Club review: Back to Basics with Art Department, The Warehouse, 21/04/12

Last weekend saw Crosstown Rebels' Art Department make their Basics debut at The Warehouse, joined by Steve Lawson and Buckley. Tasha Remington went along for the ride.

Jayne Robinson

Date published: 26th Apr 2012

After 20 years, you would think that there isn't very much left to say about Back To Basics. But then Art Department come along and open up another can of worms.

The legendary night has been taking the local club scene by storm recently with their intimate parties at The Garage and their amazing classic soirees at Leeds' oldest club The Warehouse. The alternate venue operation seems have gone down a treat as clubbers from all angles are firmly behind the change.

Ralph Lawson was on hand to get the night underway as I arrived. The amazing resident spun the very first record at Basics and his pure house ethic that has been his forte over the past 25 years had more of stripped back persona, with effective warmth and depth throughout.The crowd took to the warm up set, right up until the headlining duo came on. There was definitely a knowledgeable factor to the audience tonight which in my opinion is always a bonus.

Art Department as we all know are one of the hottest duos in the electronic music scene right now. They have an amazing prowess when it comes to their sets. Some have discriminated that the sound the Canadian pair possess is now a little dated from the huge 'Without You' release back in 2010, but they always deliver on the stage however big or small. Tonight the duo arrived fresh - or not so fresh - off the back of amazing Milan and Newcastle gigs, and as 2am struck the club was in full flow, with smoke machine and 'Funktion One' at the ready for what was to follow.

The illustrious dark theme was inevitable with their set but the crowd wasn't turning their nose up at what followed. We all love a synth, and the famous drone of the bass married perfectly with the energy of the Basics faithful. Tracks from Mark E lightened the tone a touch as did the new FINA records piece by Steffan Deux. But it was business as normal for these guys who had the audience glued to the booth. The dark elements were enhanced by a slight acid tinge that comes hand in hand with Back To Basics, paving the way for a very memorable mix.

Finally after two hours of an amazing story, ex hacienda legend Buckley brought and end to the event in true Mad-chester style. Im guessing it's not always easy to end a soiree after AD, but Ralph has been doing this and finishing Basics events since it opened so this was indeed no drama for the Leeds producer. Classic 90's house was the focal point with additions from the very talented Huxley all playing a major role in rounding the night up. Buckley never fails with his energy behind the decks and is ever so reliable when it comes to his Basics residency.

If you're ever looking for a night out in Leeds in the near future, Basics is always there to guide you through the the many events that Leeds has to offer. If you're into the slogan 'accept no imitations' it certainly does go to show that they follow that very fact. There are a lot of amazing shindigs in Leeds, run by very hard working promotors that have their fingers on the pulse, but Basics will always lead the way in my opinion.

Words: Tasha Remington

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