With two bass-heavy performances prior, it was unclear how Jon Hopkins was going to match the intensity before him. The esteemed Brit arrived on stage with an array of gear and proceeded to recite selections off his latest album, Immunity, striking his launch pad with sweeps and percussive samples that worked to bring the energy level to a bubbling churn. Hopkins was relentless in his pursuit to dig deeper into the frameworks he had set for himself, favoring the penetrating frequencies of his latest work over the melodic likeness he's known for. Kick drums and synthetic stabs blasted the speakers, alternating from techno and dubstep rhythms. Molecular visuals, presented by fellow countryman Dan Tombs, lit up the giant triangular backdrop, reminiscent of those featured on his collaborative album trailer with Craig Ward. His kinetic performance featured material both new and old, including an extended rendition of his famed single "Light Through The Veins" that unified the crowd in admiration. On more than one occasion Hopkins stopped, luring cheers from the audience, only to start back up again with emphasized force, until the climax had the UK producer belting out powerful unreleased material that exposed a depth to his artistry previously unheard.
Jon Hopkins
Metropolis, Montreal QC, May 31
BY Dustin MorrisPublished Jun 1, 2013