, with the music sounding like spacious sketches rather than fully formed songs. It might have been considered more of a soundtrack, which worked well when there was a live or projected animated accompaniment, but felt sparse and a little dull when only backed up with lighting effects.

The concept of migration was certainly timely and an impassioned, vitriolic speech from Green was one of the highlights of the show. The music also gained momentum towards the end with the louder, more Mogwai-sounding sections filling the Concert Hall more effectively and powerfully, and Becky Unthank’s ethereal voice will always be a deserved crowd-pleaser. Unfortunately the whole work simply didn’t hang together very well: the disparate elements didn’t feel fully polished, resulting in a somewhat incoherent show.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 30 October 2016

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