Aphex Twin at Field Day review with Bonobo, Fever Ray - ‘Punishing set closes day of dance and electronica’

Aphex Twin is an intense headliner for a festival, and at Field Day he topped a bill that covered the breadth of electro and dance music. It’s a punishing way to end a day of electronica during All Points East.

The line-up included a West Stage closing set from Bonobo, and performances from Arca, Jon Hopkins, Fever Ray, Surasinge, Sudan Archives, Jayda G, Kelela and TSHA. 6 Music's Mary Anne Hobbs led the All Queens stage.

Aphex Twin

On screen we see the evolution of the Richard D James of Windowlicker and beyond. And then it’s into the deep, twisted beats for which he’s famous.

It’s not to everybody’s taste, lacking in pop hooks and a more difficult listen than much of the dance music found in Victoria Park throughout the day.

But there are few people more influential in electronic music, and it’s not the most challenging show he has ever played.

The heavy set lifts at the right times for a wired crowd, and it has to inspire a revisit of Drukqs, Selected Ambient Works 85-92 and Volume II, and last month’s Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a room7 F760 EP.

Bonobo

Bonobo has a more relaxed sound than Aphex Twin. Both are organic in their way, but while Aphex Twin brings the chaos, Bonobo brings the soul. A highlight today is Shadows, with vocals from Jordan Rakei (”I thought you know what came to pass. This love is falling down.”) from 2022’s brilliant Fragments.

The warmth of the band is made by the horn section and nothing bad can come of a flute (okay, that’s an exaggeration).

It’s Simon Green’s only live London show this year, and it’s perfect for the sun setting in the park.

Fever Ray

Karin Dreijer’s Fever Ray is a change of pace from much of the rest of the day - synth and dirty rhythms replace house and drum’n’bass beats. They may be an odd inclusion on this particular bill but the 2023 take on new romantic psychedelia is captivating nonetheless, and there are strong songs, such as brilliant filth of To the Moon and Back (”First I take you then you take me, breathe some life into a fantasy. Your lips, warm and fuzzy...”). Things really pick up on the dancefloor with a lively I’m Not Done.

Jayda G

An daylight highlight was London-based Canadian producer Jayda G with a feel good afternoon rave on the East Stage.

‘An annual highlight’

Ajay Jarayam, the Broadwick Live music director, said: “It’s an annual highlight for my team and I to curate Field Day and collaborate with truly dynamic and alternative artists. Our line-up, from global game-changer Aphex Twin to the boundary-breaking Arca, reflects the unstoppable strength and innovation of the experimental electronic music movement, which shows no signs of slowing.”

Field Day’s Gareth Cooper said: “We have been delivering something different for London, and the 16th edition has been a testament to what has been built over these years. APE Presents Field Day has yet again surpassed expectations this year with some of the boldest billing to date. We are thrilled to bring world-renowned acts to London, but also immensely proud to welcome the guests and community back to Victoria Park year on year.”

All Points East

All Points East continues next weekend with headliners The Strokes, Jungle, Dermot Kennedy and Haim.

But before that, In The NBHD runs from Sunday to Wednesday (August 20-23) - with a line-up of free entertainment and events. Sunday will include a live screening of the World Cup Final between England and Spain.