Will Puddle gives us his view from Deviation's 5th birthday bash.
Deviation are having their 5th birthday tonight, and the feeling that something special is about to take place is heavy in the air. Joining forces with London based promoters Broken & Uneven as part of their Hydra series, the star-studded line-up, including the likes of Dam Funk, Benji B, Moodymann, Hudson Mohawks & Kode 9, is undoubtedly one to be reckoned with.
Standing in the guest list queue, feeling envious that my friends are already inside, my line barely moves. Whispers start to travel through the queue that not everyone is going to get in, and after an hour passes, I begin to feel anxious that they’re right. Finally though, an hour and a half later, freezing cold, completely sober, and with a lot of tedious negotiation, I manage to get myself inside.
Fortunately I make it in on time to catch the last half of Dam Funk’s set, and my angst quickly becomes a fading memory. My ears gladly welcome those oozy, laid-back funk vibes that fill the air. A man like Dam Funk is a rarity these days: a real showman, with a presence on stage that others can only dream of replicating. The night has only just begun and already he has conjured up an intense energy in the room. As I look around, it’s clear that everyone knows that a special moment is being shared. His hazy hard-hitters and fantastic vocals are welcomed with open arms, whilst his trusty sidekick works the keyboard behind the speakers. Effortlessly they woo the crowd with a truly mesmerizing display of synthesis and style.
Following on from such an exceptional performance is no easy task for most DJs, and Radio 1 tastemaker and Deviation curator Benji B is next up to the plate. Playing a perfectly orchestrated collection of dancefloor hits, both past and present, he has the crowd hooked in no time.
Feeling confident that Benji has the main room under control, I make my way across to the second room to see what Hudson Mohawke has to say for himself. A wonderful mess of tripped out psychedelic sounds swirl around the room; snares crack, kicks thump and bass frequencies rumble maliciously - I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole venue shatters and crumbles around us. The crowd, a little preoccupied to notice the frailty of the establishment however, continue to sway around the room like a big human metronome, incessantly succumbing to the bidding of Mr Hud Mo.
The night rolls on and things start to get a little stranger. Moodymann is up next in room 1, his already mystifying allure complimented by his trademark entourage of beautiful women, and a mask that eerily manages to warp his entire face. Providing us with a healthy dose of rhythm and soul, his set is an all-round musical experience, even throwing in a little Nirvana to stir things up. The fact that he makes sure to always teach the crowd a little something, never letting anyone get too comfortable and always throwing a few unexpected surprises in the mix, makes Moodymann one of the most interesting and exciting DJs to see. It goes without saying that he ends the night in style.
Despite the long wait to get inside, this was undoubtedly the best clubbing experience I have had this year. The atmosphere, the crowd, the system and the music were of the highest calibre. The Broken & Uneven and Deviation teams have outdone themselves once again, managing to create a truly unforgettable experience, the likes of which, in my opinion, are becoming a rarity in our lovely city of late.
Will Puddle
Photos courtesy of www.anomalousvisuals.co.uk
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