Music
11 Jul 16

Faithless Cement Legacy with Explosive Dublin Performance

In the increasingly transient world of short-lived music careers, one-album wonders and throwaway chart hits, there’s something overwhelmingly reassuring about seeing veteran artists absolutely smashing it. Whether that’s New Order returning to form on last year’s dazzling Music Complete, Carl Cox holding the throne at his Space Ibiza residency for 14 years, or Leonard Cohen still serenading audiences into his eighties, it’s good to know that music is (sometimes) in safe hands

While it’s probably fair to say that Faithless haven’t exactly been slogging it out at the coalface of contemporary music for the last few years, this explosive RHK show proves that when delivering the hits the British dance veterans are still capable of teaching all the young pretenders a thing or two.

Firstly though, a quick tip of the metaphorical cap to Le Galaxie, yet again! ‘Carmen’ sounds louder, faster and bigger than ever before. While closer ‘Love System’ leaves it beyond any doubt that there’s a party to be had here tonight. The lads continue to grow as an unstoppable live force.

Sister Bliss, Rollo and their supporting live musicians and singers soon follow, taking up positions in front of a giant '20' pulsating in bright red behind. After a bit of a future-funk jam, iconic frontman Maxi Jazz appears preaching the opening lines of hit ‘God Is A DJ’. When Sister Bliss lifts the lid on the beats pandemonium inevitably ensues.

Two decades have passed since the release of debut album Reverence. And the Faithless legacy is reflected in the varying ages of the well-oiled crowd, as experienced partygoers, trance veterans and young, scantily clad ravers all blend in one euphoric mob. Everyone is here for the hits. Nobody leaves disappointed.

Delivered surprisingly early, ‘Insomnia’ is a real, and obvious, highlight. Cherished like a priceless family heirloom, the drop is deliciously teased by Sister Bliss and co. as Jazz winds it up while delivering his seminal verse. Disco/drum and bass hybrid ‘Muhammad Ali’, closing hit ‘We Come 1’, and the politically biting ‘Mass Destruction’ also register decisive blows throughout this triumphant Irish return.

*All of our great photos from the night can be seen by clicking here.