Maribou State @ Patterns review: A thrilling mix of hybrid sounds

With countless sold-out shows to their name across the UK, EU and US, the highly acclaimed electronic production duo Maribou State touched down on the South Coast on Friday night for a highly-anticipated intimate DJ set in Brighton. Following in the same fashion as their previous tours five years ago, the event sold out in rapid time, an accurate reflection of the demand for not only this event in particular but also the return of Maribou State to the live event circuit again. In what has appeared to be a form of hiatus for the duo over the past few years, a singular release in ‘Blackoak’ during the summer of last year followed by this intimate run of DJ shows has hinted that a consistent return may be just around the corner, and audibly we could be in for a real treat.

Taking place at Patterns near the seafront, the underground club and live music venue hosting Friday’s event is home to a great sound system, intimate stage area and electric atmosphere. With a welcoming supporting set from fast-rising electronic-dance duo Cortese to start the night, Liam of Maribou State took to the stage shortly after 1am to a crowded and eager audience. Instantly offloading a taster of the set to come, the first track spun consisted of a lengthy build-up before a heavy, bass-driven drop with punchy kicks.

A style of sound that hasn’t often been commonly associated with Maribou State, the intricate hybridisation of their more renowned "chill" electronic sounds weaved with heavier, bass-filled drops, made for the perfect dynamic during their set.

Experimenting with both their own creations and a selection of externally sourced IDs over the two hours, the standout moment from the set was when their hit track 'Midas' was effortlessly blended with a more uptempo, house-infused track, creating a whole new soundscape for the joint. The full set, which lasted for almost two hours, embodied everything that has previously suggested they are masters of their craft - we know their talent production-wise, but being able to witness the alternative spectrum of the genre in a different aspect of the industry to that they are typically used to further solidifies Maribou State as a duo of the highest regard.

It’s safe to say that the short run of intimate DJ sets came quite out of the blue, begging the question of a comeback for the widely appreciated duo. A gap in the industry that hasn’t been filled by anyone else, Maribou State’s innovative and unique sound is something that can’t be replicated.

Their set in Brighton the other night was one for the times - an exciting window of opportunity for them to weave their way back into the scene. It’s been just over five years since they put on their sold-out shows at the O2 Academy in Brixton with a full live band; as good as their intimate live DJ set was, the demand and interest of a larger scale event of their own discography is something we can imagine is particularly high, and something not only we’d love to see in the future, but also Maribou themselves.

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