As the crowd at Brixton Academy eagerly awaited the start of Dijon’s performance, the air was thick with anticipation. The US singer-songwriter, fresh off a successful US tour for his acclaimed album “Baby” and with a Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year under his belt, took to the stage with a commanding presence, clutching the microphone as if it were a lifeline.
From the opening notes of “Big Mike’s”, “Another Baby!” and “Many Times”, Dijon seamlessly blended the bedroom R&B of his debut album “Absolutely” with the experimental pop sensibilities of “Baby”. The sheer ambition of his setup was immediately evident, with an extensive band featuring an array of synthesizers, live drums, electric guitar and bass, violin, and backing vocals – a veritable electronic prog-rock ensemble.
The setlist was a whirlwind of 21 songs played in quick succession, showcasing Dijon’s versatility and the depth of his discography. Moments of lo-fi, densely produced R&B were punctuated by unexpected forays into Appalachian-inspired jigs, grungy, futuristic soundscapes, and industrial rhythms that oozed with a visceral intensity.
As the performance progressed, the use of stagecraft became more pronounced, with smoke billowing across the stage and the lights dimming to create an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. On tracks like “Rewind”, Dijon’s passion and emotion shone through, his voice imbued with a sense of raw anger that cut through the dense sonic tapestry.
The show’s climax saw the audience bathed in the warm glow of mirrorball lights, as Dijon and his band delivered a euphoric, prom-like finale with “Yamaha”, “Automatic”, and “Kindalove”. But the encore, featuring a haunting clarinet over “Rodeo Clown”, served as a poignant reminder of Dijon’s singular vision – a captivating sonic journey that elevated his discography to new heights.
Visually spartan yet sonically rich, Dijon’s performance at Brixton Academy was a testament to his prowess as an auteur, unafraid to push the boundaries of genre and challenge the expectations of his audience. It was a night that solidified Dijon’s status as one of the most exciting and innovative voices in contemporary R&B.
