TXT:: So, I went to the Squarepusher show last night at the Avalon Ballroom in SF. I was somewhat hesitant about going after hearing mixed opinions about live squarepusher performances, but I’m really glad I did. I arrived a bit way too early and ran into Rich and Carson, who helped with the sample production for my book.

Squarepusher is indeed a fantastic bassist, and I especially enjoyed the musical interludes where he would just play without the tweaky beats like on “An Arched Pathway” off Ultravisitor. It was a pleasure to watch him perform, running his bass through filters and ring modulators. I couldn’t see what he was using, but they sounded vaguely familiar. The sound system has a beautifully tight bass response, and wasn’t too boomy in the boxy room. I was surprised to hear a live version of “Dimotane Co”, off Feed Me Wierd Things. People who’ve seen him perform before said the added laser light show ‘enhanced’ the experience

The best part of the show was being introduced to the opening act, Kenny Muhammad, the Human Orchestra System. Kenny is a human beat box extraordinaire - his talent is simply unbeleivable! It’s one thing to do hip-hop beats, or even mid tempo breakbeat stuff, but Kenny was cutting up some amazing 150+bpm drum ‘n bass beats! He was doing some crazy s#!t that people spend hours trying to program, all in real time with no delays or effects tricks. Even if you’re a lukewarm Squarepusher fan, I highly recommend going to the show to check out Kenny.

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