The Comet Is Coming are a creative jazz trio along with being 2016 Mercury Prize nominees. But these mavericks think of their sound as ‘apocalyptic space funk’ - a comet that ‘travels through distant galaxies exploring musical concepts’.

The London-based group are at the forefront of a nascent movement creating new music steeped in history by incorporating dub, post-punk, 70s sci-fi, afrobeat and psychedelic electronica. Think erupting synth basslines, organ swells, ecstatic sax and tribal rhythms. Or as NME proclaims, “the sound of the future…today”.

The Guardian calls them the “true heirs” of Sun Ra - and saxophonist Shabaka is a member of Ra’s enduring Arkestra (Sydney Festival 2014). You may find yourself questioning more than just the borders of genre in the face of this cosmic annihilation. Of course, you’ll also find yourself dancing much too hard to the music to care what they call it.

Note: The Meriton Festival village is a licensed venue. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Photo: Fabrice Bourgelle