Fluid, a sushi bar by day on Charterhouse Street in Farringdon, played host to Dig Deep this past Saturday. Dig Deep lived up to its name, providing the crowd with a positive vibe, where the music and the DJs were allowed the space to express themselves.

The night was another reflection of the multi-faceted nature of the drum & bass scene, as well as testament to the idea that smaller, more independently-minded sessions can co-exist with internationally-headlined monster raves, marking a contrast with some of the larger nights at its near-neighbour establishment.

Entrance was into the main bar room, which housed soul, hip hop and funk from DJs such as Matt Nice and C Rush, whilst the d&b was down a spiral staircase to a smaller downstairs room, with a bar at the back opposite the DJ booth. Eastern touches were in evidence throughout the venue, with a Japanese style mural on the wall behind the DJs.

First behind the turntables was Kinesics, who eased things off with a smooth set, laying the foundations for the mood and feel of the night. Not a beat was missed as she had us floating away on the mix. Kinesics is both a DJ and vocalist, and appeared later in the night (using the name Dennean), ably supporting Soultec with vocals and a bit of MCing. Bassdrive.com radio DJ Soultec varied things slightly from the liquid vein into tougher, more straight-ahead territory.

Whilst the soul and jazz influences loved by liquid fans bring a certain retro feel, it is the future direction of the music which was most evident at Dig Deep. DJs like Fridd, whose set of clashing, colliding beats was brought to a close by Circles by Adam F, and Qumulus (of Luv Disaster and Telluric Records), brought these qualities to the fore. Qumulus' blissful, stress-free beats were accompanied by Shylo, the familiar voice of the Future Thinkin crew.

Headlining the night was Big Bud, who, incredibly, has just wrapped work on his sixth album, having been releasing music since 1994. Bud's set characterised the whole evening, weaving in and out of his trademark musical style. The flow of his set reminded us of both the pace, and the ups and downs, of city life. Beats and bass for future directions.

Dig Deep was a night where the quality of the music and its presentation was obvious, where the deep and uplifting dreamland of liquid drum & bass was painted vividly in a portraiture of sound.

Words: Gideon Thomas

 

Related Links:

• New Label Profile: Soul Deep
• New Label Profile: Soul Deep
• Touch Tone Label Profile
• Touch Tone Label Profile
• Think Deep Release Selective Soul LP

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