During our lives when something you have created or initiated either at work or socially becomes successful you want to maintain it at optimum performance. Naturally with Chicago enjoying the reputation it is at the moment with previous sell outs promoter Mark Davis was a little concerned when at 23.10 Timbuk 2 appeared a little empty. On arrival I discussed this matter with him and highlighted that with the new licensing hours Britain had taken a more relaxed global approach to clubbing and a trend had developed where the clubbing elite didn’t hit their destinations until after 00.00hrs.



On arrival I was enticed into room one by the unique sounds of The Dirty Sound Technicians who consist of Mr Renny C and Mr Jay Russell. Previously both have secured individual residencies for Chicago but this was their debut under this moniker. Starting of on a mellower Jackin House theme then building to a tougher edge. Jay looking mean, moody but with a cool composure and Renny adopting his usual animated karma, leaping from left to right ensuring all angles were covered. Catch these gents and you can guarantee only the finest House will be dispensed.





In the main room the April headliners The Fnuk Associates who consist of Rich Miller aka DJ Millska, Paul Croucher aka DJ Di Casa Fnuk and John Varney aka Uncle Debra were treating the ever inflaming dance floor to their nautical take on House music. As a rule they usually perform on the Thames running their legendry boat parties but on this occasion opted instead for the sweaty environment of Timbuk 2. What Rich offered was a very rare commodity in House Clubs, the art of scratching. Being a larger than life character physically, his sense of fun was equal in proportion; grinning from whisker to whisker it was clear he was really enjoying his duration on the hallowed T2 sonic senders. In keeping with the main room Chicago flavour, the trio delivered a back to back set of fused dirty Electro, with soulful vocal productions that culminated in a frenzied response from the Chicago brethren to allay Mark’s earlier concerns. After Rich had reenergised he managed to give me his appraisal of Chicago “It was my first time at Chicago and I loved it- wicked atmosphere and music will def be back. The reaction from the Chicago crowd was just out of this world. With nothing but positive feedback from all who were there it was an absolute pleasure to play to such a funky up for it crowd (and I hadn't even noticed all the gorgeous ladies that were there”



Switching back to room one where the Bristol maritime representative in the shape of Luke Langston was living up to the high standards he had set himself at last months soiree. Offering some dark moments then illuminating his hungry cadets with some of his current favourites. Both the Funk Boat and FNUK collective mirror battle hardened Marines in their ability to consistently deliver a high standard both on aqua and terra firmer.

Reconvening up with Mark Davis at about 01.30hrs I asked him to reassess the situation. He was happier now the numbers had swelled. Both the main and room one possessed a good representation of the clubbing fraternity, sure it wasn’t as busy as it has been previously but with the night sandwiched between two Bank Holidays the standard of people there generated enough positivity to keep the Chicago heartbeat pumping at maximum Bpms.



At 02.00hrs it was Mark’s turn to man the T2 Aural navigators. His set is often the highlight of the main room contingent and as per usual he did not disappoint. Reaction wise Eddie Thoneick and Kurd maverick’s take on Loretta Holloway’s classic "love sensation" and Bodyrox " Yeah Yeah" were off the scale. It goes without saying that Mark delivered the right formula as he does every month

As recognition of their earlier impressive set The Dirty Sound Technicians played the last 45 minutes. Reflecting the time zone they delivered some filthy hard edged beats that transported the Chicago diehards to the 04.00 deadline. Highlights from both sets were Jesse Rose & Trevor Loveys present izit? “Heavy what?” Their own version, Mousse T with “right about now” the Fuzzy hairdub, the hugely underrated Inland knights with “come with me”, Flow’s “Truth and Sunshine” with Funk D'void’s interpretation and Andy bell with “crazy” King Roc rearranging the pieces.

So after a quiet start both dancefloors were more than adequately filled with premium House graduates. One question a promoter could ask is would they want their night represented by a selection of real clubbers, or bursting with punters just after a late drink and not fully appreciating the scale of hard work that culminates into a successful night like Chicago . I caught up with Mark for his summary of the night “It was always going to be a difficult weekend, sandwiched in between the two bank holiday weekends but the Chicago faithful didn't let us down. My most enjoyable Chicago (from a DJ perspective) for this year. Roll on the 27th when we welcome our new room 2 residents Discotheque and Funky Onion, really looking forward to this party”

For details on tommorows showcase CLIK HERE

nick, quality again, thankyou so much...see you later today for more of the same!!

Loved that chicago for obvious reasons!

I'm intrigued Laura! Did you meet the love of your life or somethin?

You've got a proper talent there Nick
Fair shout!!!

awesome sturf nick ;)

All about tha tooooooooooooooolz!!!!!!!! Bring on da maidstone krew!!!!!!!!!! xx

nice!

Quality review as always Nick!

Only just stumbled on this review Nick and must say what a wicked review!!!

I have to hold my hands up though and say that out of the 3 of us I do the least amount of scratching (unless we're talking about my balls or arse). That accolade has to go to my partner in grime Dj Di Casa and our very own scratchmaster Uncle Debra!!!!!

I can understand why there might of been any confusion because if you haven't seen us work together before you won't know that when we play back to back rather than 1 person on the decks while the other waits around we both work the system together be it scratching or bringing in other samples and accapellas.

Did have a FUCKING wicked night down there and hopefully we'll be down another time to show you exactly how we do it!!!!

Oh and big up the WOODSY - get up there!!!!