Dark Mofo constantly throws up artists that defy mainstream knowledge, and so it was when Snapped Ankles (amongst others) were named in the 2026 lineup, forcing this reviewer into a frenzied research period.
Defying standard musical conventions, this post-punk/electronic/drums & bass/krautrock/art rock (take your pick) outfit from East London have been plying their incognito wares since 2011. They claim to have come from the forests, and have a performance base which sees the band decked in ghillie (camouflage)-style suits with a strong accent on green-coloured lighting which accompanies the up-tempo dance flavour of their music.
Their beats are infectious, and it is difficult to not feel yourself moving to the rhythms right from the get-go. Most of the songs played tonight are from their latest LP, Hard Times Furious Dancing with a smattering of others from across their back-catalogue. From near-hypnotic trance, to out and out drums and bass bangers, this is a band that has taken the joy of nature, and turned it back on their industrial roots in a combination of light and sound which is thoroughly spellbinding. From the danceable beats to the tendrils of green light which bathe the stage in simulated, dappled forest light, this is a performance more than worthy of its’ feature status on this night of the festival.
The large crowd who had made their way from around the country for this particular Dark Mofo mirrored the exuberance of the band, and were more than happy to dance their way through the full set, following the lead of the band’s anonymous singer. Even more notable was seeing a significant number of the Dark Mofo staff moving to the music whilst performing their duties throughout the evening, proving it wasn’t at all difficult to get caught up in the contagion of Snapped Ankles.
Snapped Ankles Gallery:
All images: ©fullonrockphotography/Andrew Fuller
