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CRASHER Midsummer Disco-tech & ReunionCRASHER Midsummer Disco-tech & Reunion
Marcel Woods, Sean Tyas, Aly & Fila, Riley & Durrant, Will Holland Following the tragic fire at GC1 in Sheffield, Saturday at Discotheque was a time to reflect, celebrate and look forward to a new era in Gatecrasher’s history. Having hosted several ‘Classics’ nights at Discotheque in Leeds, this was a chance to showcase cutting edge Crasher sounds from some of the year’s biggest producers and djs. From the moment you step into Discotheque the opulent style immediately catches your eye. Disco balls and sunken booths, clean cut edges and moody lighting all provide a plush environment. Usually rocking to the sound of house or r&b on a Saturday night, this evening was all about Gatecrasher. The main room looked vibrant with a multitude of glitter balls and coloured lighting illuminating the shiny, happy faces. Red remembrance arm bands were on display, signifying respect for the loss of one of the greatest clubbing venues in the world – The Republic or GC1 as it was later known. Some are surprised by the outpouring of emotion and sentiment for what people say was ‘just a building’. But it was far more than that; it was an essential part of Gatecrasher’s history, a place where djs made their names, a venue that held a million memories. But this occasion was a chance to celebrate the fact that although Gatecrasher’s original home has gone, the spirit and special party vibe lives on. In the main room Will Holland was getting the crowd mobile with some decent bass line tracks. We missed the early part of his set but heard some very good reports and the crowd looked well on their way following his tune selection. After a relatively short period, Fila from the Egyptian duo, Aly & Fila stepped up to the dj booth. The high tech LED wall behind the booth flashes the name of the next dj whilst visuals form a lucid pattern. A debut for Aly & Fila at Gatecrasher, their reputation proceeds them, following the release of two of the biggest tracks of the year, ‘FKN – Why’ and their remix of ‘Deems – Tears Of Hope’. Opening with an array of trance, their remixes of ‘Niagra’ and ‘Never After’ build an intensifying atmosphere. The Aly & Fila sound is distinctive with a heavy kick, upbeat bass and eastern string plucks. Energy is created by the acidic riffs and dancing pads as the breakdowns rise to a climax then grinding beats gallop out the other side with surging momentum. As the filtered vocal ‘Why’ drops the mood is elevated and their forthcoming follow up featuring Jahala - ‘How Long’ is very well received. The clubbers show their appreciation, jumping around with brimming expressions and collective grins, the order of the night. Fila looked to be enjoying it as much as the crowd, after his set he comments on his debut gig: ‘It was such an amazing night, Gatecrasher is what Trance is all about. It’s a great honour for me that my second performance in the UK was there. I hope I will be back soon. Long live the Lion.’ Next up was the heavily in demand Sean Tyas. After an inspired debut at GC1 earlier in the year, Sean has been asked to guest at a selection of Gatecrasher events. It’s easy to see why Tyas has built such a following in recent years. His productions have been hammered throughout club-land and his dj reputation continues to grow with a recent invitation to perform at Armin’s ASOT300 birthday event. Opening with his towering remix of Vincent De Moor- Fly Away, he breathes life into a forgotten classic; the Tyas beat therapy thrusting from the speaker. It’s a sound that’s built on emphatic kicks and floor destroying riffs. The bass is so hearty and deep that it growls in your stomach before hitting your hips, then clips you round the head with some spacey FX. His blistering rework of the new Thomas Bronzwaer – Resound has that roof-blowing magnitude that clubs were made for. The crowd responds accordingly with animated dancing and appreciative cheers. Agnelli & Nelson’s – ‘Holding Onto Nothing’ hits the spot with its familiar female vocals and memorable hook. Sean’s exclusive remix of Above & Beyond’s new track ‘Oceanic’ sounds inspired as lead piano notes give way to a tranquil melodic break before the bass emerges with driving intensity. Once again Tyas showed why he is one of the most sought after dj’s around. His sound consumes the crowd and grasps your attention with infectious ease. After another roof raising set Sean reflects: ‘Gatecrasher, though my experience with the brand is still very new, lives up to its name and more as one of the very best vibe parties you can attend. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to test out the new remixes of Oceanic and Resound to one of the most attentive and energetic crowds I have ever played for. There is really no wonder the Crasher brand is world-known.’ Marcel Woods followed, now a Crasher regular, is credited with being one of the original pioneers of the tech trance sound. Focusing on the filthiest basslines and gritty grooves, Marcel proves Marco V and porn isn’t Holland’s only successful dirty export. From the crowd favourite ‘Cherry Blossom’ and the forthcoming ‘Lemon Tree’ to the other techy offerings on High Contrast (his label) he always maintains a dark and industrial path with memorable hooks. The serving is always chosty with Woods, a healthy portion of militant beats and a side portion of staccato stabs is choice. The sparse but powerful percussion, rattles and kicks like gravel in a can before dishing out another rampant bass kick. The tracks are often simple but extremely effective and the dance-floor laps up his set, combusting after each tech laden monster romps its way from the speaker. Marcel appreciates the clued up Crasher crowd and had this to say about the gig: ‘Like always, playing for Gatecrasher is really a party for myself! You can play some unknown cool stuff and they show you their appreciation for it, when I played my new release called Lemon Tree / 3-stortion the roof came down. For dj’s it’s a pleasure to perform on such high levels, so I’m already looking forward to the next Gatecrasher party!!!’ Riley & Durrant were on final set duties. Something of a rarity for R&D, they are normally on the warm up slot at Gatecrasher. A chance for them to play it a bit tougher and delve into the Crasher classics bag alongside some upfront selections. Dj Eco – Light At The End (Martin Roth) sounded amazing over the powerful system, as did the incredible ‘Freefall’ from Nu Nrg which hadn’t been heard out for ages. As R&D’s set climbed towards the latter stages they began to drop tune after tune of classics. The LED wall behind the booth a cascading wall of colour, with green lasers spitting shafts of light from either side of the dj booth. The Tiesto and Ferry Corsten produced – Gouryella still sounds amazing and the crowd were loving the huge slices of nostalgia. The serene tones of Chicane – Autumn Tactics got the emotions running high, one of the biggest tracks in Gatecrasher’s history. Riley & Durrant knew exactly which tunes would go down well and smiled at the exhilarated crowd before dropping BT’s Remember and Push – The Legacy. Two fitting tracks that represent the memories and moments of yesteryear. Closing with the Crasher anthem, ‘Crazy Malamute – Free To Ride’ its clear Discotheque has had a good koshing. The crowd a dazed and confused aftermath as the lights come on. The Republic/GC1 – gone but not forgotten. Gatecrasher – here and always remembered. Words: Liam Postlethwaite |
