Despite the great news of the nations’ beloved Fabric re-opening, London is starved for diverse clubbing experiences that other countries boast. However, it only takes one night to restore a persons’ faith in London clubbing. Anomalia was that night.
EC1’s ‘The Steelyard’ is a venue I have returned to many times over the past two years since its opening, due to its space and sound. Yet, to see it transformed into a magical, whimsical Alice in Wonderland inspired experience took it to a whole new level.
I arrived at 11pm not knowing what to expect. As I entered, dark, ambient techno resounded through the venue as resident Yacine Dessouki graced the decks. I was immersed immediately. Huge pocket watches, witches hats and playing cards hung above the crowd, entwined in flowers. Huge mushrooms towered over the DJ booth. Swirling colours projected onto the walls and danced around the venue, going hand in hand with the music on offer.
At midnight Somne began his set. His recent production ‘Triangle’ on Tale Of Us’ Afterlife label captivated the crowd, as cheers and whistles erupted from the dancefloor. His set was no less than a pleasure with other tracks such Monoloc’s ‘Phoenix’ echoed through making this experience no short of an acid trip.
Next up was eagerly anticipated Alex Niggemann. Known for blurring the boundaries between house and techno, and his dark melodic releases, the man did not disappoint. Serving up tracks such as his own ‘Divergent’ had fists in the air and cheers from what was now a busy and happy dancefloor. The German producer knows how to captivate a crowd, keep energy high and take clubbers on a journey, and he did just that.
After such a captivating experience, it was almost unbelievable that Fur Coat was still to come. This duo have been releasing legendary tracks for years and are masters of the genre. Upping the tempo with tracks such techno Viking Rodhad’s remix of Radio Slave’s ‘Visions’, and their own thumping new production ‘Twenty Eight’ has energy levels through the roof. Never have a I seen music, visuals and surroundings go so hand in hand to create more than just a club and a dancefloor, but an immersive, atmospheric experience. Each DJ delivered, from start to finish, feeding of each others energy to provide a very memorable party. I look forward to the next instalment!
Credit: ©Larry J. Photography
