Infected Mushroom

It is some time before the tube finally pulls in at Brixton station that a distinctly more colourful set of commuters begin to seep its way into each and every carriage. Fluorescent braids, bangles, lycra and glo-sticks (and that's just the guys) are soon popping up all over the Victoria line as the Psychedelic Academy returns for its fifth consecutive year, bringing with it a travelling circus of merry mayhem and furry bikinis. The Academy itself has been decked up to the tits with some genuinely awe-inspiring pieces, including a humongous multicoloured dragon that hangs happily over the 4,000+ strong audience of clubbers, ravers and disco divas.

Needless to say, the Psychedelic Academy has always been far more than an Infected Mushroom headlining show, and whilst the Israeli psytrance legends are naturally the main attraction tonight, there is a fine supporting cast on show across a multitude of rooms showcasing the very best in modern electronic music. Unsurprisingly, it is the Russian-born DJ Astrix - himself having been openly influenced most predominantly by the 'Shroom - that provides the most entertaining support slot, with his hard-hitting and consistently euphoric style of dance music going down a treat with a crowd that is probably as familiar with his work as with the headliners.

And speaking of which, it truly is a joy to see one of the world's most consistently excellent live acts take to a stage as grand and deserving of its presence as Brixton Academy, not least thanks to the venue's ability to create such a great sense of grandeur and occasion. Having said that, even the overriding festival feel of the evening can't completely hide the fact that Infected duo Erez Aizen and Amit Duvdevani take to the stage at least half an hour later than expected, and whilst there can be little doubt that the two musicians and their backing band are well worth the wait, the sudden sound cut that interrupts set-opener 'Deeply Disturbed' threatens to undermine the endlessly positive vibes that are etched into the very walls of the building.

Unfortunately, it is by no means the final hitch in an otherwise flawless evening, as a suitably storming set from the Israelis is regularly broken up by distracting sound problems that prove frustrating for band and crowd alike. For almost every irrepressible high such as the spine-tingling 'Cities Of The Future', there is a tedious interruption that violates the flow of the evening, and it is a real testament to both Infected Mushroom and their loyal fanbase that the atmosphere never takes a nosedive towards anything other than utter delight and celebration. Aizen becomes understandably agitated by the time the fifth (or is it sixth?) breakdown occurs, but he never allows it to affect his performance, which is as assured and heartfelt as ever.

In fact, if anything, the sound problems only increase the band's determination to provide a decent show for their followers, and the result is that each restarted song and repeated hook is more thunderously delivered than the previous one – a sentiment that is fully replicated by this patient and friendly group of spectators. It is one thing to produce a truly great concert, but it is another thing entirely to do so in the face of such technological adversities, and Infected Mushroom has proven tonight, more than any other night, that they are not only a force to be reckoned with live, but are also genuinely decent people that are still well in touch with their fans. Come back soon lads, just sort the sound out yeah?

FUTURE GIGS