Crack

Border Community is an English label to be proud of. Presenting their soaring thumping brand of electronica, label owner James Holden and cohort, Nathan Fake, are the two foremost names that role off their roster. So credit due to Bristol house and techno dons, Just Jack, for booking them into Thekla tonight.

James Holden’s ability to harness a crowd that’s a little to the left of techno’s chic side, is astounding. Fans a little bit geeky, a little bit techy and more than a little bit nerdy have flocked in their droves to hear his euphoric, twisted, wonky take on the techno formula.

In a similar vein, Nathan Fake’s live set is another one for the tech-heads. Glitchy, thumping and not in 4/4 by any means, there is a refreshing sense of experimentation in this booking that has been richly rewarded by a sell-out crowd in the Thekla.

After Bristol boy and Caravan Records’ honcho, October, presents his persuasive brand of deep house and richly pounding grooves, the stall is set for the evening. Holden and Fake promptly do their damage in an uncompromising manner. Despite an uncharacteristically quiet sound system, Thekla remains a reliable dark, deep, rave hole. It’s a pleasure to hear the Border Community sound in such gloomy surroundings.

In a similar vein, it’s just as encouraging to hear the Pardon My French boys letting the light in on the top deck with a bit of disco house; perfectly complimenting the harsher sounds downstairs.

After Fake finishes with a couple of belters from his astounding debut album; Drowning In A Sea Of Love, attention turns to post-party frolics, which are lovingly supplied by traditional midweek party starters - Super Ultra Mega (SUM).

The after-party scene in Bristol has drastically improved in the last few years and these guys have had a huge part to play. This is especially needed tonight thanks to Thekla’s comparatively early closing time. The party at Crash Mansions sees the music take on much more of upfront guise, with grooves to keep bums moving all night. The more than healthy sized crowd are treated to another set from October, and then SUM’s head girl Celeste more than impresses with her brand of infectious late night house wiggle.

The crowd is diverse, friendly and Bristol through and through. Party heads are running around, those glued on the music are closer to the decks, couples are hugging and mates are lost in deep and meaningfuls. After the main meal, this is the coffee to keep you going. Before you know it, it’s 8am.

Tonight is a winner on a number of levels. Laying on entertainment with a heavyweight line-up is one thing, but making sure punters have the option to make merry till an ungodly hour adds a dimension that should be celebrated. Judging from some of the folks leaving Crash Mansions tonight/this morning still has a few more hours celebration left in it.


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http://www.bordercommunity.com/

http://justjackwilleatyourhead.blogspot.com/

http://superultramega.co.uk/

Photo: Ben Price

http://benjaminprice.carbonmade.com

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