Autechre

Autechre Live at Chalk, Brighton - Wednesday, 5 November 2025

About the Event

Prepare for an unparalleled sonic journey as the legendary electronic pioneers, Autechre, descend upon the vibrant city of Brighton. On Wednesday, 5 November 2025, Chalk will become the epicentre of experimental sound, playing host to a performance that promises to be a deeply immersive and intellectually stimulating experience. This isn’t merely a concert; it’s an invitation to step into the ever-evolving sonic universe crafted by two of electronic music’s most influential and enigmatic figures. Autechre’s return to Brighton is a rare and highly anticipated event, a chance to witness firsthand the intricate, often challenging, but always rewarding soundscapes that have captivated a dedicated global following for over three decades. Be prepared to have your perceptions of rhythm, texture, and sonic architecture pushed to their very limits.

About Autechre

Since their emergence in the early 1990s, Rob Brown and Sean Booth, collectively known as Autechre, have consistently defied classification and pushed the boundaries of electronic music. Hailing from Rochdale, England, their early work drew comparisons to the likes of Aphex Twin and Squarepusher, often associated with the IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) scene. However, Autechre quickly forged their own distinct path, moving away from readily accessible dancefloor beats towards increasingly complex, abstract, and algorithmically generated sound structures.

Their discography is a testament to their relentless exploration. From the foundational textures of Incunabula (1993) and the more structured, yet still experimental, sounds of Amber (1994) and Tri Repulsa (1995), they began to hint at the radical departures to come. Albums like Chiastic Slide (1997) and Confield (2001) marked significant shifts, introducing fragmented rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and a more raw, digital aesthetic. They embraced custom-built software and hardware, developing unique generative systems that allow them to create music that is both meticulously designed and spontaneously unfolding.

While Autechre eschew conventional notions of “hits,” certain tracks and albums have resonated deeply with their audience and are often cited as touchstones. Early fan favourites include the shimmering, melodic brilliance of “Flutter” from Incunabula, the darkly hypnotic “Cardiotonic Workout” from Amber, and the intricate rhythmic interplay of “Cipther” from Tri Repulsa. Later works, while less conventionally melodic, have their own profound impact; tracks like “Gantz Graf” (released as a standalone EP in 2002), with its hyper-kinetic, visually suggestive rhythm patterns, became a cult favourite and a landmark in their abstract period. Their more recent explorations, such as the sprawling elseq 1–5 (2016) and the dense SIGN (2020) and PLUS (2020) albums, continue to showcase their unparalleled ability to innovate, offering listeners a challenging yet immensely rewarding dive into the future of sound. Their live performances are as renowned for their intensity and unpredictability as their studio albums, making this Brighton date a must-see for any serious electronic music aficionado.

Venue Information

Chalk is a premier live music venue nestled in the heart of Brighton, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, making it an ideal setting for Autechre’s intricate sonic presentations. This space has a reputation for hosting a diverse range of artists, from emerging talent to established international acts. Chalk provides a raw and authentic environment that allows the music to take centre stage, ensuring a focused and impactful listening experience for all attendees. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Attending an Autechre live performance is an experience that transcends the typical concert format. Forget predictable setlists and crowd-pleasing singalongs; Autechre’s live shows are a profound exploration of their sonic philosophy, a demonstration of their mastery over complex electronic systems.

The setlist, if one can even call it that, is fluid and ever-changing. While they might revisit elements or motifs from their vast catalogue, expect these to be deconstructed, mutated, and reassembled in entirely new configurations. Rather than playing pre-programmed sequences, Autechre often perform using bespoke software and hardware that allows them to generate and manipulate sounds in real-time. This means that each performance is a unique, unrepeatable event. You might hear fragments of familiar sonic textures, but they will likely be woven into a tapestry of abstract rhythms, intricate sonic details, and unexpected textural shifts that you’ve never encountered before.

Their performance style is inherently observational. Brown and Booth typically stand behind their equipment, engrossed in the process of creation. The focus is entirely on the sound, on the interplay of their generative systems and their real-time interventions. Visuals, if present, are often abstract and complementary to the sonic landscape, designed to enhance the immersive quality rather than distract from the audio. Expect a journey that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply visceral. The music can be challenging, demanding your full attention, but the rewards are immense. You will be exposed to rhythms that seem impossible, textures that defy description, and a spatialization of sound that can envelop and transport you. The duration of their sets can vary, but they are known for extended explorations, allowing ample time for the intricate sonic architectures to unfold. Prepare to be challenged, captivated, and ultimately, profoundly moved by the sheer ingenuity and artistic daring of Autechre.

FAQs

Q1: Will Autechre play their older, more melodic tracks live? While Autechre’s live sets are always unpredictable and evolve, they often draw inspiration from their entire discography. However, don’t expect straightforward renditions of their early, more accessible material. Any familiar elements will likely be deconstructed, recontextualised, and integrated into their current, more abstract sonic explorations, offering a fresh perspective on their past work.

Q2: How are Autechre’s live performances structured? Do they use laptops? Autechre’s live performances are not based on pre-programmed sequences. They utilise custom-built software and hardware, often involving generative systems, which they manipulate and interact with in real-time. While laptops may be part of their setup, they are integrated into a more complex, bespoke electronic instrumentarium, allowing for spontaneous creation and adaptation during the performance.

Q3: What kind of sound system and atmosphere can I expect at Chalk for an Autechre show? Chalk is known for its excellent acoustics and ability to deliver a powerful sound experience, which is crucial for appreciating the intricacies of Autechre’s music. The venue’s atmosphere is typically intimate and focused, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the sonic landscape without distraction. Expect a sound system capable of handling the full dynamic range and detailed textures of Autechre’s output.

Q4: Is Autechre’s music suitable for casual listeners, or is it more for dedicated fans? Autechre’s music, particularly their later work, is often considered challenging and experimental. It rewards attentive listening and an openness to abstract sound design and complex rhythms. While dedicated fans will undoubtedly find a deep appreciation, those new to their work might find it a demanding but ultimately rewarding introduction to the cutting edge of electronic music, provided they approach it with an open mind.

Q5: Will there be visuals accompanying the performance, or is it purely audio-focused? While Autechre’s primary focus is always on the audio, their live shows can sometimes incorporate subtle, abstract visual elements. These visuals are typically designed to complement the sonic experience rather than dominate it, aiming to enhance the immersive quality of their performance. However, the core of the experience remains the sonic journey.