Deadfish Family And Friends Reviewed

Deadfish Family And Friends Reviewed

04 May, 2010
by: Robertswaine86

Rob Swaine feels the love at the Deadfish Family and Friends night last Thursday at Public Life.

Starting with the Deadfish newsletter boasting “one of the biggest act in the dance world ever... they're British and their artist name is made by two words”, the rumours as to the identity of tonight's special guest culminate with an unashamably unsubtle Facebook message from resident DJ Oli D.A.B. only hours before the party: “It is going to be like a sweaty little Lovebox down there”. It doesn't take much to work out that the special guest is very special indeed: Groove Armada! Perhaps then, it is a little naive of me to be sitting in Wagamamas in Victoria over an hour after doors open. Whoops.

Cursing my weakness to the Katsu curry, I arrive to join the minor queue outside the perspex box that is the entrance to Public Life. Stefano Rittori, aka Solo, is at the front desperately pleading with the bouncers to let in the six of us standing in a line, all of whom are unphased by the situation, simply doing what the British do best. With the bouncers stubbornly holding strong, Stef steps out from the venue and gets us to form a circle round him while he apologises prefusely, telling us to hang tight, and before we know it, we'll all be partying downstairs together. I don't think I've ever been made to feel so wanted and welcome at a club night in my life – it's a truly heart-warming start.

Much to my delight, Tom Findlay from Groove Armada is stood behind the decks when I finally get downstairs. It's pleasing on three different levels: firstly that I'm in; secondly that such a huge legend of dance music is playing to an intimate crowd of no more than 140 people; thirdly, that I'm correct in my attempt at cracking the codes as transmitted earlier from the Deadfish HQ. The dancefloor is already packed out and everyone is beaming from ear to ear with huge smiles on their faces. Mowgli (the Deadfish label founder) is stood in the middle of the dancefloor with his hands in the air, hugely relishing the moment. It's not every day that Groove Armada plays at your birthday party.

Tom plays an energetic set; it's progressive with deep tribal undertones, not at all what I'd expect from one half of Groove Armada. Although I know and like most of the songs he plays, I'm unsure about the whole thing until he drops his final tune, one that renders all my doubts irrelevant – it's 'Superstylin''. The room kicks off, the atmosphere electrifies and everyone throws themselves around the dance floor, paying their respects to one of dance music's most timeless anthems.

The only problem with their choice of guest perhaps comes as they realise that it is they who then have to take to the decks immediately after Tom's last monster anthem plays itself out. After much deliberation and nervous discussion between Solo and Mowgli, the obvious decision is made as Mowgli steps up to lay down his latest single, ‘I Want Everything’. It's the perfect choice and one that is very well received. With the panic now over, the party continues. Solo takes the reigns, allowing Mowgli to enjoy his birthday bash as it begins to unwind. He delivers a majestic set of twisted gypsy house tunes and latin-infused rhythms, a beautiful representation of the Deadfish ideal.

Together, all three artists compliment each other perfectly, not treading on each other's toes, playing well balanced party sets that are all skillfully crafted to suit their individual styles. I leave a happy man, safe in the knowledge that it won't be long before the next one. Hats off to the Deadfish team – it certainly was the best one yet.

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Robertswaine86