Big fish of rap remarkable in his EP minimalism

Vince Staples

Friday, Electric Arena

****

Vince Staples arrives silhouette in front of a blood red screen, and launches into a gig that is remarkable in its minimalism. One guy, and all the music on playback, he still manages to command a stunning presence.

The sound is pristine and the tunes from his second record Big Fish Theory brim with intensity.

Pacing the stage, musically Staples’ recalls a woozy, gothic and industrial Detroit techno sentiment.

Probably perceived as a niche artist in some ways, you wouldn’t know it by the passion a three-quarters full Electric Arena gives him.

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BagBak and 745 are brilliant and although the set lacks spontaneity, the lack of banter or improvisation doesn't feel like it's missing for the most part, but there are risks taken in skirting that level of energy.

In three words: intense dark swagger

If you like this, go see: Kojaque