Photo Credit: Kevin O’Sullivan
Last week, Starset took to the iconic Roundhouse stage in Camden, delivering a performance that was equal parts live music experience and sci-fi cinematic spectacle. Known for their unique fusion of electronic rock and space-themed theatrics, Starset captivated the audience not only with their music but also with a breath-taking light show and immersive visuals that transported fans to an otherworldly realm.
From the moment the lights dimmed, there was an air of anticipation throughout the venue. The Roundhouse, with its cavernous, domed architecture, proved to be the perfect setting for Starset’s cosmic journey. The audience watched in awe as the stage transformed into a futuristic landscape, with screens projecting intricate visuals of interstellar travel, distant galaxies, and mechanical landscapes. This wasn’t just a concert; it was an invitation into the immersive Starset universe.
Frontman Dustin Bates, who holds a degree in electrical engineering and has a penchant for science fiction, played his role as captain of this space odyssey perfectly. Draped in futuristic attire and often interacting with the screens and light effects around him, Bates guided the audience through a setlist that spanned the band’s discography, including songs from their latest album, Horizons. His vocals were powerful and precise, and his ability to connect with the crowd was evident in the energy bouncing back from fans. Every lyric, every gesture was heightened by the production elements that framed each song like a chapter in an unfolding sci-fi epic.
One of the evening’s highlights was the track My Demons, a fan-favourite that had the crowd singing along and the venue alive with energy. As the song reached its climactic chorus, the stage lit up with an explosion of lights, smoke, and laser beams, creating a mesmerizing synergy of sound and visuals that felt cinematic. The band also made use of wearable tech, with members occasionally donning LED-laden costumes that synced with the beats, amplifying the sense that we were witnessing a futuristic, otherworldly performance.
The theatrics of the show, however, never overshadowed the musicianship. Starset’s signature blend of heavy guitar riffs, orchestral synths, and Bates’ dynamic vocals were the core of the performance, with each band member bringing their A-game to the stage. Guitarist Brock Richards, bassist Ron DeChant, and drummer Adam Gilbert displayed impressive technical prowess, each contributing to the layered sound that Starset has become known for. The fusion of live instrumentation with programmed beats and symphonic elements created a wall of sound that was as powerful as it was precise.
The light show, though, was undoubtedly one of the evening’s stars. The meticulously coordinated lighting design shifted from pulsating reds and blues to ambient starlight-like effects that turned the Roundhouse into a space station orbiting a distant planet. Laser beams and floodlights punctuated key musical moments, immersing the audience in a complete sensory experience. At times, the lights appeared to move in sync with the beats, creating a hypnotic effect that had fans transfixed.
By the end of the show, Starset had not only delivered a stunning performance but had also succeeded in pulling the audience into their unique universe. The combination of meticulously crafted visuals, a tight live band, and an inspired light show made for a show that was as memorable as it was unique. Fans left the Roundhouse not just having attended a gig, but having been part of a sci-fi spectacle, eager to return to Starset’s world on their next tour.
Written By: Kevin O’Sullivan
