The innovative Belgian duo kick off their year with a relentless, ear-splitting performance in front of a 3,000-plus crowd in Manchester.
Since forming in 1993 as a conventional rock group, the Soulwax name has become synonymous with their ever-evolving sound and era-defining remixes of the 2000s. A group that rarely, if ever, repeats itself, their catalogue spans across countless genres. More recently, they’ve pioneered an ambitious “three-drummer” live set-up – three percussionists elevated high above the duo – and it’s in this format that I saw them at O2 Victoria Warehouse.
After jibbing my way through the backstage entrance, I secure a prime spot at the front of the crowd in time to catch support act Sworn Virgins wrapping up an eclectic set. Soon enough, the already dim venue plunges into darkness to a chorus of cheers, followed by pounding drums and the dramatic reveal of the three drummers.
After a brief barrage of percussion, the duo arrive on stage. The mixed-age crowd are soon treated to a blistering rendition of the deeply groovy ‘Krack’. The genre-fusing fizzer combines pounding drums with an intensely bass-heavy electro-rock sound and explosive drops, offering an early glimpse into Soulwax’s endless quest for innovation.
Electro-charged grooves blend flawlessly into more vocally-driven tracks played from 2025’s All Systems Are Lying, tied together by the in-your-face drumming that dominates the night. Floor-shaking vibrations ripple through the venue, making it understandable that a noticeable number of the audience opt for earplugs.
‘Is It Always Binary’, from 2017’s From Dewee, recieves a huge reception from the now fully warmed-up crowd. More thudding drums enhance the track’s rhythmic, mechanically hypnotic atmosphere and funky basslines. Its retro-leaning sound harks back to the work of fellow Western European pioneers Kraftwerk, focusing on distillation and simplicity.
‘I Love Techno’, another from the seminal 2005 remix album Nite Versions, proves itself as a dance floor-ready anthem. Its blend of synths, raw energy and infectious beats is elevated in a live setting, while a eurphoric rendition of ‘Another Excuse’ provides a midpoint highlight.
Dark grooves and danceable hooks take centre stage on ‘All Systems Are Lying’, the lead single from the duo’s 2025 album of the same name. ‘Gimmie a Reason’, also from All Systems Are Lying, fuses dubby pianos, intensely sonic soundscapes, and delicate vocal work. The ballad offers a welcome change of pace, showcasing the group’s melancholic side.
This flows seamlessly into the hard-hitting ‘Miserable Girl’. Its raw, repetitive rhythm is impossible to resist dancing to and sets the crowd up perfectly for the electrifying ‘E Talking’. Delivering a classic Soulwax sound, the tune gets the audience bopping with its driving riffs and immersive soundscapes.
It’s an unbeatable second half to the set that confirms Soulwax are still one of the finest electronic acts around. While a very different experience from what their 2manydj’s sets might offer, the duo still know how to make you dance. Now in their 50s and more than 33 years into their career, Soulwax are still trying to do it all, and are doing it with great success if their Manchester appearance is anything to go by.
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