|
Now that I’m on midterm break, I actually have the time to write this, so here it is!
Got there just as Anton was finishing up and he played some nice stuff: thick, flowing, glitched-out, minimalesque prog; he had the people in there grooving away. Overall rating: can’t really give one given that I only heard him for like, 30 minutes but nonetheless 7.5/10.
Spooky came on and rocked it, although there were a couple of tracks I didn't like. They definitely built up a flow that was perfect for Sasha to take over. Charlie and Duncan are 2 of the smoothest, most genuine artists I’ve met and no doubt, they performed outstandingly, very similar to their warm-ups for Sasha at Tribe for those of you who attended those 2 parties. Pure “meant for” dance floor inspired tunes, chunky and funky all the while, smooth and groovy. Indeed, they got the ball rolling perfectly for what was to come. Overall rating: 8/10.
The dance floor was packed by the time Sasha got on and he unleashed his new wave techno sound he's into these days. Clickity clackity glitches combined with thundering, continuous, rollllling low ends...now THAT'S the kind of new school minimal tech I’m into. I was on the dance floor when Mr. Coe got on and was pretty close to the speakers right under the DJ booth where the poundingness of what he was playing activated my gag reflex and to the bathroom I went  I could literally feel my entire chest moving with each thump and so, my opinion is that it was FUCKING loud on the floor. Not "bad" loud just "too much for me" loud. The sound quality was fantastic, just the volume was too much for my system to handle. To the VIP I went afterwards. Sasha...Well, I’ve always been a Digweed girl but I must admit that Sasha takes the definition of a true musical experience and twists it completely; making it unique with a series of cutting edge sounds that nobody’s ever even comtemplated before. He builds and builds and buildsssss...A seriously real sonic trip. And can I mention he was smiling and actually showing signs of mobility at points throughout his set?!?!? Really was great to witness. Overall rating: 9/10.
John came on after Sasha and well, what can I possibly say to those of you who experienced the night that you haven’t already felt? He’s the master in my eyes. A legend, a pioneer, a true musical genius. All of which is combined with a humility about what he does and the epic effects it has on not only the individuals who are fortunate enough to experience his sound, but on the entire industry as a whole. How to describe the bliss...Well, he is the epitomic figure to which I attribute so much importance and respect. I know I sound crazy lol, but bare with me. Those of you who really, reallllllyyyyy love him will feel me on this one. Those of you who still get goosebumps when you play his GU: Hong Kong or LA will know what I mean. His beats began thickly, and progressed into a chuggy, dramatic and melancholic feel, almost like a hovering of sound over you. His music reminded me of creepy, dingy, acid-filled basements and playgrounds for evil robots. Every element in every track he dropped had a role to play; and combined together, gave me one hell of a ride. Anything that reminds you of a stomp, growl or slap...was present in his set. Dark, twisted, rambling, dirty, frustrated, acid-inspired progressive tech...to a motherfucking tee. Overall rating: 9.5/10. Not surprising.
And then, wait...Hold on...Get a grip Erika. I’d almost forgotten that I was about to see them tag team for my very firstest ever time. I had butterflies in my tummy like I had just fallen in love...and knew it was for real  I felt each one of my senses become completely engulfed in their sound. I didn’t speak to one single person; I made sure my experience was not going to be disturbed. As I write this, I can still remember feeling my heart in my throat...I was almost nervous for what was to come. Just seeing them together in that booth was an experience all on its own. And then, it began. A journey through the depths of subliminal frequencies; a sheer mission to take in each element of each track of every mix. I really don’t know how to describe it but it was a magnificent combination of deep tech, absolutely banging progressive techno and straight up PROG, served to my willing ears on a silver platter. I felt myself dissolve in the atmosphere they created and paid close attention to the chemistry between them. The utmost respect was there between the two of them, as each one knelt down, away from the eyes of the crowd, when the other would commence a mix. A true subliminal musical experience, one of which humbled me to no end and continues to do so today. I can’t possibly say more. Overall rating: 10/10, hands downnnnnnnnn.
Sander K started things up with a technoish edge and continued to please the crowd with fun, jumpy, chunky/funky progressive house, dancefloor material tunes until the end. A true entertainer, he was all smiles and quirky dance moves up in that booth, clearly very contented with the way things were going. He produced a different vibe than that of S&D but one which maintained the stamina of the vibe that was already going. The crowd was eating out of his hand, continuously waiting for the next drop. I absolutely adore Sander K, always have, and always will because he shows us that he loves doing what it is he does for us. Nothing but respect for the man and I really can’t wait to hear him at Stereo again. Overall rating: 8.5/10.
All in all, needless to say, this experience was sheer magic. To me, it was the essence of electronic dance music, the reason why it exists and the justification as to why it produces the effects it does. Sasha and John ARE house music, just personified. I knew that prior to this night but now, I’ll always have my memories to back up what I believe in most.
Now, someone give me a job writing published party reviews so I can drop out of school 
___________________
Afterhours is a state of mind, but significantly, it's more a state of 'I don't mind'. A determined continuation, contentment and relief that 'it ain't over yet!' An injection of music into attitude and occasion which creates an emotional wave forth that isolates globally, a ringing harmonic, a signal to a like-minded collective that 'we are only us'.
|
