Chase & Status; masters of the dance hit Cardiff’s Utilita Arena for a night of unparalleled energy and dance-floor euphoria.
Cue the lights, cue the anticipation, cue the music. Masters of the dance, Chase & Status return to Cardiff for their first live show in the capital since their 2013 Cardiff SU gig. Now armed with bigger sounds and a venue almost ten times the size, the DJ duo smashed expectations at the Utilita Arena Cardiff on Thursday night.Â
Amazingly eclectic and downright electric, Chase & Status, otherwise known as Saul Milton and Will Kennard, took the night to new levels. With an expansive catalogue of dance anthems and sonic innovations, they captivated every soul in the room. Playing tracks such as ‘Mixed Emotions’ and ‘Selecta’, they navigated the delicate boundary between mainstream chart-toppers and underground gems, skillfully achieving an ideal equilibrium; effortlessly fusing widespread allure with the unfiltered authenticity of what the scene has always stood for.Â
They provided an electric atmosphere for a sea of colourful faces, dressed in their best rave attire, for what would be a night of euphoria and unbridled dance-floor bliss. With an immersive experience not only for the crowd in front of them but for the few fans they had onstage with them. Upon entering a competition, those fortunate were invited to stand and show off some dance moves on each side of the stage, scaffolding being used as their own personal dancefloor. Speaking of the stage setup, the production for this show was colossal; a stage extending to every corner of the arena, an array of lasers illuminating the ecstatic and jubilant faces below, with a large screen projecting exciting visuals.Â
What was very clear on Thursday evening was their ability to hook their listeners from start to finish. From the adrenaline-pumping beats of Blind Faith, a fan favourite of the duos, to the stomping sounds of Liquor & Cigarettes, the duo showcased their versatility and willingness to push boundaries. Backed by a live drummer and an electrifying guitarist, pouring passion into every single note and adding an exhilarating layer to their set that elevated the intensity and left the crowd craving more.Â
Of course, the set was rammed with fan favourites such as ‘Disconnect’, their collaboration with the sensational Becky Hill, and All Goes Wrong, which sparked the rise of singer songwriter Tom Grennan. Chase & Status have impressed with their electric blend of genre-defying sounds, leaving an indelible mark on the night, solidifying their reputation as true pioneers of the electronic music scene, and making them a force to be reckoned with.Â
Words: Tate Powell (@tatepowellx)Â