The TK Maxx Summer Series continued on Wednesday 25 June with a perfectly timed, slightly moist evening courtesy of Maribou State. The UK duo brought their warm, layered electronic sound to Cardiff Castle, with support from the genre-blending talents of Anish Kumar and Jitwam.
Anish Kumar opened up early doors with a set full of rhythm-heavy Bali beats, laying down bright grooves that brought the sun-soaked house energy straight into the castle grounds. His selections had the early crowd swaying and set the tone for what was to come.
He was followed by Jitwam, who took things up a level with his psychedelic soul and fluid, genre-hopping sound. Blending soulful house, funk and touches of folk, his set had a looseness that let the crowd breathe, dance and move around the space. The rain held off almost like it knew – only arriving at the very end of his performance, leaving behind a fresh, open atmosphere just in time for the main act.
The rain stopped as they started, and right on cue, a double rainbow stretched across the Cardiff skyline. It sounds too perfect to be true, but that’s exactly how it happened – the castle lit up in that soft post-shower light, and Maribou State filled the space with lush, immersive sounds, a full string orchestra and a choir. It was almost cinematic.
Then Talulah Ruby stepped out, glowing in a floaty, bohemian fit – and everything just lifted. Her voice, smooth and powerful, rolled across the crowd, weaving into the beats like it had always lived there. She brought not just vocals, but presence: dancing freely, smiling wide, giving real passion to every word. Personally, I’d go as far as saying she’s my favourite female vocalist to watch live at the minute. There’s something joyful and honest about the way she performs, it’s not flashy, it’s just captivating as you watch here move across the stage.
The set moved from delicate melodies to percussive highs, flowing between tracks with a pace that kept the crowd gently swaying and then, without warning, fully moving. Think The xx with warmer grooves, or Bonobo with a little more bounce. They’ve nailed the balance of electro dance and live performance – it never felt too ‘produced’, just natural and rich and fully in the moment.
The crowd was a bit smaller than the weekend shows, which felt like a shame – maybe down to the weather or the fact that not enough people know about Maribou State just yet. But with a Glastonbury slot lined up this weekend, that might be about to change. And honestly, if the sun comes out during their set at Worthy Farm, a lot of people will be kicking themselves for missing the chance to see them in the more intimate, magical setting of Cardiff Castle.
Maribou State didn’t just play a gig – they created a full atmosphere, with help from the skies, the Castle, and one of the most effortlessly brilliant live vocalists around and i can’t wait to see them again.
