Amadou And Mariam

There's surely never been a culture shock as profound as heading from the post-pop anarchism of the Residents to Amadou & Mariam's performance on the usually unforgiving Pavilion Stage. But that's to be praised, and further evidence that this is one of the boldest, open-minded All Tomorrow's Parties in years. They might have a traditionally western musical set-up (essentially vocals, guitar, drums, bass), but A&M's utter disregard for both genre and national boundary in their music is something spectacular to behold. "Do you feel alright?" they insist on asking from the stage. Given that this entire venue is moving in a way that has never been seen before, the vibrations of a few thousand dancing feet should be enough to let them know that we're more than fine.

LT