LATES: SPACE | LIVE REVIEW
National Museum Cardiff, Thurs 18 July
A collaboration between innovative event space curators Tactilebosch and Cardiff heads’ favourites Blue Honey was inevitably going to draw crowds on a Thursday evening in July, as an ambitious, otherworldly project was brought to Cardiff’s National Museum. One of the capital’s most impressive structural features, the grand building was transformed for an evening geared towards both lovers of outer space, and lovers of excellent DJs.
To enter the museum was to be welcomed by an array of space-clad dancers and performers, and dazzled by the various light installations beamed onto the high ceiling, rousing a bizarrely nostalgic feeling of childish giddiness upon entering a place geared towards having fun. Many attendees were clad in full-length white space suits of their own, provided by the exhibition: clearly great lengths had been taken to ensure the experience was an immersive one.
For those with a genuine interest in the study of space, fascinating paraphernalia dotted the venue, with keen experts on hand to provide engaging discussion. Telescopes, moon rocks, and large, wired-up electronic switchboards attracted ample attention: every day’s a school day, after all.
Up high on the balcony, a DJ booth, and Darkhouse Family set the tone with their smooth and mellow electro that dabbles on the heavy side. Later, Resident Advisor favourite Jane Fitz takes to the decks, inevitably showcasing her extraordinary back catalogue with a set of perfectly-themed ambience that soundtracks the rest of the evening. Perhaps most impressive though is the silent disco gig, as synthpop band Madi, kitted out in their space suits, rock out on electronic instruments that can only be heard whilst wearing huge, noise-cancelling headphones. A weird and wonderful addition that attracted crowds throughout the night, both for the concept and the music itself.
Whilst at times there was a perceptibly disjointed crowd that wanted different things from the evening, ultimately it was fantastic to see Cardiff play host to such an ambitious project, speaking volumes about the talent that Wales’ alternative creative scene has to offer.
words CHARLIE COTTRELL photos WALES NEWS SERVICE
