HYBRID GETS HOOKED
Feb 1, 2004 12:00 PM, Justin Kleinfeld
There's nothing quite like experiencing live electronic music: It's a dance-music presentation that goes far beyond the abilities of a mere DJ and brings rock 'n' roll energy to the dancefloor. That excitement permeated the members of Hybrid (Mike Truman and Chris Healings), as well as the clubbers who attended the Welsh group's live performance on Nov. 29, 2003, at New York City's Avalon nightclub. This event was special not only because it marked the end of Hybrid's hugely successful Morning Sci-fi North American tour but also because it was the only stop to feature New Order's legendary bass player, Peter Hook, performing with the group.
Early on, the band fed off the energy from the crowd and shot it right back with the speaker-busting tracks “Visible Noise” and “I'm Still Awake.” The live version of “I Will Survive” was a big hit due to the new vibe that tour singer Adam Taylor brought; it also served as a good example of how Hybrid manipulates its album tracks, steering them more into an organic rock-based space for live performance.
Hook made his appearance midway through the set, throwing down his famous bass lines on “True to Form” and “Higher Than a Skyscraper” and just about putting the crowd over the edge. Offering one final glorious moment, the irresistible breakbeat opus “Unfinished Symphony” closed the show. It was possibly one of New York City's best live-music events of the year. The influential UK DJ Pete Tong went on to entertain the Avalon crowd afterward, but he couldn't match what Hybrid had already brought to the table.
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
