Willow

Other than the fact that they’re called Willow and they’re from Belgium, it’s probably best not to cast too many aspersions about this particular band; both their sound and their image clearly has plenty of room for reinterpretation and reimagination. They’ve dabbled in indie rock i the past, but their most recent output has lent towards an eighties-inspired dancepop sound that uses synths instead of guitars. This has come to be reflected in their energetic live shows; as in the past, frontman Pieter Jan Van Den Troost provides the focal point for the crowd with his tirelessly vibrant performances, but instrumentally, they now mix things up woth both synths and guitar present on stage and setlists that tend to run all the way through their back catalogue. This summer saw them as staples of the European festival scene, and they’ve also toured both in their home continent and in the United States with fellow Belgians Wallace Vanborn; they’ve played intimate shows in the UK, too, where they retain a feverish - and burgeoning - cult fanbase

When you mention Delta Heavy to the general public you gage one of two responses. 'I have never heard of them' or 'I am the most committed fan, I have heard everything they have ever produced'. It would be fair to say the London duo consisting of Ben Hall and Simon James are the epitome of a cult phenomena yet with less than five years experience on the circuit, they have achieved a following most would yearn for.

It is pretty impressive to say that the majority of these fans follow the duo because of their unmatchable technical prowess. They mix like complete professionals and consider all aspects of the live show from the visuals, the lighting, the decks and of course the crowds to best bring everything together. The whole audience lose their minds throughout the show as the pair drop remixes of dance heavyweights Avicii and Diplo without prior warning to achieve maximum effect from the baying masses. They are continuously dancing beneath the screens as the visuals change and interact with the music before it all crescendos via 'Get By'.

Unfortunately .. the gig was cancelled at the Academy Manchester last night .. it was not their fault, but hoping to see Mungo's Hi Fi again in February when they return to Manchester??