Review: Positive Education 2023

It’s not exactly your run of the mill destination for a festival that celebrates some of the most forward-thinking experimental, electronic artists around at the moment, but the strong ties the festival organisers have to this city, their home turf, explain why every element – from the programming to the location and the production – feels completely and utterly authentic; as if it comes straight from the heart.

Alongside Positive Education’s ongoing commitment to spotlighting a new generation of French artists who operate on the exhilarating fringes of dance music, this year’s line up boasted DJ sets from techno heavyweights like Donato Dozzy, VTSS, DJ Nobu, FJAAK and Anetha, next to exciting underground names including Perel, Audrey Danza and Bruce & Lurka’s XRA project.

Unfortunately, due to France being put on a high level security alert, this year’s infamous afterparty on the final night was cancelled in the lead up to the weekend, resulting in sets from the likes of CCL and RONI and Lisa Amore being cancelled. It didn’t dampen spirits though, there was still plenty on offer for punters to get stuck into.

We were only able to join the festivities for the weekend but heard many positive reports about the strength of the programming throughout the week. After attending last year’s edition, it was clear how impactful a space like PEF’s longstanding home, the Cité du design, could be for more than just night time activities, so it was great to see it used to its full potential this time round.

Consequently, this year’s programme was broadened extensively. The addition of several talks and workshops offered an interactive experience for festival-goers, and live performances became more of a central focus. Tuesday to Saturday saw a spread of exciting live shows from the likes of Bristol-based rapper and producer Grove, a collaboration between Shackleton and Scotch Rolex and Prestonian experimental artist Blackhaine.

The weekend was also studded with live sets. Standouts included the atmospheric rhythms of Monolake and Loek Frey, who bookended Spazio Disponible maestro Donato Dozzy’s DJ set, which was a masterclass in the tripped-out, hypnotic corners of Jungle and Drum and Bass.

The following night on the same stage Forest Drive West trod similar sonic terrain, commanding the room from start to finish. His mind-bending set came after one of our favourite moments from the whole weekend, Space Drum Meditation’s live show. Their music does exactly what it says on the tin; full of rolling rhythms and engulfing ambience, they’re set slowly built and built, eventually unfurling into a pulsating techno groove.

Another act whose name embodies their sound, Amnesia Scanner’s Live AV show was much anticipated on Saturday night. After a short interval, the duo launched into their signature concoction of disjointed trap and furious club beats laced with dizzying, synthetic voices, made all the more captivating by the billowing smoke and barrage of flashing lights and words emblazoned on the backdrop.

The DJ line up also hit all the right notes. Sets by DJ Bus Replacement Service, who recently announced their imminent retirement, blew away the cobwebs as soon when we first entered on Friday, and that only continued over in the second room with the bass-heavy dubstep of Kahn and Neek, who brought a dose of Bristol’s finest musical export all the way to Saint-Étienne.

While Friday’s programming felt a little more serious, Saturday injected a light hearted energy into proceedings. Jennifer Cardini & Pablo Bozzi proved a perfect pairing in the main room, powering through high-energy, euphoric synth, trance and Italo-leaning cuts, which set the scene flawlessly for the baton to be passed to KETTAMA & X-Coast.

Our festival ended, fittingly, with arguably two of the most skilled DJs of our time, Objekt & Skee Mask. Separately the PAN alumni and Illian Tape affiliate are known for their precision behind the decks, and together, unsurprisingly, this was no different. Over the course of two hours they expertly wove intricate, clattering breakbeats with addictive electro and grimey bass gems that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

It perfectly rounded off a weekend of great music, great company and great wine. Positive Education have created something very special, a celebration of France’s exciting underground electronic scene and international artists who continue to push the envelope. Long may our annual pilgrimage to Saint-Étienne continue…