By Milan Perera, Second Year English
He is often dubbed Bristol’s answer to Ziggy Stardust. He is the consummate artist who has the rare ability to combine slick visuals, dance routines, catchy tunes and high-octane vibes.
Sonotto, who launched his debut EP album, ‘Could We Be Closer’ in January, decided to play his first post-album gig at the intimate Bristol venue Art Club to a sold-out crowd on February 4th.
This was no ordinary gig - it had the ambience of a club night, much akin to an Ibiza Beach Party, where everyone present was swaying and following the lead of Sonotto. By definition he is a perfectionist: he has a clear concept of what the set should look like and how the music should sound. Prior to his performance, he was seen going up a ladder, adjusting the projectors and lights until he was satisfied.
The Stirling-born musician made Bristol his home in 2018, where he studied at the prestigious Access Creative College. He has been performing in the burgeoning Electro, Ambient and Experimental scene ever since.
The gig was also graced with the vibrant performances of TrES-2B, MAMBA and Kip C before Sonotto was raucously welcomed to the stage as the headline act. He slid out of his jacket and appeared as resplendent as Adonis.
What followed was a solid 90 minutes of adrenaline-pumping high racing performance, replete with yet unreleased material. If he had any trepidations as to how the new material would be received, he needn’t have worried. The opening quarter of the gig was heavily influenced by No Wave music, with a nod to acts such as Mars and Teenage Jesus & the Jerks. It was hauntingly beautiful in its nihilistic form. The semi-lit stage was projected with deliciously Avant-Garde patterns that heightened the tension.
Sonotto is a craftsman when it comes to sampling various genres, and one could detect a flavour of various elements, although they may not be able to pinpoint them. He made sure to perform ‘The Lightside’ from his debut EP. Its ethereal ambience takes one on a hypnotic trance.
The audience was also treated to a heartfelt duet by talented local singer-songwriters Joely Rendle and Mali Elin, accompanied by the guitarist Luke Clemenger.
It is a sort of night one would rarely forget - the Dionysian release of the sensual, spontaneous, and emotional aspects of human nature. The thoroughly enthralled audience kept asking for encore after encore when they realised that their evening of high-octane entertainment had come to an end.
Review: Sonotto - Could we be Closer EP
In conversation with t l k
The Ambient Experimental Electronic genre has a new star. Remember the name: Sonotto.
Featured image: Sonotto
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