Shiva Soundsystem DJ Hero Showcase

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Driving into London on a Friday evening is always a gamble, but some parties are worth the punt. Shiva Soundsystem are at Vibe Live presenting the UK showcase of DJ Hero, the dance-music-bastard-child of Activision's world smash Guitar Hero, and after magically finding a parking space on Brick Lane I arrive just in time to catch DJ Blakey ending his set with some mighty fine dubstep.

Next up is NSG, whose full on Bear Attaaaaack!!!!! takes instant control of the room. Jumping around like a teddy on crack, the YouTube legend's energy is infectious in the flesh. The crowd lap it up, and I keep glancing at the posters to remind myself which 'world exclusive' I've come here to see.

As the midnight hour approaches a rumour that D-Code has been delayed in Ibiza (he's been on the white isle promoting DJ Hero with David Guetta) circulates the room. Whilst he's "on his way", Nerm distracts us with the awesome Audio Dakoo remix of his and D-Code's 'Outlaw'. Its pure magic, and as the Shiva Soundsystem dripping bull motif fades off the 10x10ft screen in the background, signaling the first public sneaky peak of DJ Hero, the general consensus is - do what you have to, just don't turn the sound down.

We needn't have worried. As the room is bombarded with epilepsy inducing icons, D-Code appears behind the decks to showcase his level, where you play along to the only D&B track in the game, D-Code's Annie's Horn, mixed with DJ Shadow's Six Days remix. The level ends (I think he scored well?) and a perfectly timed Night Flight, Andy C & Shimon's jungle classic, gets everyone back doing what they do best.

It was a major coup for Shiva Soundsystem to get the UK showcase of DJ Hero, but given the choice these clubbers decided computer games would just have to wait. Whilst this new 'dance music phenomenon' will undoubtedly make its way into a few stockings this Christmas, when it comes to the dance floor, nothing's better than the real thing.

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