Preview: Bugged Out! presents Nightslugs @ Sankeys

When: Friday May 20th

Before long, Night Slugs will need no introduction. Having existed just a little over a year as the spawn of one of London’s most definitive club nights, the London bass music label have racked up less than a dozen releases so far.

Not exactly an inconsistent output in such a short time frame, but so far accumulating enough admirers across the scene that each anticipated release leaves dance music fans begging for more. And they’re not afraid to deliver.

Well, when they’re ready that is. And when are Night Slugs ready?

Take the emergence of Girl Unit’s anthemic ‘Wut’, which before its eventual release last winter, had caused such a fuss that DJs nationwide were known to drop a radio rip at peak hour, complete with label honchos L-Vis 1990 and Bok Bok chatting all over the top.

Girl Unit - Wut by WeAreBlahBlahBlah

Now, the record’s euphoric, synth-heavy sound is now set to become an essential at festivals all summer long, and it goes without saying, will be right on time and sounding irresistible this coming Friday at Sankeys.

The line-up is headed by a trip into the heart and mind of the label, as aforementioned and acclaimed L-Vis 1990 and Bok Bok prepare to play back to back. Far from a ‘versus’, Bugged Out patrons can expect an absorbing mix of the best of the label, its influences and peers. Call it ‘techno flecked garage’, ‘garage flecked electro’ or ‘euphoric post-dubstep’, or simply do yourself a favour and find a prime position on Sankeys’ main room floor to experience some of the freshest dance music in the world today - straight from the heads and decks of the men who pioneered it.

Offering the fullest flavour of the label outside of London so far, appropriate support comes in the form of Egyptrixx, a young Canadian producer who is set to offer a set showcasing his debut album, and the first LP release for Night Slugs, Bible Eyes. A mature, icy, synth driven full length, it’s a compelling enough listen at home, and this exciting live set is sure to take things even deeper in the club.

Egyptrixx - Bible Eyes - Fuji Cub feat Trust (Night Slugs) by pdis_inpartmaint

By no happy coincidence, Night Slugs' most feted producers also know how to work a crowd like few others in their game at the moment, and two of the best join the Manchester line-up to fulfil this already exemplary bill. Jam City’s distinctive, soulful sound is best heard on last year’s acclaimed Magic Drops EP, an irresistible and distinctive mix of Rn’B and incredible synth work. Meanwhile, Girl Unit arrives primed with the aforementioned 'Wut' up his sleeve, not to mention the high tension, manic energy of the likes of Temple Keys and the show-stopping ‘IRL’.

We can’t stress how essential this very special Bugged Out will be.

Upstairs, local crew Chow Down return once more after their successful Bugged out debut. Guaranteed is an on the button selection of what Manchester’s been taking to its heart and feet since their last session, then throwing out the bad stuff and replacing it with all that’s fresh and good, blending bass and the best kinds of funky with unparalleled enthusiasm.

Words: John Thorp

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