The Prodigy at Brixton Academy

The Prodigy bring the Disrupta tour to select UK cities, finishing off with a three-night special at the beloved Brixton Academy.

Firing up with Voodoo People, MC and current lead vocalist Maxim is a force to be reckoned with. Swiftly following this ecstatic opener is huge highlight Omen, a thrilling wild ride, everyone chanting the irresistible chorus; Liam Howlett’s programming coupled with Leo Crabtree’s drumming is a match made in industrial rock heaven. Playing rambunctious new track off what’s expected to be their forthcoming album, the group perform Fight, which is as energetic as anything else in the band’s oeuvre. Maxim is a ball of fire on stage, playing to the photographer’s angles and even doing a fly kick at the camera.

For Beyond the Deathray, there are what can only be described as millions of shooting emerald green lasers, while the instantly recognisable Firestarter (Andy C Remix) is a tribute to Keith Flint. Although dramatically pared-down, it hints at the original version and its greatness, but is now an elegy for the former frontman, whose name itself alludes to the track. Tonight’s version leaves an ellipsis, with Flint’s heavily made-up eyes flashing up like an epitaph, closing off on a heavy industrial-rock based outro with manic lights; kudos to their technician.

During the crazed Roadblox, Maxim heads into the crowd, exclaiming quite rightly, “not for the fucking faint-hearted,” and he’s right, as you feel very fortunate to be seated above, experiencing the rowdy rebels downstairs. The Prodigy are the antidote, spreading euphoria and dopamine everywhere. With Poison, Holliday chucks his guitar, the whole group embodying punk; Maxim proudly exclaims “We played Brixton Academy more than any fucker on this planet.” The furious and delectable No Good (Start the Dance) includes teal colour lasers in a phenomenal light show; the band know their audience.

Tonight’s acoustics are also very well balanced, a pleasant surprise from the Academy, and makes the whole Prodigy experience even more enjoyable. Maxim’s singing throughout is highly reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine, and it is no wonder The Prodigy cited them as big influencers. With Breathe, it is another electric pyrotechnic beauty, until the encore proceeds to blow us all away with exhilarating Smack My Bitch Up, Indian singer Shahin Badar’s spine-tingling vocals utterly gorgeous sounding. There is incrementally sped-up fast glitching by Howlett, before penultimate Out of Space drives everyone wild, while Diesel Power gives all the fuel you need, until the prodigious ravers return with their frenzied firecracker of a show.

Selina Begum
Photos: Miguel de Melo

For further information and future events visit The Prodigy’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Firestarter here: