The visual show surrounding SMD's silhouettes consists of a 2m circular table laden with synths, keyboards, drum machines, laptops and a multitude of effect pedals. The duo dash around the table triggering the different effects and samples - and the show evolves into an eclectic mix of sound and light. Thompson continues: "The tour varies a lot depending on venue size, so we have a huge back catalogue of plans. The only constant is the PixelLine 1044s, they are used as the base of the show and we carry any number from 15 to our most recent design - where there are just fewer than 60."
The 1044s are rigged in a circular formation around the stage in custom-built bases and hanging from truss towers or curved trusses. The design also occasionally features PixelLine micro washes and PixelLine micro effects as back light. Thompson concludes: "The PixelLine 1044 really stands out from other LED fixtures - they punch through the brightest of moving lights and as yet nothing on the market can compete with it."
Siyan supplied the lighting in the UK and Europe - and PRG or LD systems in the USA. Control is always via an Avolites console and Dave Cohen is the co-LD.
(Lee Baldock)
