REVIEW: Maribou State headline Roundhouse London

Maribou State continue to reinvent and reimagine what is possible for an electronic live show. Backed by colourful imagery of surreal landscapes, London’s Roundhouse was transformed into a Kingdom In Colour as the five-piece band brought the latest album to life.

Opening with early favourite ‘Home’, taken from 2015 LP Portraits, the duo’s new live ensemble offers a performance that’s oh so easy to get lost in. From the glitter-ball majesty of Khruangbin-sampling ‘Feel Good’, to the romantic fervour of ‘Steal’, Maribou State shine as a band always on form.

There’s something magical about observing the vibe between a group of musicians on stage. Adding more vibrancy and energy, North Downs performs the vocals for ‘Kingdom’ – a standout track on the new album, playing to the strength of the band’s global influences.

With the night already becoming a hedonists dream, Maribou State launch into another old-time classic. ‘Rituals’ allows for introspective dancing as well as a true sense of belonging among the like-minded crowd.

“For you, I’ve played the clown / Stayed around / Did what I had to / For too, for too long.” Pedestrian’s haunting vocals fill the room, creating something really cinematic.

Towards the end of the set, ‘Nervous Tics’ and ‘Turnmills’ invite the most fevered reaction from the crowd. Dedicated as an ode to “good old fashioned human contact and emotion”, the arrival of recent single ‘Turnmills’ lands like an automatic fan favourite, with Holly Walker taking to centre stage and proving she’s one of dance music’s best live vocalists.

Maribou State achieve euphoria during the encore as a colourful confetti explosion connects with the crowd. Varkala and Midas soundtrack the glittering end of the duo’s immersive live show, leaving everyone in the room wanting more.