What do you get if you combine Tensnake, Arthur Baker, Simon Dunmore, a guest list of well over 300 and a small room under a Japanese restaurant with a capacity of a mere hundred? The word ‘chaos’ immediately springs to mind, and while happily this wasn’t the case there will certainly be a few pairs of tired feet, sore heads and fuzzy memories stumbling into offices across the city today.
This was a low-key party in intimate, or to use a perhaps more honest word, ‘compact’ surroundings, but nevertheless didn’t fail to deliver the tightly-packed goods. As different to our London residency at Ministry of Sound as a slice of cheddar is to that white stick teachers used to use to scrawl on blackboards, this was all about the basics, quality music, a great crowd and pint after pint of crisp, dry Japanese lager. But of all these ‘basics’, it was the music that will be the most fondly remembered.
Arthur Baker
The word ‘legend’ is without a doubt overused and often applied to people who have done little to merit the moniker, but thankfully I can use it here without any fear of reprisal; Arthur Baker has done more than enough in his glittering career in music to earn the title and it was a privilege to see him perform. In a set that took in Todd Terje, Chic, Hall & Oats, Harold Mevlin & The Blue Notes and his own Rocker’s Revenge alias, he never failed to drop something that people wanted to boogie to, and by shortly after 10pm the place was both jumping and completely packed; a difficult combination to negotiate with a brimming glass of Asahi on the go.
Several whoops and a few shots of Jagermeister later, Arthur stepped down and made way for an already grinning Tensnake. At this point the room felt like it was beyond capacity, but a few squashed toes and spilt drinks weren’t going to ruin anyone’s night, and anyone who wanted to find a little space of their own to throw a few shapes were happily accommodated by those around them. Tensnake’s Ableton set consisted of a mix of his own productions and the kind of disco-driven house music that features on his latest compilation. Dropping ‘In The End (I Want You to Cry)’ and ‘Something About You’ in quick succession, like short-sharp jabs setting us up for the devastating uppercut to follow, the irrepressible ‘Coma Cat’ was delivered, resulting in smiles, shouts of delight and raised hands galore. It’s quite simply one of the most feel-good house records of recent memory and everyone at Defected feels proud to have been a part of spreading the word.
Simon Dunmore and Tensnake
Finally – after Tensnake had played his remix of Azari & III’s ‘Reckless With Your Love’ as his last tune, Dunmore stepped up the decks. After a little delving in his CD wallet and a laughing shout of “Well what can I play after this!?”, he embarked on the final set of the night, kicking off with the Radio Slave remix of Nelski’s ‘Body Pop’ and moving through classic house and disco, sing-along driven highlights of which included Norma Jean Bell’s ‘I’m the Baddest Bitch’, The Braxtons’ ‘The Boss’, the Stardust-inspiring ‘Fate’ by Chaka Khan and the unashamedly euphoric ‘Lovely Day’ – also Dunmore’s last tune at Saturday’s Closing party at Pacha. Pure, unadulterated dancefloor bliss.
Ultimately, this was a night that brought together knowledgeable music-lovers together with exactly the right people to provide the well-selected music we so desperately crave. And with good vibes and dangerous levels of alcohol running through our veins, it was enough to make us all forget that it was Thursday night and we were all in for a fairly rough Friday. Until today that is…
Words: Greg Sawyer
Missed out this time? We’ll be back with another Thursday night shindig at the end of the month with some more special guests…watch this space for further details.
