Club Review: Fabric presents Rebel Rave and Nothing Special

Date: 7th October 2011 

Words: Katie Grange

I have to admit, I had mixed expectations for my inaugural Fabric experience. 

Plagued by tales of it being overrun with ‘tourists’ and views that it ‘lacked soul’, my first feelings towards London’s infamous club were uncertain to say the least – and I hadn’t even stepped foot inside. 

Yet despite the preconceptions, the facts are that the line-ups that grace Fabric are unsurpassed, with every great artist to have played there at some point or another. 

Tonight is no exception, and the prospect of witnessing the ‘Rebel Rave’ in its homeland is just too good to turn down. Nine hours of melodic deep house from Crosstown favourites Art Department, radical techno beats from label-boss Damian Lazarus, and a highly-anticipated LIVE set from house-sensation Maceo Plex – already my juices were flowing. 

As we arrived shortly after midnight the first thing that struck me (aside from the sheer size of the venue), was the rich, crisp and quite frankly breath-taking soundsystem that greeted us. Even stood beside the bar it was clear that this was a state-of-the-art music set-up; every beat was robust and unapologetic, every chord clear and effective, and every vocal prominent and magnificent. 

Closer to the front and the sound was even more mind-blowing, facilitating the unexpectedly dark yet pumping set from Art Department. The US duo rocked the crowd with their dynamic tune selection that kept spectators engaged with their pulsating beats and catchy melodies. Devoid of obvious and over-played tracks, the set was fresh and exciting and teamed with the fantastic sound, left us with high-hopes for the rest of the night. 

Next was fresh new talent and hot property Maceo Plex, treating us to one hour of artistic and talented live music - presumably from his upcoming album. Each track was unrecognisable and original, groundbreaking and underground, fusing deep melodies with uplifting vocals and the occasional twisted beat. The cheeky drop of dancefloor smash ‘Can’t leave you’ meant that by this point the atmosphere on the dancefloor was electric, with no signs of the ‘soulless’ and ‘spoiled’ tags I had expected. 

Finally the dark aficionado himself Mr Lazarus brought his warmly twisted vibes to the turntables, playing an educated and obscurer set to his predecessors. For me Lazarus’ edgier basslines and mysterious melodies are a perfect last-set soundtrack, and finished off a remarkable night perfectly. 

To say my first Fabric experience was good would be an understatement – it was fantastic! All the ingredients of a memorable night were there; great club, great atmosphere, great music, and an even greater soundsystem! Granted the crowd was quite touristy, and sometimes the queues were a little too long, but if these are the types of elements that ruin your night then quite frankly you’re thinking too much about it. 

I know what I’ll say to other Fabric first-timers if they ask – a clubbing institution well worth a visit, and best enjoyed with friends.

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