Last night, the legendary Faithless turned Cardiff Castle into a cathedral of sound, bringing their unmistakable, era-defining energy to the Welsh capital. Backed by the brilliant Chicane and iconic Kosheen, this was no ordinary gig, it was a full-blown celebration of electronic music history.
Kosheen: A proud Welsh return
Opening the evening in style were Kosheen, the Anglo-Welsh electronica outfit fronted by the captivating Sian Evans. From the very first note, it was clear they meant business, setting the tone for what would become another triumphant night within the castle’s storied walls.
Sian’s voice? Mesmerising. It cuts through the air with both soul and grit, reminding us why Kosheen once dominated the charts with two top ten albums and a string of awards to their name. Their sound is distinct, raw, and deeply personal.
They’re currently mid-way through a UK and European tour, stopping in places as far-flung as Zagreb and Budapest, but last night, it was Cardiff’s turn to soak up the magic. And guess what? They’re heading to Narberth on 13 December for a more intimate affair. Lucky West Walians!
Fun fact: Sian calls Laugharne home, the very same Welsh town that once inspired Dylan Thomas. It’s no wonder her lyrics are laced with poetry and heart. You could feel that love for home and heritage pouring out in her performance.
Chicane: Nostalgia meets sunset vibes
Next up, Chicane (aka Nicholas Bracegirdle) took to the decks with a set that felt like a warm hug from the early 2000s. No gimmicks, no fuss, just hit after hit of sun-soaked anthems.
As the sun dipped behind the castle turrets, he delivered a flawless run of euphoric, golden-hour classics. Think “Saltwater” and “Don’t Give Up”, the kind of tracks that make your heart swell and your feet move. A perfect transition into the headline act.
Faithless: A night of reflection, energy and unity
And then… the moment arrived. Faithless.
Back in Cardiff for the first time since the heartbreaking passing of frontman Maxi Jazz in 2022, this set carried more than just music, it carried memory, emotion, and a powerful sense of legacy.
From the opener “Forever” to the roof-raising “Insomnia”, “God Is a DJ”, and “We Come 1”, the crowd was united, dancing not just with their bodies, but with their hearts. Lasers lit the night sky, smoke engulfed the stage, and thousands of hands reached up into the cool Welsh air.
Other favourites like “Fugitive” and “Music Matters” were also in the mix, building layer upon layer of pulsating rhythm and emotion. It was euphoric. Intimate. Electric.
For me, as a long-time fan, this was a bucket list moment. The atmosphere? Pure magic. Everyone around me felt it, a shared experience amplified by the legacy of Maxi Jazz. His voice, his spirit, his presence… it was still there, woven through every beat and visual.
These songs aren’t just tracks, they’re time machines. Anchors to moments in people’s lives. Judging by the emotional faces around the crowd, I wasn’t the only one transported back. Now that i’ve been, I want to do it all over again.
The Venue: Cardiff Castle and Depot delivers again
Let’s not forget the setting. Cardiff Castle has once again proven why it’s become one of Wales’ finest live music venues.
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Entry: Swift and well-organised from North Road.
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Exit: Understandably slower, but handled smoothly through the castle gates.
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Bars: Surprisingly manageable queues and standard event pricing.
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Toilets: Clean, plentiful, and even had a “wee wheel” to keep things flowing (pun very much intended).
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Food & Drink: From gourmet street food to an old-school ice cream van, special shoutout to Fire & Flank, who hit the spot.
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Merchandise: Plenty of fans repping tees and Faithless gear was easy to get hold of.
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Safety: Staff were visible, helpful, and on the ball all night.
A quick tip for future attendees: check the list of prohibited items before you head out. Umbrellas, outside food, and drinks are a no-go and may be confiscated at the gate.
Coming up next…
The castle isn’t done yet! Welsh icon Sir Tom Jones will be belting out the hits on Wednesday 20 August, with two sold-out shows backed by Stone Foundation.
And if you’re looking for more music under the stars, tickets are still available for Will Smith and Basement Jaxx over at Depot Live.
