Frantic @ Koko, 24 August 2008

Frantic @ Koko, 24 August 2008

27 August, 2008
by: LadyAsbo

Decadence, debauchery and disco dancing are the order of the day as hard house institution Frantic takes over Camden's luxurious Koko for its eleventh birthday celebrations. From the giant glitter ball suspended high in the gods of the former theatre, right down to the thousands of clubbers on the floor, the whole event reeks of glamour.

Over the years at Frantic, they've had their fingers in many pies – a record label, club nights and CD releases. And showing no signs of slowing down, currently they've adopted the commendable agenda of pushing up and coming talent within the scene.

The 'masquerade ball' theme for the bank holiday evening is embraced by many of the 2000-strong clubbers. Donning their Sunday best, an array of tutus, corsets, kinky masks and suspenders are on offer – and that's just from the guys. Even the bar staff get in on the act with outfits Dita Von Teese would be proud of. The Contagious and Twisted Bliss dancers look fabulous, some wearing little more than a touch of body-paint.

As we come through the doors early to a vertigo-inducing balcony, looking down stage-wards Caz Woods can be seen. Aided and abetted by partner in crime Nathalie, they deliver a funky warm-up set that quickly fills up the floor. Next up Scott Fo-Shaw, self-confessed DJ ho and rising star in the production corner, unleashes a bouncy set of remixed hard house favourites. Notably, Eskimo's 'Recycled' is met with stomping enthusiasm from the crowd, as well Fo-Shaw himself as he bounces around stage like a hyperactive kid at Christmas. Pickup and Rise then give a lesson in how to play a credible yet fun set, mixing the old (like Steve Blake's 'Expression') with new tracks such as Karim's 'Sharona', all while executing riot-starting dance moves.

Wandering through Koko's caverns to the second and third rooms, we're disappointed to hear sound problems in both, culminating in one room conceding defeat to the overheating amp and being used as a chill-out space for the rest of the night.

Back to the main space, and feeling ready to conquer the dancefloor, we're treated to a touch of hardstyle from Welsh pixie Frisky. Thanks to a no-show from Anne Savage (due to ill health) the line-up becomes as confused as a blind lesbian in a fish-market – meaning that some sets are cut short and Klubfiller is drafted in at short notice. But as time marches on the technicalities are forgotten. Cool as a cucumber, Cally Cage serves up a sexy slice of hard pie before Frantic favourite Phil Reynolds gets down to business with hard trance aplenty. To well and truly finish off the Frantic throng, Andy Farley dishes up a power-hour finishing with the mighty 'Red Snapper'.

Since 1997 Frantic have been striving to promote dance music's harder sounds while putting on parties worldwide. Criticism following the bank holiday shindig has been aimed mainly at the music policy not being 'hard' enough. That's a matter up for debate, but if you're looking for a large-scale event with a party-charged atmosphere, nobody does it like Frantic. Happy birthday to them, and long may the annual pilgrimage to Koko continue.


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LadyAsbo