All Points East has consistently brought top-tier music to the East End of London, with past headliners like Nick Cave and The Strokes. In 2024, the festival kicked off with an electrifying performance by producer Kaytranada, who delivered a set filled with his signature hits, including Victoria Monet’s “Alright.”
Following Kaytranada, the stage was set for LCD Soundsystem, fronted by the multi-talented James Murphy. Before founding the Electro-rock sensation, Murphy had already established himself as a Sub-Pop sound engineer and even received a job offer to write for the sitcom Seinfeld. With such an eclectic background, the anticipation for LCD Soundsystem’s performance was understandably high.
The lineup preceding LCD Soundsystem was a diverse mix of talent that kept the crowd buzzing. The BBC Radio 6 Music Stage featured several standout dance acts, while the West Stage showcased artists like Joy (Anonymous) and Jai Paul. Electronic duo Jockstrap captivated the audience on the West Stage, just as they had in the more intimate setting of the Barbican Centre. Alternative rock icons Pixies and The Kills also made their mark, standing out for their timeless brilliance in an event dominated by dance and electronic music.
As the lights dimmed for the main act, the choice of The Velvet Underground’s “We’re Gonna Have a Real Good Time Together” as the prelude was unexpected yet effective, setting the stage for what was to come. LCD Soundsystem kicked off with “Us v Them” from their critically acclaimed Sound of Silver album. The track’s infectious guitar riffs and driving basslines, more reminiscent of funk than EDM, made for a powerful opener. The shimmering disco ball that descended during the song added to the retro vibe, creating a dazzling contrast against the dark stage. Later in the set, the band continued to infuse funk into their performance with “Tribulations.”
“You Wanted a Hit” followed, blending Eastern spiritual motifs with a garage rock anthem vibe, challenging any preconceived notions of an EDM-heavy set. The Pixies’ influence was evident in the guitar work on “Yr City’s a Sucker,” which also incorporated reggae riffs, further showcasing the band’s versatility. The most surprising departure from their electronic roots came with a cover of Harry Nilsson’s “Jump into the Fire,” which stayed true to the original’s rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
The crowd, expecting an electro-rock experience, were thrilled by these genre-blending renditions. However, LCD Soundsystem didn’t completely abandon their electronic roots. “Someone Great,” dedicated to band member Korey Richey, featured a touching nod to New Order’s “Your Silent Face.” The set also included a playful tribute to Daft Punk, with a skit of their “Robot Rock” track during “Losing My Edge.”
What could have been a straightforward EDM and dance-heavy festival instead became a thrilling fusion of contrasting genres. All Points East and LCD Soundsystem deserve praise for delivering great live music and defying expectations. By seamlessly blending opposing styles, they created a unique experience that satisfied the audience.
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