SBTRKT

SBTRKT is by no means typical. Rather than a band, they are a musical project. I think that's really cool. The venue where I saw this live performance was intimate, it had a really warm vibe. I guess in a way it was even sophisticated. Because of the diminutive space and the plethora of equipment the temperatures did rise, but it was by no means uncomfortable.

I found the lead vocalist appealing. His voice was unique but yet something about it was familiar. It was a surrealistic experience. The band wore masks, but their faces weren't completely concealed. I guess I would describe the masks as sort of tribal, like something from Africa. They were pretty and they were interesting to look at. They didn't distract from the music one bit. The guy on keyboards was a pro, just made his contributions appear easy and effortless. The audience was half and half, split. Some arose to dance without inhibitions while the remainder just danced in their seats and bobbed their heads to the beat. I happened to be in the latter just because I attended this particular show by myself and given I had no friends with me I felt a little shy to get up on my own. I kind of regret that though.

Regardless, I would suggest that if given the chance, you check out SBTRKT. Doesn't sound like anything on the mainstream radio stations at this time.

I have known of SBTRKT since early 2012 and have been looking forward to seeing the duo/producer/project live. I got the chance to do so, along with many other amazing acts, at Osheaga 2014 (WHAT A FESTIVAL!). SBTRKT ended what was an epic Saturday of all types of music, well- and lesser-known bands spanning every genre imaginable. Although energy levels were a little low from shooting across drapeau park b/w different stages, everyone seemed to be magnetized to their performance. It was about 9:40ish when they started performing, night time. Beautiful lights set off even more than otherwise unrelated fireworks going off behind the backdrop on another island. SBTRKT played many of their well known songs, including Ready set loop, something goes right, and (last but not least) TEMPORARY VIEW. WHAT AN EPIC SONG TO CLOSE WITH...it represented what was a balanced, powerful, and energetic peroformance. Sampha's voice sounds like nothing else, especially live. Along with the bright percussion, his voice carried and captivated the audience like nothing else I saw at the festival. Would gladly fly to Montreal from DC again to relive that day, which was capped by SBTRKT's performace - keep on killin' it guys! -Dek

I saw SBTRKT way back in early 2012, fresh off of the release of the debut album. They played The Orpheum in Ybor City, and absolutely killed it. The disappointing part about this show was that the crowd was awful and boring, no one wanted to move or dance or have any fun. Didn't stop my friends and I from cutting rug on the floor, and with the way SBTRKT plays a show, I can't imagine doing anything else. SBTRKT plays a lot of moody and mellow music, but when you see him live, it transforms in to a mashed up, bassy mix of uk funky house and just plain dance-y music. Sampha is amazing on vocals and Jerome's live drumming, theremin work, and electronics work are mind boggling to watch and mind pleasing to hear. I've never seen two people effectively manage so much equipment on stage to produce live (rather than mixed) electronic music. To top it off, while Sampha performed live vocals for his parts, what may have even possibly been better was the sampling work done on Little Dragon's vocals in Wildfire or Gabor's voice in Pharoahs. In short, they know how to run a live act and they produce a ton of energy. Amazing show.

I was bit disappointed overall, then again SBTRKT is unique and genuine for sure.

The whole set minus the sound quality was impeccable, the light and the animation were just on point. Yet somehow the sound was just bit too empty to filled in a concert rather a night club fun time, it kind impressed me this way, that the artist was trying too hard to deliver something to actually succeed, everything ended up being sorta unfinished.

His album is great though. That I'd give it to him anytime.

At the beginning I was doubtful regarding the djset. I had a chance to see SBTRKT all together in Turin and it was great. Nevertheless I was positively surprised because the djset was fantastic. I danced all the time and also Pional made a great opening session.