Witnessing Max Cooper’s ‘Lattice 3D/AV’ at the Brighton Dome as part of the Brighton Festival was a revelation for me. It was a captivating experience that marked my first true flight within the realm of electronic music. From the moment the lights dimmed, we were swept away into a world where sound and vision intertwined to create something truly transcendent.
The evening began with a compelling set from Chloé (SloMo AV), setting a tone of immersive soundscapes that perfectly paved the way for Max Cooper’s performance. Her own mastery of audio-visual elements hinted at the sensory adventure to come.
Then, Max Cooper took the stage, and the Brighton Dome transformed into a cave for an extraordinary journey. ‘Lattice 3D/AV’ lived up to its description as his most ambitious project yet. The interplay of projections, lasers, and light sculpted the very air around us, creating luminous, shifting forms that danced in perfect synchronicity with the music.
It was amazing to see how each beat, each sonic texture, seemed to have a visual counterpart, an evolving image. I was able to identify the nuances of the different sounds in each of the messages of this experience.
Max Cooper masterfully addressed themes such as consciousness, the cyclical nature of life, genetics, the basic components of our being present in the DNA of every living species, and the long arc from our origins to the complexities of modern alienation. The music was not only heard, but also felt, resonating with these profound concepts and guiding us through an introspection that included a moment of silence about what is happening around the world. I am sure that the whole audience experienced similar sensations.
There was a unique beauty in being part of this shared experience. The energy of the crowd, the collective movement, created a powerful sensation. It’s beautiful when you find yourself on a journey, dancing in an entertainment space, yet at the same time held in a kind of reverent silence by the sheer power and artistry of what unfolds. There is no choice but to be present, to be absorbed by the sonic and visual narrative.
The ‘glow’ was palpable throughout the performance – not just in the literal light show, but in the way the music and visuals illuminated these complex ideas, leaving a lasting impression long after the final notes had faded.
Max Cooper’s ‘Lattice 3D/AV’ at the Brighton Dome was a multi-sensory odyssey that challenged, moved and was an unforgettable reminder of the power of art to explore the depths of human experience and transport us to new sonic and visual landscapes.
Brighton Festival: Tickets
