In the past few months, we’ve found ourselves returning to a remarkable corner of the Spanish midlands, where music thrives in a unique and unpredictable way. Perpendicular Festival has become the place where artists embrace spontaneity, crafting moments that feel truly alive.

This time, we’re focusing on o.utlier, an Irishman based in London whose debut album Alaya on Appian Sounds left an unforgettable mark last year. A co-founder of Titrate Records and a resident DJ for Astral Industries, o.utlier has mastered the art of balancing a diverse range of sounds, from drone to intricate polyrhythmic techno. If you’re familiar with his work, you already have a sense of the musical journey he can take you on.

It was a bright Saturday afternoon when he took the stage, easing the crowd into the day with laid-back broken beats and serene atmospheres. There was an unspoken magic as the music slowly drew everyone in, almost imperceptibly. Beneath a canopy of shade, the crowd swayed, their movements guided by his subtle changes in tempo and tone. Before long, the energy began to build, smooth, natural, and unforced, until the atmosphere shifted into something more adventurous.

Suddenly, the set took a turn, diving into murkier territory. Darker tones emerged, with dub influences and intricate rhythms that seemed to challenge both body and mind. Over the course of nearly two and a half hours, o.utlier created a magnetic experience that felt both cerebral and visceral—a true journey through the unexpected.

This performance was a special one; it was a shared moment at a gathering of kindred spirits. Do you really need another reason to hit play? We think not.