Dijon's sold-out shows at Brixton Academy are akin to a joyous jam session with musicians who exude passion and camaraderie. The US singer-songwriter takes the stage, seemingly obsessed with the sounds surrounding him as he clutches his mic, his performance a dense and dramatic forest of futurist sound. This is R&B on a grand scale, with Dijon blending electronic prog rock instrumentation – think synthesizers, live kit, electric guitar, and bass – alongside traditional backing vocals.
The setlist is a 21-song extravaganza that plays out in quick succession over two hours, showcasing the evolution of Dijon's music. The show opens with bedroom R&B from his debut album Absolutely, but it soon morphs into experimental pop with influences galore. Scratching and King Krule meet Simon & Garfunkel, all thanks to a live banjo and tambourine.
As the night wears on, some of the more experimental songs start to blend together, with a run of seven tracks beginning to feel somewhat mundane – that is, until an Appalachian-sounding jig on violin by Sam Amidon injects some much-needed life into the performance. However, it's not all smooth sailing; smoke and dim lights transform the stage for the first time, marking a turning point in the show.
The subsequent sections are marked by industrial sounds, phased and filtered to create an eerie atmosphere, while Dijon takes his passion to new heights on tracks like Rewind. TV Blues and Talk Down further amplify this sonic landscape, with their rhythmic devices oscillating between consistent hi-hat rhythms.
As the night draws to a close, Dijon's sold-out crowd is bathed in mirrorball lights reminiscent of 1980s proms, but it's not all over yet – a clarinettist takes center stage during an encore track, and then, finally, it's just Dijon and his voice. The spotlight shines down on the singer-songwriter as he hangs off the mic, his silhouette stark against the darkness.
The show elevates Dijon's discography to new heights, transforming his lo-fi R&B into something almost unrecognizable due to its fearless experimentation.
The setlist is a 21-song extravaganza that plays out in quick succession over two hours, showcasing the evolution of Dijon's music. The show opens with bedroom R&B from his debut album Absolutely, but it soon morphs into experimental pop with influences galore. Scratching and King Krule meet Simon & Garfunkel, all thanks to a live banjo and tambourine.
As the night wears on, some of the more experimental songs start to blend together, with a run of seven tracks beginning to feel somewhat mundane – that is, until an Appalachian-sounding jig on violin by Sam Amidon injects some much-needed life into the performance. However, it's not all smooth sailing; smoke and dim lights transform the stage for the first time, marking a turning point in the show.
The subsequent sections are marked by industrial sounds, phased and filtered to create an eerie atmosphere, while Dijon takes his passion to new heights on tracks like Rewind. TV Blues and Talk Down further amplify this sonic landscape, with their rhythmic devices oscillating between consistent hi-hat rhythms.
As the night draws to a close, Dijon's sold-out crowd is bathed in mirrorball lights reminiscent of 1980s proms, but it's not all over yet – a clarinettist takes center stage during an encore track, and then, finally, it's just Dijon and his voice. The spotlight shines down on the singer-songwriter as he hangs off the mic, his silhouette stark against the darkness.
The show elevates Dijon's discography to new heights, transforming his lo-fi R&B into something almost unrecognizable due to its fearless experimentation.