Autechre - Massonix + Rob Hall Echoplex

Autechre played a sold out show at the Echoplex in LA on Friday night. I had been looking forward to it, especially after hearing their new album, Quaristice, which I like much more than their previous couple records. My favorite Autechre discs are Tri Repetae and EP7. Plus, the last time I had seen them live was a few years ago at the Metro in Chicago.

Rob and Sean did the "play in the dark" thing, illuminated only by the faint glow of their equipment. I guess it would have been better if there was room on the floor to dance, but it was fairly packed with everyone facing the dark stage. The lame camera on my iPhone couldn't even make out the duo on stage.

It reminded me of the old question that's plagued electronic music concerts for years: are you there to listen to the music and watch the band or to dance?

Ultimately, it's up to the everyone in the audience to decide. Of course, the answer could be all of the above.

After the first couple songs, I just wasn't into it. I grew tired and even impatient with the show. I felt like I would have been better off listening to a live concert recording. I left the front to go to the bathroom a couple songs before it was over. Normally I never do that.

Massonix was the opening act. Massonix is Graham Massey of 808 State and Sisters Of Transistors. I enjoyed his performance. The soprano sax stuff was particularly cool.

Rob Hall played a good mix between live sets as DJ of the night.