Optronica 2005 : The Mellowtrons

Following their first audio-only release in 1995, The Mellowtrons debut album Evacuate was released in 1996 on the Chillout label. More releases followed on both Skam and Lo Recordings in the UK and on US label Rawkus.

In the early 90's Lee Walker began as a backline technician for the influential band Meat Beat Manifesto before eventually collaborating with them. As an engineer, he also toured with Orbital, Disco Inferno and Autechre. Giles Thacker began VJing in the mid 80s under the name Ultrascope and was one of the first VJs in the UK, even using homebuilt projectors! In 1994 he joined forces with Orbital, transforming their live show with powerful motion graphics and over the next 7 years Orbital's live show became a legend, winning awards and gaining a reputation for innovative video design. Giles has also created live show graphics for the Verve, KLF, Richard Ashcroft, Royksopp and Turin Brakes.

Their first live AV performance as The Mellowtrons was in 1998 at London's Institute of Contempory Arts and they're currently working on their first DVD album for release in 2006.

At Optronica The Mellowtrons will be supporting Plaid & Bob Jaroc for the festival's opening night at the bfi London IMAX Cinema.


The Mellowtrons
BFI London IMAX cinema, London SE1
9.15pm. Wednesday July 20

Streaming on Samurai FM is their audiovisual piece 'Momentum'.

www.themellowtrons.com
www.optronica.org