DJ EZ at Albert Hall Manchester review

Image: Jack Kirwin

EZ is so many things; a pioneer, an authority, a performer, to name just a few of his titles. His reputation and sheer talent keeps dance music lovers coming back for more and the bursting capacity of Manchester’s Albert Hall proved this further, as not one spot in the Wesleyan chapel was bare.

This man needed no introduction. The core pillars, which set him apart, are defined by his tricky and nimble finger work on the decks. Twenty years of UK garage is being introduced to a new set of fans every weekend through the domain of his outrageously convoluted live sets and his new music.

On the night EZ was accompanied by supporting DJs Old Boy, Rich Reason, Chimpo and Madam X, who all played their part in an epic evening. Complaints surfaced before and throughout the gig at points, however. Fans were left feeling deflated after they found out that the main attraction was on for merely an hour.

Despite this, it transpired that an hour was all he needed to turn their mood around. The intrinsic nature of his DJing leaves us dumbfounded and proves that he is by no means finished yet, despite his double-decade past. Well-worn tracks are transformed into stimulating bass-line bangers. Performances like these stipulate the hard work and dedication that has gone into DJ EZ developing into becoming the best UKG DJ in the world.

Towards the end of his hour-long set came a triplet of new and old school Chase & Status hits. '‘Funny’, taken from their recent EP London Bars integrated into ‘Hypest Hype’ featuring vocals from the extroverted Tempa T, which merged into the biggest tune of the night- a VIP mix of the bass heavy ‘Eastern Jam’ (above). This tune was the pick of a bunch branded by quick fire blends.

EZ without a doubt set the precedence for what is expected to be one of the biggest upcoming festival seasons of his career. With appearances lined up worldwide, a sell-out Brixton headline show coming up, and a whopping 24 hour set for Cancer Research planned, EZ will continue to ride this wave of success throughout 2016. 

Check out all of DJ EZ's upcoming gigs