Event review

The inaugural Psychic Dancehall Festival, held on March 22, 2025, transformed Derby’s The Wardwick and Dubrek Studios into electronic and experimental music epicentres. The one-day event showcased a diverse lineup, offering attendees an immersive auditory experience that blurred the lines between ambient soundscapes, avant-garde electronica, and hypnotic beats.

The festival was made possible through the efforts of the University of Derby, which played a significant role in organizing the event. Students and staff provided essential support, assisting with stage management, ticket admissions, equipment provision, technical support, and more. Their involvement helped ensure a seamless experience across both venues.

At The Wardwick, the night belonged to The Utopia Strong, a kosmiche electronic trio featuring Steve Davis, Kavus Torabi, and Mike York. Their set, built around the intricate textures of their 2022 album International Treasure, mesmerized the crowd with expansive soundscapes and delicate yet powerful electronic movements. Rosie Tee, accompanied by her full band, was another standout. Her fusion of electronica, jazz, psych, and avant-pop felt intimate yet expansive, with selections from Night Creature creating a spellbinding atmosphere.

Between live performances, Finlay Shakespeare took over the decks, delivering an unforgettable DJ set at The Wardwick. His gothic synth-driven selections set the perfect tone between acts, blending pulsating rhythms with dark, cinematic textures. His ability to seamlessly mix tracks kept the energy alive and provided a compelling contrast to the live performances, making his set a standout element of the night.

James Adrian Brown, known for his work with Pulled Apart By Horses, showed his versatility with a performance that strayed into ambient and experimental territories. His set, a blend of intricate textures and dynamic shifts, kept the audience engaged and demonstrated his evolution as a solo artist. Another highlight was Hawksmoor, signed to Soul Jazz Records, who took the audience on a journey through hauntological and Krautrock-inspired compositions. The deep, hypnotic sounds created an atmospheric experience long after his set ended. Meanwhile, TR^NKS, the latest project from Christian Davies (formerly of Six By Seven), pushed the energy higher, combining big beats and shoegaze elements into an anthemic performance. Derby’s own James Glew, host of the local Electronic Music Open Mic (EMOM), added to the local flavor with a set that underscored the strength of Derby’s underground electronic scene.

Over at Dubrek Studios, Kikimora Records curated an equally imaginative lineup. An-Ting’s Lost Communications audio-visual set explored the contrast between light and darkness in nature, creating an immersive experience. The Monoxide Brothers, a new synth duo from Birmingham, made a striking debut with a fresh take on electronic sounds. One of the evening’s most unique performances came from Zolatec, whose blend of experimental electronic pop and steel-pan instrumentation delivered an unexpected yet captivating auditory experience.

The night also featured Soborgnost & hellocatfood, whose sci-fi dance-punk set, combined with immersive visuals, created an otherworldly energy. The Silver Field, an Oram Award-winning artist from Derbyshire, delivered a hauntingly beautiful set that seamlessly merged folk traditions with experimental electronics, creating a deeply introspective moment amidst the festival’s more high-energy performances. Wildforms followed with a meditative blend of field recordings and live instruments, transporting listeners into serene and reflective sonic landscapes.

From start to finish, Psychic Dancehall Festival established itself as a vital new fixture in the Midlands' experimental and electronic music scene. By balancing established names with emerging talent and offering a variety of sonic experiences across two distinct venues, the festival set a high bar for future editions. Whether it was the hypnotic pulses of The Utopia Strong, the introspective beauty of The Silver Field, or the unique sonic explorations of Zolatec, this was a night that left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.

With special thanks to James Thronhill, the organiser of the event, for inviting me to the festival to write this review, as well as all performers and attendees for speaking with me on the day. 

Words: Lilly Richardson

Date Published: 31st March 2025