Latitude 2014
Atomic Bomb explodes into life on the Sunday afternoon of Latitude 2014
Who is William Onyeabor? Latitude is about to find out…
Who is William Onyeabor? We’re eagerly awaiting the answer from the celebrated supergroup. and when a total of three percussionists start up proceedings, it’s clear that the Atomic Bomb is about to drop in a big way.
Beastie Boys’ Money Mark is buzzing around his synths, tiny keyboard in hand, swinging his legs off the stage like a giddy schoolboy. Scritti Politti’s Green Gartside appears for joyous ‘Heaven and Hell’ dressed up like a Texas businessman with white stetson, shirt, tie, and shorts.
“We’re going to bring a party to you guys, are you ready to party?” they shout; the mysterious Nigerian musician has a lot of totally tropical party vibes on offer. The crowd is suddenly scattered with swaying bodies, a stream of people performing the ‘shimmy to the stage, hands full of cider boogie’.
Staying to true to the ominous Onyeabor, african rhythms bump and chime through the animated set. Cowbells are popping and tambourines shaking as the loveable Mahotella Queens own the Obelisk, shimmying in traditional skirts and braids with contagious giant grins.
For 'Fantastic Man' the stage is brimming with beaming faces and an infectious atmosphere, and it doesn't matter if Sikane's lyrics float away in the afternoon breeze. Who needs words when you're having this much fun?
Young Fathers join the party and begin a rowdy chant of "William, where are you?" before Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor leads the final singalong and the rest of band, twenty-one and counting, clamber on the stage, wringing out every precious second of their time. William Onyeabor may remain an enigma, but every festival needs the Atomic Bomb.
Read More
Alexis Taylor - Silence
3 Stars
A reflective release.
15th September 2021, 7:55am
Estrons, Alexis Taylor among Reeperbahn Festival additions
They join the already-announced acts for the September event.
24th April 2018, 12:00am
Alexis Taylor - Beautiful Thing
3 Stars
It doesn’t always quite hit those high notes, but the pair have set out to create a sometimes elusive feeling of connection.
20th April 2018, 7:50am
Alexis Taylor shares a new video for ‘Oh Baby’
His new album ‘Beautiful Thing’ is coming out next month.
22nd March 2018, 12:00am
With Bob Vylan, St Vincent, girl in red, Lizzy McAlpine and more.