Faithless - O2 Academy Edinburgh 01/11/2024

Maxi Jazzs spirit entwined with every beat.

The curtain rises tonight on Faithless first live tour since the loss of Maxi Jazz, the magnetic frontman whose voice defined their biggest anthems. Its a tall order, both a tribute and a fresh start, as the band honours his legacy while reigniting their connection with fans. The newly carpeted venue (O2 Academy, Edinburgh), feeling perhaps a bit plush and proper for a night of dance classics, quickly fades into the background as fans settle. We enjoy the view from the balcony, and feel a palpable sense of anticipation buzzing through the crowd.

As the house lights dim, the classic "Yeke Yeke" sets the tone for the night-a fitting prelude to the energy thats about to ignite. Lasers slice through the dark, casting a vibrant aura over the stage as Sister Bliss, the mastermind behind Faithless unmistakable electronic sound, launches into the first track. Its tight, polished, but with an undercurrent of raw, familiar energy. The bass rolls and the synths hum, a driving force that pulls the audience closer together.

Then it hits-the unmistakable voice of Maxi Jazz appears in the second song, sending a chill through the crowd. The unmistakable magic of his delivery still resonates, and each build-up and drop feels charged with his presence. By the time "Insomnia" kicks in, the crowd is already moving, swept up in one of the most iconic dance tracks of all time. Hearing Maxis voice in a live setting again brings shivers and elicits an almost reverent response; for many, this was a highlight of T in the Park, a top-five live moment etched in memory. Placing "Insomnia" early in the set feels bold, like a declaration-Faithless is here, fully and fearlessly.

The bass is thunderous, the synths smooth yet punchy, and the crowd is entirely under the bands spell. Sister Bliss keeps the energy soaring, her mastery over the keys as hypnotic as ever, taking each track to that special place between nostalgia and something fiercely alive. "Synthesizer" kicks off with its jet-engine build, one of those anthems thats designed to take flight. Jaydees "Plastic Dreams" slides seamlessly into the mix, another nod to the golden age of electronica, and as the crowd grooves, the fusion of classic and contemporary Faithless feels seamless.

When the powerful lyrics of "God Is a DJ" ring out-"This is my church, this is where I heal my hurt"-the room feels sacred, Maxis words still a beacon. Sister Blisss choice to bring in unexpected elements, like an a cappella of "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley, gives space for a solo singer to come to the stage - I couldnt work out why it was right after Insomnia though. Its quirky and unexpected, but somehow fits, a reminder of the eclectic influences that shaped the band.

The visuals are pure spectacle. They conjure sunsets over Es Vedra, dreamscapes woven into light and colour, while guitars echo with Santana-esque flourishes that edge toward psychedelic. Theres a surreal, otherworldly vibe at times, especially as Faithless leans into "Love Will Tear Us Apart," reinterpreting it with their signature style. Sister Bliss declares, "Music is the answer," launching into a Danny Tenaglia / Little Louie Vega style section thats pure fire-a brief escape from rainy Edinburgh into a Balearic dream.

"Music Matters" arrives with Maxis vocals in full force, the perfect encapsulation of his ethos: music as salvation, as sanctuary. The imagery on the screen-snippets of him dancing, singing-are reminders of his spirit, a fitting tribute that keeps him vibrant and present in the moment. The music crescendos, the crowd feels united, and theres a sense that Faithless has succeeded in creating a new chapter without losing sight of what made them legendary. When they hit "We Come 1," its an electrifying finish, Maxis voice echoing in the refrain, and the energy in the room surges.

Introducing themselves as "Faithless 2024," the band takes a moment to thank the fans, paying homage to Maxi in a way that feels personal, almost intimate, before going into an explosive drum-and-bass remix of "Thank You." This track, famously sampled by Eminem, and more recently a David Guetta and Dido collaboration, feels like a nod to the summers of European dance music glory, from Madrids street celebrations of winning the Euros, to festival memories everywhere.

For a band whose career has spanned decades and soundtracked so many lives, this comeback is a triumph. Faithless 2024 is both familiar and revitalised, Maxi Jazzs spirit entwined with every beat, making this tour not just a tribute but a testament to the enduring power of music.

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