Annie Mac Presents at Koko

Annie Mac Presents at Koko

01 May, 2009
by: Simon827

Koko has always been one of my favourite venues. I'm not sure why. The sound's average, it gets hotter than the sun and travelling from one floor would be made easier, well, with lifts to be honest. Or if you could fly. It also plays host to one of the worst club nights in London. I'm not going to say which one in case a mob of indie kids chase me through the streets. Despite this though, it's a hard venue to dislike, mainly because it's so pretty that all the other venues in London are jealous. Thursday night would have only made them more so...

Annie Mac has taste. Possibly in men, I can't be sure. In music however, it's quite clear she knows what she's talking about. Thursday night saw her tour, Annie Mac Presents hit Koko, and what a night it proves to be, and it's attracted an eclectic crowd. Hooded guys dwell in corners, experienced ravers warm up in the corridors, girls too cool to dance people-watch from the balconies and kids straight out of an episode of Skins cram the dance floor. But the atmosphere's good.

The evening warms up nicely with Rachel Barton who plays a short but sweet set and is followed very promptly by Mujava. Both are solid and the dance floor's filling up nicely. Toddla T on the other hand hurts my head but doesn't seem to be bothering the rest of the crowd. Maybe I'm just getting old.

Naturally, having put on the night Miss Mac wants some limelight and takes to the stage with a form that demonstrates why she's one of the biggest names on the club scene. Each tune is perfectly chosen and expertly mixed and she really knows how to work the crowd. I really wish she'd stop shouting at us so much though.

Handing the tables over to Little Boots, Annie Mac flees the stage. Don't worry. She'll be back. Little Boots is an interesting addition to the night. Her music just suits the vibe of the evening but the introduction of someone actually singing into a mike seems to throw the crowd slightly. It doesn't dent the mood though, merely keeping it on a steady high. Possibly because she's good. Or possibly because everyone knows what's coming next...

It isn't said, but it's clear that everyone's here for one reason tonight. As Chase and Status take to the stage, flanked by MCs Takura and Rage, the crowd are electric. The guys are on top form and the crowd don't stop for an hour. Forget gyms, just go to see Chase and Status every night and you'll be as fit as Jack Bauer. Takura and Rage hold the stage well, but the set hits its peak when Plan B takes to the stage. The three of them gel instantly and the night really can't get much better. Or so I think. A cover of Rage Against the Machine's ‘Killing in the Name Of' sends the crowd over the edge, a pit ensues and Chase and Status leave the stage safe in the knowledge that they rocked this joint.

You have to feel sorry for anyone who has to follow a set like that and Caspa can only try and keep the energy flowing. When he finishes, The Count and Sinden take over, but by now anyone sober has left, the drunks are dropping like flies and the cast of Skins have realised it's past their bedtime. But a solid set seals the night with the help of Annie Mac's yelling and everyone leaves safe in the knowledge that this was the best night Koko will see in a long time. I was surprised it worked, but work it did.

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Simon827