News / / 14.11.13

STUDIO 89: AXEL BOMAN

Cardiff | November 8th 

Ever since opening its enigmatic black door for the first time two years ago, Studio 89 has been a one-off in UK club culture.

A bespoke setting, crafted, booked and promoted by a group of friends with an innate understanding of how people want to party, it’s become a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Focus is on glamourous minimalism in the least outwardly glamorous of settings, a music policy of deep house and disco which defines class without taking itself too seriously, and the kind of intimate, pored-over atmosphere which makes DJs flock to play to crowds a fraction of the size they’d normally command.

From its beginnings as a gathering of friends and friends of friends, Studio 89 has become something curious club aficionados from every corner the country will happily hop on a train to attend. And despite spreading its wings to London and Bristol in recent months, the news that this would be the penultimate party in Studio’s first, definitive home is a blow not only to the 150 or so dedicated patrons who have seen them confound the possibilities of partying in Cardiff, but also to those who have missed their chance to leap upon recommendations to make their way to this unassuming underground disco.

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It’s with all this in mind we duck through the doorway and down the carpeted stairs to the noodle bar basement. Having last attended over a year ago, there’ve been quite a few changes. The decor has retained its minimalism, yet there are an array of classic disco flourishes: gaudily-clad mannequins, gold records adorning the walls, a resplendent sign glittering behind the decks declaring ‘D I S C O’, and of course, numerous mirror balls twirling from the ceiling. It’s totally unique, all constructed by conscientious individuals determined to offer an alternative to increasingly impersonal nightclub experiences. From the bar staff’s breezy and enthusiastic attitude, to the comfortable intimacy, to the broad and encompassing sound system, every aspect is designed with the punter in mind. You can’t fake it.

The evening’s music is a perfect distillation of the Studio spirit. Pardon My French’s expertly measured opening set spans from the pervasive warmth of Nicolas Jaar’s And I Say to a hugely well received airing for Doc Daneeka’s dusty disco number Walk On In. With the room quickly filling to the rafters, Owain K ramps things up into a house-infused, fist-pumping melee, with the decks by now engulfed in undulating bodies sporting golden headbands. The irresistible groove of Moustache by Blackjoy and particularly Bob Sinclar’s The Ghetto have the room moving as one, before the irrepressible Swede takes to the decks at 3am.

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Always a critically respected and revered figure, it seems inevitable that Axel Boman’s appeal is about to become stratospheric with the release of his gorgeous debut LP Family Vacation. His appearance this evening is pure Panorama Bar; invigorating, propulsive and smooth. While the vast majority of his set is refereshingly unknown, his own depthy track Purple Drank seeps from the speakers and is totally stunning, and we shuffle towards the train station to the resounding arpeggios of Maurice Fulton’s Syclops cut Where’s Jason’s K? It’s an incredible set, expertly controlled and dynamic from start to finish.

It’s sad, but also satisfying, to know that Studio will be closing its little black door for the last time next month with a dream booking: Prosumer. While the concept is far too good to disappear forever, its Cardiff home has accomplished all it set out to and more. And for everyone other than the lucky few who attended across two years, Studio 89 will forever be the best little party they never went to.

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facebook.com/Studio89Cardiff

Words: Geraint Davies

Photos: Studio 89

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