25 May 2023

Gig recap: Four Tet + Squidsoup at Ally Pally

By Clara Michel

On 23, 24, and 25 May, the Great Hall pulsated with a symphony of beats and a kaleidoscope of colours, as Four Tet‘s genre-defying soundscapes intertwined with Squidsoup‘s mesmerizing light installations. This unique collaboration transported the audience into an otherworldly realm, where sound and visuals merged to create an immersive sensory experience.

The three unforgettable performances also coincided with our own 150^th birthday celebrations. From the historic moment when our doors first swung open on 24 May 1873, the Palace has remained a cultural cornerstone, hosting countless iconic events throughout the years. Now, as Four Tet’s beats reverberated in these hallowed halls and Squidsoup’s illuminations danced across our grand spaces, we celebrated this milestone birthday in a way that will no doubt resonate for another 150 years.

Let’s embark on a journey through these mesmerizing nights that left us spellbound and yearning for more.

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“Four Tet’s latest concert in collaboration with lighting artists Squidsoup shows he is still in the business of creating sincere and disarming electronic experiences. A matrix of coloured lights hangs from the ceiling and surrounds the crowd. Young and old, excitement swells from the audience as they swarm in and out of the setup.” – The Guardian

“This wasn’t your typical gig. Relentlessly engaging but wilfully disarming, the entire show felt like a giddy experiment in an illuminated wonderland. It was escapist, but confrontational; a spectacle from start to finish that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.” – Evening Standard

“To be enjoyed from all angles, by all fans of music – Four Tet continues to reach outside of what feels tangibly possible, pushing his legacy further, on his own accord. The true definition of a tastemaker.” – Clash

All photos © Sophie Harbinson for Alexandra Palace

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Happy 150th birthday for yesterday @Yourallypally @FourTet x @squidsoup last night was such a beautiful way to celebrate!✨ pic.twitter.com/ufjmhVzjNH

— Rosanna Pound-Woods (@rosannapw) May 25, 2023