Maribou State are a dream to review. I mean, they take the stage to the sound of electro monks descending from space, they’re an electronic duo who’ve brought their own string section, they’re a kitchen sink carrying masterclass in absolutely anything happening. It takes approximately sixty seconds for their huge accompaniment of live musicians to whisk us away to far off worlds, but never the same one for more than a minute. The space monks continue, but now we’re passing through an East London estate and there’s still time for an excursion to the land of torch singers.
The thing is, while the above was genuinely how I felt, it completely obscures what I was actually seeing. Maribou State at Glastonbury was a polished, opulent, throw every musician you can get at it show, and why wouldn’t it be when the duo have been unable to tour for ages until this year due to one member suffering from – and ultimately recovering from – a brain illness. In a sense, we’re watching a miracle of medicine, of recovery, of triumph, so of course everything is being introduced, this is a pair taking a second chance.
While Maribou State are a male duo, much of the vocals today (and on this comeback tour) are from Talulah Ruby, and she’s a charismatic presence with strong pipes, a real frontwoman that allows the rest of the ensemble, most of whom are set back and behind kits and equipment, to coalesce around her. They wouldn’t make the same impact sonically or visually (we are a crowd of people that need to look at something), without her.
There are no bad vibes in this set, only life affirming, healing songs that have the benefit of coming from a place of sincerity and experience. They’re a dream, but a good one, the sort that sets you up with a smile for the day.