Back To Jack: Levon Vincent + Portable
The Coroners Court, Bristol | 1 March
The announcement of Just Jack’s colossal eighth birthday celebrations evoked an impassioned response among house and techno enthusiasts and party lovers alike. Following the success of the huge party at Motion in February, ‘Back to the Jack’ was the birthday’s smaller, understated sequel that retained the kind of refreshing intimacy and honest underground music policy that can all too easily be lost as club nights grow.
Upon arrival, excitement and curiosity fuelled the crowds forming in the dark courtyard of the Old Coroners Court. Greeted by illuminated Tudor gothic architecture, the venue immediately demands our attention, luring us to enter. Yet once inside the decoration is minimal, and it soon transpires that this night is really all about what’s happening behind the decks and on the dance floors. The characteristic Just Jack bunting appears hugely oversized, adorning the ceiling of the dark main room creating the illusion of something much smaller, helping to unite the crowd and enhance our connection with the music.
Following a stellar performance on the Boiler Room last summer, Portable (aka Bodycode) has gained an increase of widespread recognition for his music, and a sense of anticipation was palpable. Portable delivered exactly what his crowd were hungry for: innovative, experimental electronic music which and built and swelled before retreating and reflecting, teasing us throughout. Unsurprisingly much of his set fell fresh on our ears, but it was great to hear his track Onward with Johannes Schon- the opener for his Boiler Room set – so well received by the crowd. By the close of Portable’s set, the atmosphere on the dance floor was heated, energetic and wonderfully cohesive, reminiscent of the days of Colonel Wrongface’s steamy Dojo’s parties and a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of big venue parties.
Portable made for an excellent prelude to the intensity of Levon Vincent’s raw yet hypnotic set, which provided three hours of unadulterated, stripped back, fist-pumping techno. A definite highlight for all was hearing Vincent’s highly praised Late Night Jam release on Ostgut Ton. As the party drew to a close in the main room, the warmth of piano and jazz in the form of a white label by Jacques Renault cut through the aggressive beats beautifully, and refocused the energy for a move to the smaller second room where frivolities continued.
What made Back To Jack extra special was the fluidity between all of the sets, how they connected, how each built with the energy of the crowd, many who kept dancing until long after the sun came up. With their upcoming label launch next month the horizon, the future is looking bright for the Just Jack crew. And with their unique curation, quality music policy and surprise oddities, they can rest assured that Just Jack will be many a Bristol partygoer’s favourite club institution for many years to come.
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Words: Sarah Tew
Photos: Theo Cottle
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