Just Jack Presents: Kink

Empire Theatre, Bristol | December 6

As the chilly wind nipped around the streets of Bristol on Friday night, the Just Jack bulbs were once again lit, their warm glow this time gracing the Empire Theatre for a more intimate vibe than their usual stomping ground of the vast Motion skatepark.

Approaching its eighth year, Just Jack has become a staple of the scene, transporting its party-goers into a swirling carnival of bohemian magic, providing a beautiful accompaniment to their generous servings of house. Dissected manikins, skeletons and a vine that crept up from dancefloor all felt like trademark Just Jack madness. But the rest was stripped back, letting the music take centre stage. Various members were even employed to throw fistfuls of gold paper into the crowd sporadically, making the whole experience all the more endearing.

After residents Tom Rio and Dan Wild had provided a starter of steady house cuts, Kink and Neville Watson stepped up to the plate, lacing house and techno into their eager crowd. The duo drew their listeners into their soundscape, injecting pure energy into the room with a weaving, swelling set, with nods to African percussion. However, the bunting really started juddering when Kink unveiled his live tools, a vast array of quirky instruments that could well have secured E.T.s safe journey home. A keyboard stab here and there, Kink danced over his equipment with agility, adding kicks and high hats at his leisure, hugely adding to the visual experience. The pair masterly built up themes for minutes at a time, keeping the room in utter anticipation before cutting an element, setting the crowd off once more.

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Words: Matt Redley

Photo: Khris Cowley