Sohn @ Oxford Art Factory

This was a show that offered carefully constructed beats, floating vocal croons and one of the most engaging and precise light shows Oxford Art Factory has likely ever seen. Sitting at the centre of it was the quietly charismatic Christopher Taylor, otherwise known as Sohn.

Special guests Klo proved a fitting opener on only their sixth time out, with a set that merged UK garage, hip hop attitude and Little Dragon-esque quirk-pop. Their potential was apparent throughout and the dynamic of the Melbourne duo – the expressiveness of Chloe Kaul juxtaposed with the more diminutive demeanour of Simon Lam – provided for interesting viewing.

Despite an accomplished performance, the opening act was never going to outshine the main attraction. Sohn has taken the delicately constructed instrumentation of the likes of Four Tet, Pantha Du Prince and Arca and delicately placed his exquisite voice on top. His thought-provoking lyrics provide a further emotional layer to what has been termed “thinking man’s electronica”. The result is emotionally encapsulating whilst always remaining musically challenging.

The European influence that has seen the British-born Taylor base himself, at least part-time, out of Vienna, shone throughout his performance, both visually and musically. The confines of the venue combined with the artful and intense lighting gave off a distinct industrial Berlin ‘rave cave’ vibe. Seated throughout, at a desk laden with synthesisers and samplers, Taylor placed no reliance on showmanship – an apparent gamble. However, he proved himself to be a truly charismatic, though somewhat serene performer. His ability to seamlessly manipulate his compositions sets the live experience completely apart from that of his recordings, with a stripped-back, semi-a-cappella version of ‘The Tempest’ a notable highlight.

Further enhancing an already breathtaking show was Taylor’s carefully constructed setlist, twisting and turning, constantly building to its intense climax. As the night grew so did the energy in the room, the sequence of ‘Oscillate’, ‘Artifice’ and ‘Lights’ turning the crowd into a throbbing mass before the show culminated with an encore performance of ‘The Wheel’.

Taylor is not only a master producer and vocalist, but a master performer. With only an album’s worth of material, he managed to create an hour-long experience that left the crowd with no room for distraction.