FOOD and music are commonly agreed to be two of the greatest pleasures in life, but they are more related than you might think. What we listen to while eating can affect the taste of our food. 

Blur's Alex James paired up with cognitive neuroscientist Dr Ophelia Deroy to create a video testing out this theory. Using food supplied by vendors of the Big Feastival, which Alex founded, the pair dived straight into their tasty work.

Alex experienced how high-pitched music can bring out the fruity and citrus notes in a dish while sampling Oli Baba's halloumi fries, which are sprinkled with fresh pomegranate seeds and seasoning.

In contrast, 'dark' flavours – such as the velvety chocolate from Churros Garcia – are intensified with the addition of deep and heavy bass.

The individual elements in Breddos Tacos' pulled pork dish became more obvious to Alex as the music slowed, while loud music amplified the spiciness of Rainbo’s gyozas.

"I wasn't sure I would notice a difference between the flavours, but it really worked," Alex said after the tasting.

"The combination of good music and delicious food has always brought me great joy, especially through the festival, and this just goes to show that if you can get that perfect match, you're onto a real winner!"

And Alex must be hoping for many perfect pairings at this year's Big Feastival on the bank holiday weekend, August 25-27, when the UK's top musical and culinary acts come together in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Find out more about the festival at uk.thebigfeastival.com