Now in its fifth year, Illuminations is returning to London for another fortnight of music, art and film. Having previously played host to artists such as Holly Herndon, Micachu & the Shapes, and Ariel Pink, the festival again offers a programme that boasts a similarly eclectic mix.
The festival takes place across the city from 28 October – 11 November, in venues such as The Barbican, Oval Space, and Mick’s Garage, among others.
Added to the bill this year are a screening of cult German film Run Lola Run, an evening of music performed in pitch black darkness, and a free evening at the Museum of London featuring performances and film.
While the festival is relatively modest, the programme selections are fully charged and promise to deliver anything from almighty bass drones to eclectic pop. Click <a href=” http://illuminationslondon.com/” target=”out”>here for more information, and read on for a list of acts to look forward to.
The Bug’s SIRENS
Though best known for bass-heavy bangers, The Bug has always been very busy elsewhere, from being one half of hip hop duo Techno Animal to one third of King Midas Sound (who most recently released an album with Fennesz). Now, Kevin Martin brings his project Sirens to London – a symphony for foghorn, bass drone, siren and loud volume. Sparked as a response to Martin’s son’s medical condition, Sirens comes to Bloc’s Autumn Street Studios at the end of October, and is bound to be a night to bring hearing protection to.
Shye Ben Tzur, Jonny Greenwood and The Rajasthan Express
Indian ensemble The Rajasthan Express will be joined by Israeli composer Shye Ben Tzur and Jonny Greenwood (from Radiohead) at The Troxy. They’ll be performing music from their album Junun – a vibrant melange of polyrhythmic percussion, Sufi qawwal singing and brilliant brass melodies.
Let’s Eat Grandma
Coming to Oval Space is eclectic teen duo Let’s Eat Grandma. The pair have curated a one-off evening especially for Illuminations, which promises a taste of their atypical brand of pop and a glimpse into the eclectic, teenage minds of Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth.
Gazelle Twin’s Kingdom Come
Bound to be dark, uncomfortable and wholly captivating, Gazelle Twin brings her A/V project Kingdom Come to the Electric Brixton as an opening act for Pantha du Prince. The show is certain to be both exhausting and exhaustive, featuring vocalists performing on treadmills, as well as a film by Chris Turner and Tash Tung. The feral quality of Elizabeth Bernholz’ Gazelle Twin character strikes again, and it will undoubtedly be a gristly affair.
