
Tramshed, Cardiff
Wed 21 Mar
Lincoln Barrett, the veteran drum’n’bass producer and DJ who operates as High Contrast, is on balance probably south Wales’ most successful electronic music export. Still residing in the quiet costal community of Penarth, he’s travelled the world playing on enormous stages since breaking through in the early 2000s, and was until 2014 one of the biggest names on Hospital, drum’n’bass’s most consistently influential imprint, before signing with independent label 3Beat in 2016.
Cardiff’s a huge part of Barrett’s musical DNA. He worked behind the counter at Catapult, the record shop which was once the meeting point for everything electronic in the city, soaking up the diverse sounds from punters and co-workers alike. He dug for samples upstairs at Kelly’s Records in the indoor market, and cut his teeth with a residency at Clwb Ifor Bach. There, he would warm up for the likes of Goldie, DJ Marky and other d’n’b royalty before signing with Hospital and releasing a strong of critically and commercially lauded albums and singles. So, the city always provides a raucous homecoming. But this time around, he’s bringing a live show with him too, in support of album Night Gallery.
It’s a typically widescreen, multi-faceted affair, taking in everything from 80s synthpop, garage rock, northern soul and French filter house, as well as the drum’n’bass which Barrett made his name. In fact, it’s probably this incredibly diverse list of influences and an ear for a leftfield sample which elevates High Contrast from the d’n’b hoi polloi.
So, expect a Wednesday evening uncharacteristically full of big drops, experimental excursions and old faves like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and breakthough banger Racing Green retooled for the live arena, guest vocalists and stunning visuals – the live project, which he debuted in the 5,000 capacity Brixton Academy, has given the film-obsessed Barrett carte blanche to explore the visual medium with some spectacular results. And when it’s all done and dusted and you’re not quite ready to call it a night, town’s just a short hop across the river. Best put that ‘working from home’ request in now, we reckon.
Tickets: £12.50. Info: 029 2023 5555 KRISTIAN DANDO