26.01.24
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This is Cue Points, a series where DJs get granular with current tracks in their sets, giving us the low-down on what makes them work.

Since 2007, Gerardo Delgado and Quinn Whalley – aka Paranoid London – have been delivering anarchic acid house laced with punk attitude and tongue-in-cheek wit.

The British duo’s forthcoming new album, the suitably wryly titled Arseholes, Liars and Electronic Pioneers, sees them continue in this vein. Honing their crisp acid beats, playful melodies and infectious grooves, the record also continues their tradition of enlisting a host of special guests on vocal duties. In this case featuring Josh Caffe, Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie, Jennifer Touch, DJ Genesis and more. Plus, they’ve just linked-up with fellow irreverant raver Johnny Banger and his Sports Banger fashion imprint for a merch collab.

In addition to releasing their record in February, next month the pair also head to Bristol to play at the 10th edition of Simple Things Festival. Ahead of this, Paranoid London talk us through five key tracks, from ones that get the crowd moving to vibe shifts and what works well for their “”hybrid” style of DJing”, as they put it.

Massimo Barsotti D.J. – Whole Lotta Love (Another Version)

Loved playing this record back in the day, it’s one of those that the crowd just goes with ’til it’s too late and they realise it’s a Led Zeppelin cover. Always dropped it to break up the monotony of playing house or techno all night. You could change the direction of the next 30 minutes and take the night in a different path.

I. B. O. – Rejuvination

Think this might have been the first Slam Boy track. When it came out it sounded so different from anything else. It was hard for the time but still uplifting, but the best thing is it was made by British DJ/producers who we knew or could go and see play in our clubs. Not American or European who seemed exotic and God-like. These were our boys doing the business. Always dropped this track to lighten the mood and give a moment of bliss to the crowd before heading back to pounding techno. Love this.

Schatrax – Mispent Years

I could have picked any of the Schatrax records there are so many amazing tunes. I love this record because of its simplicity with the straight drums but with a haunting chord change all the way through it. Always played it towards the end of the night to tell the punters to have a break before the final madness of the night. Great tune from an amazing record label.

Ennio – Don’t Stop (Gimme More)

Slow this one down and use a couple of sections as loops that we can throw the 303 or 202 over. Not a lot going on which makes it ideal for our “hybrid” style of DJing.

Front de Cadeaux – Ouvre ta bouche (Fabrizio Mammarella Dub)

This is awesome when we take over the whole night and get to play from begining to end. Played early it’s one of the first tracks in a night that people start to move to.

Paranoid London play Simple Things Festival, Bristol, on 24-29 February