Floating Points mesmerises London with unique live performance
On the first of a three-night London residency, British dance producer Sam Shepherd, also known as Floating Points, delivers a transcendent set that blends body-jacking rave with a harp-laced art show.
Sam Shepherd stands out as an artist who effortlessly merges acoustic instruments and spiritual jazz with club DJing. His earlier work, such as the album Reflections: Mojave Desert (2017), showcased his innovative approach, using the California mountains as a reverb chamber. His celebrated work Promises (2021) featured the London Symphony Orchestra and jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, marking Sanders's final recording before his passing in 2022.
Shepherd’s performance embodies elements from his recent album Cascade, and features harpist Miriam Adefris, whose solo harp passages provide a rich backdrop. Known for her extensive skills, Adefris introduces heavily rescored themes from Shepherd's past work, including segments from the Crush album and the score for the San Francisco Ballet’s Mere Mortals.
In a captivating display of visuals, artist Akiko Nakayama creates "alive paintings" that accompany Floating Points' set, blurring the lines between sound and visual art. The performance transitions from serene harp melodies to intricate electronic beats, with Shepherd responding dynamically to Adefris's arpeggios.
As the atmosphere builds, the audience is treated to vibrant visual artistry, manifesting luminous galaxies that amplify the electrifying experience. Tracks such as Birth4000 fuse retro and contemporary styles, infusing energetic beats that invigorate the crowd.
Shepherd's set refuses categorisation, oscillating between pulsating 4/4 beats and soothing ambient washes. The blend of sounds showcases his unique signature, drawing comparisons to electronic pioneers but remaining distinctly his own.
Throughout the night, Shepherd improvises and remixes tracks from Cascade, crafting an engaging experience that fluctuates between crowd-pleasing motifs and abstract sonic textures.
Although the event contrasts with the previous high-profile performance of Promises at LA's Hollywood Bowl, it maintains a level of artistry and engagement that makes it an unforgettable night in London.
