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Chicago @ Timbuk2 in Bristol (UK)

Sat 25 Mar 2006

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TIPPING THE SCALES

T-L-R

Throughout history in both fictional and non fictional scenarios there has always been the underdog. For the March instalment of Chicago this was definitely the case. Headlining was Dave Mills who is enjoying an ultra positive reputation due to his Cool House nights.

To start of proceedings in room one was Catmonkey resident Chris Bellamy and Kev Kemp from Audiosoul. Dropping their brand of Soul and Funk infused House with treats by The Lawnchair Generals and "Running (intro)" by Alan Braxe and Fred Falke they ensured the adrenaline was starting to flow, preparing the first wave of beat starved floor huggers for the marathon awaiting them.

In the main room Jay Russell was beginning his ninety minute journey with his own Chicago flavoured house. Warming up the floor with gems such as Manuel Sahagun’s 4 Basic Feelings EP, DJ Sneak’s Salsa Elektrika (Chuck Daniels Salsa Esqueroso Remix), Jason Hodges’s Damn These Beats Stink EP, Manuel Tur vs Mario Fabriani Donuts and Milk and Jay Tripwire’s Everytime. Another top notch delivery by Mr. Russell. Next up resident No2 Mr. Ian Cole

Ian treated the Chicago public to a more eclectic set by continuing with the Electro House flavour but also incorporating breaks as well. The Chicago crowd certainly seemed to appreciate the change in direction and showed their appreciation accordingly. 00.30 had arrived and it was time for headliner Dave Mills to step up to the hallowed T2 turntables...

Surprisingly Dave took the Chicago machine on a quite dark journey which encompassed deep chunky beats with a hint of Electro and Tribal influences. Personally I was very receptive but due to the reputation Chicago is enjoying of uplifting beats perhaps it was not the right time for the deepness.

Meanwhile reports were filtering through that room one was at bursting point. Reluctantly I dragged myself away from Mr. Mills set to investigate. The Funk Boat Crew consisting of Luke Langston and Alex Clark were absolutely rocking. All I could see was a sea of gleaming teeth, a total picture of ecstasy. The FB boys enticing their spellbound crowd by building from the start with Chocolate Puma's 'Always & Forever' then stepping up the pace with Till West's 'Same Man' switching to a more Housey tip with Hard-Fi's 'Hard 2 Beat' continuing with Swedish Mafia duo Axwell & Ingrosso under the guise Supermongo’s 'Why?' introducing some real filth with Tocadisco. remixes of The Egg 'Walking Away', the classic Mylo 'In My Arms’ and Evermore’s ‘Its Too Late under his Dirty South moniker. They ended their set at 03.30 to a rapturous applause.

The diehards filtered there way back into the main room where Mark Davis was waiting to treat them with his own brand of pick and mix. Mark combined his Electro flavour with soulful vocal beats by dropping a few favourites in the shape of Delicious’s yours and A-studio’s S.O.S. Using his many years of experience he took the Chicago collective to the finishing line. Another success with Chicago justifying it’s reputation of delivering across the board quality House.

04.00 arrived and Chicago was over until the next month with the local boys taking all the accolades. As previously mentioned there is much established and up and coming talent in the Bristol House scene and with only their second stint with Chicago The Funk Boat boys again justified this. Speaking to Luke Langston he was overcome with the reaction of his crowd, “I like my sets to take a gradual ascent that culminate in a frenzy” well the duo certainly achieved this, a sumptuous collective of local talent that must be checked out.

Next month sees arriving on dry land are the FNUK Associates on 22 April 2006