Following the release of their highly anticipated third album Hallucinating Love in January 2025, Hertfordshire duo Chris Davids and Liam Ivory, better known as Maribou State, took over Alexandra Palace for three nights of aural exploration and melodic transcendence. 

Stepping into the grand observatory dome of Ally Pally, it’s impossible not to be struck by the contrast between the weight of history and the freshness of modernity. The soaring Italianate architecture serves as a stunning backdrop to vibrant neon accents, echoing the performance Maribou State delivered in this ‘Palace of the People.’ 

With the addition of an orchestra and a choir, the evening unfolded in a majestic setting for their signature blend of folk-inspired electronica, dramatic percussion, and even the delicate sound of tinkling ivories (thanks to Liam!). This sonic tapestry has set Maribou State apart since their 2015 breakthrough with the richly layered Midas single. 

Five years since their last live shows, Maribou State came out swinging, synths blazing. The stage was set for a sensory explosion of what they do best. Their opening track, Nervous Tics from Kingdoms in Colour (2019), was accompanied by the choir and strings, creating a tonal feast that immediately signalled to the audience they were in for something extraordinary. 

Not to be outdone, frequent collaborator Holly Walker graced the stage, giving the vast hall an opportunity to experience her husky, sultry vocals in all their glory. Whether performing a stripped-back, a cappella version of Glasshouses or harmonising with the choir on Bloom, Holly’s interpretation of the duo’s best-loved tracks was a true highlight. 

Fellow vocalist Tallulah Ruby, radiant in a voluminous purple dress, also joined the fray, bringing an added intensity to tracks like Steal. Her dynamic rendition of Portraits had the crowd swaying, head-bobbing, and clapping in collective joy. 

I’ll admit, I was a little disappointed by the omission of my favourite track, Feel Good, though perhaps I should point the finger at Khruangbin for not joining them on this occasion. That said, I can forgive this minor lapse in favour of the carefully curated night that offered a much-needed dose of Balearic beats, serotonin-boosting swaying, and a dash of jazzy sunset vibes. Oh, and let’s not forget the confetti cannons, which showered the crowd during Blackoak, carrying us into the chilly winter night on a dreamy wave of synth, drums, and funk. 

Words by Woody Anderson

Photography Sam Neill