Late last month I was invited up to Global
Gathering in the UK. Given it is one of
the signature dance events in the world, it was a great chance to check a number of potential R&V acts in one place.
Held over a disused WW2 airfield in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the 2 day festival is spread over 7 stages. Big dance brands like
UKF, Bassculture, Toolroom Records and God’s Kitchen host mammoth productions
under gigantic marquee tents. A middle class crowd from around the Midlands who
were there for one reason. Let’s ‘av it loud and propa yeah?
Taking the lead from the memorable Justice LIVE show, the duo were perched high above a stack of space broken cassette tapes, complete with live vocalist appearing in cat suit from various parts of the stage. Bass thundered from the bins as the lighting show dance overhead, in sync with the melody. Performing edited versions of their repertoire, my favourite was a two-step version of their smash hit Promises. Probably the closest thing to Daft Punk right now and on a more relevant bass heavy dance tip. Can’t wait to see them at R&V Soundcheck in October.
Netsky LIVE was also there showcasing his
brand new show, on the back of new album ‘2’. MC Script plays host without too
much overpowering yippity yip. Switching between MPC, laptop and even vocoder,
Boris bounces around between like a man possessed, obviously enthralled in the
creativity of a live performance of his sound. The new drummer is a true
player, slapping the electronic drum kits to create the signature liquid sound
Hospital signings are known for. The tent was filled to the brim, surely a sign
that this act is becoming a main stage act in the very near future. See him at
R&V X!
Above and Beyond often top lists for the
most popular and highest paid dance acts, performing to thousands of people
across the world and fronting DJ mags so was interested to see their show.
Performing in front of a giant curtain of LED they banged out a slightly less
cheesy form of hard trance, complete with euphoric messages . Highlight was the perfectly timed Porter
Robinson’s Language. A tune of the summer for me for sure!
Caught Nic Fanculli on the way out play a
deep remix of Strings of Life. Although it was a chilly English summer’s
evening I couldn’t help but dream of being exported to a warm Ibizian terrace. More
on this to come! Jamie Jones was on next but it was time to boost.
Had been a long day in the wellies so we
back to the local BnB The Three Way – interesting name - and caught up with
Graphix from Hospital Records stable. He is eager to get down under to R&V
he was put in place by his agent, who encouraged him to wade through the
mountain of demos and get their album out before hitting the road down under!
Expect big things from this talent duo!
The weekend was capped off by a visit to my
great Aunty Hazell and Uncle Ron. Sunday Roast Chicken with boiled spuds, mushy
peas and gravy. Custard, ice Cream and blueberries for desert. A perfect end
for a memorable bass-filled festival weekend. Ooh right Guvn’nor!
