^{Picture: JShurte}

Reduced visuals and a shaky sound system might be expected given Leith Theatre’s years of disuse. However, Squarepusher proves this wrong by bringing the old building to life with a blistering performance that is a feast for both the eyes and the ears. Over the course of 90 minutes, the Warp Records icon takes the audience on a searing journey of jazz fusion, drum and bass, and acid. 

It is somewhat surprising how much of a performer Tom Jenkinson aka Squarepusher is. Arriving onstage with his bass guitar in hand, he stands proudly behind a bank of gear and lighting, silhouetted by visuals that respond synchronously to the music. Throughout the show, he is unafraid to invigorate the audience by exaggerated strums of the bass guitar or a pump of the fist. These are fully earned as Jenkinson has the crowd in his control for an entire show that does not relent. 

Tonight, Jenkinson demonstrates his virtuosity, not only with his astounding bass playing but also with the surprising ability to find an emotional range via drum and bass. His more recent song, ‘Oberlove’, sounds almost anthemic  (there is at least one lighter in the air). A stunning performance from a true icon of electronic music. 

Reviewed at Leith Theatre as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.