303 presents Selador Records review

We've developed quite the soft spot for Liverpool over the last few years, ensconced in its rave arenas on a regular basis. That said one venue, up until we were dispatched on this assignment, has eluded this particular writer's reach – the Williamson Tunnels.

A cavernous series of old mining shafts, the venue has been popularised in recent years as the rave in the cave, but it remains an infrequent pleasure for many. Tonight witnessed 303 inviting Selador records down to party, the label helmed in unison by local hero Steve Parry and Dave Seaman

The first thing that you notice about walking into the Tunnels, beyond the grimy feel of the venue, is the atmosphere. There’s an air of tangible happiness permeating the vibe right from the off, compounded by an air of mystery as we’ve personally never been to the venue before. As Tunnels Virgins we investigate further, and find one of the most joyous environs in the art of a rave – a low ceilinged wonder.

Musically we were greeted by the 303 residents warming up the venue, and it was already packed with a crowd made up of a variety of old school ravers and a younger generation – evidence of the night’s sister soiree Cream reunion. Steve Parry followed who played a light, upbeat collection of rolling house grooves (listen to his set below), adding atmospheric touches as it progressed. This fitted the ruby warmth and feel good glow that was delivered by the lighting, whilst the sound itself was echoed beautifully around the tunnel.

Some of Steve’s selections included smashes from Selador as a label, tracks from SEFF and Rychard showcasing the imprint’s dedication to forward thinking house music. The presence of Maceo Plex, London Grammar, Booka Shade and a cheeky use of the acapella of Shakedown’s disco house stomper ‘At Night’ added an air of familiarity to his underground selections, setting the tone perfectly for headliner Seaman 

Seaman quickly got to grips with the task. Delving into a deeper sonic, his set was permeated with cowbells, hushed male vocals and interesting synths, adding a decidedly otherworldly aspect to the evening. This new wave of aural depth made the tunnel feel weighty, offering confinement and intimacy, whilst the ripples of acid squelches which would occasionally drift in and out added a reassuring rave aesthetic. 

His set moved into an almost tropical sound, vibrant and never boring. The bass was heavy and the beats were relentless, every one ascending and demanding more attention than the previous. Personal highlights included the Unabombers mix of Crazy P’s ‘Stop Space Return’ (listen below) and the Maceo Plex and maars collaboration ‘Going Back’, bolstered by Florence Bird’s vocals.

The small capacity of this gig made the event feel special, and we felt like it was a moment not only peering into the aural future of a rapidly growing record label, but a peek into the past of the city’s architectural history. We won’t leave the time of our next visit to the Tunnels so far off.

Struggling for ideas for New Years Eve? Check out our New Years Eve guide here.