19 January 2025 (gig)
7 h
Asian Dub Foundation’s live performance of their soundtrack to La Haine at the Royal Festival Hall was an immersive and captivating experience. The combination of the film’s powerful narrative and ADF’s dynamic music created an evening that felt nostalgic yet relevant.
Known for their genre-defying sound, Asian Dub Foundation blends elements of dub, dancehall, and South Asian music with rock instruments like electric guitar and bass, drawing on punk rock influences. Their signature style—featuring dub-inspired basslines and guitar riffs reminiscent of the sitar—brings a unique energy to everything they do, and this live performance was no exception.
From the opening scene, the music set the tone perfectly, carrying the audience through the intensity and emotion of the story. The live soundtrack added layers of depth to the film without overshadowing it, enhancing key moments like the breakdancing scene, where the music amplified the raw energy of the moment, and the chase scenes, where it heightened the tension and urgency.
The balance between film and music was seamless, with ADF’s performance complementing rather than competing with the visuals. The result was a cohesive and thought-provoking experience that underscored the film’s themes of resilience, and cultural identity.
This event also served as a reminder of ADF’s versatility and longevity as artists. Their recent release, 94-Now: Collaborations, celebrates 30 years of their ground-breaking work, featuring collaborations with icons like Iggy Pop, Sinéad O’Connor, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The performance was a fitting tribute to their legacy while showcasing their ability to keep evolving.
