Review: 2manyDJs and Aeroplane @ The Warehouse Project

Date: Thursday 21st April 2011

Reviewed by: Jo-Anne Waddington

Once again The Warehouse Project takes over Store Street car park, for four nights over Easter bank holiday. Tonight the line up is stellar. Paul Chambers, Mixhell and Aeroplane join 2ManyDJs for the first night, kick starting the long weekend.

There is a more carefree, relaxed atmosphere at tonight’s event, in contrast to usual Warehouse Projects which run from September – New Years Day. This is definitely due to the fact Manchester has been bathing in premature summer sun for the day. Everyone is in high spirits. Andro opens the event and warms the crowd up.

Now it's time for Aeroplane, and a set that becomes one of the talking points of the night. Despite the Belgian duo parting ways early last year, remaining member Vito pulls out all the stops tonight to show people that Aeroplane still mean business.

Popular remixes such as Friendly Fires (Paris) are played in between tracks from the ‘We Can't Fly’ album, along with some unheard treats. So many genres and eras are crammed together to make something unmistakable and unforgettable. Electronica, disco, and 70’s style riotous rock are fused together at points with melancholic Balearic piano styles and shimmering strings which creates something pretty special.

Paul Chambers is the act before out headliners, 2manyDJs. Involved in the electronic music scene since the early nineties, Chambers' talents are rife and continuously evolve. Using live synths/ electronics with a laptop, Chambers has the ability to mix all his tracks live, adding something new each time. Since Soulwax picked up on ‘Yeah Techno’, he has regularly supported and been on the same bill as 2manyDJs. Tonight we see why. An intense set keeps the crowd excited after a faultless Aeroplane, creating just the right crossover for an almost seamless transition from Chambers to 2manyDJs…

As predicted, 2manyDJs take their place on the Warehouse Project stage with riotous cheers. Hot, sweaty, cramped – 2manypeople filter in from each corner to get close to the front and are packed tight in the main arena section. The Belgian brothers put so much energy into their set, with mash-ups that are full of surprises. The 2manyDJ remix of Chemical Brothers' ‘Superstar DJ’ was played as suspected, leading on to more and more mixes that were being lapped up by the crowd. One of their finest moments was taking the intro of ‘Show Me Love’ by Robyn S, then make the transition into 'Fools Gold' by Stone Roses. A very clever way to win over the Mancunian crowd - not that they needed it.

Remixes included Eurythmics ‘Sweet Dreams’, Human League ‘Don’t You Want Me’, Gossip, Hot Chip… the list wet on. Dropping the Soulwax edit of MGMT’s ‘Kids’ gained a huge reaction and despite it nearing the end of the night, the crowd's energy didn’t falter.

Along with keeping their bootlegs nostalgic and euphoric with popular, well known anthems, they also manage to keep the set very current and an extra boost with their use of an European electro pop, slinky house vibe. 2manyDJs have been the kings of mash-ups and this kind of set confirms why they are still top of their game.

Warehouse Project once again didn’t fail to disappoint. A high energy, feel good start to their Easter takeover… leaving us craving for June’s Parklife event.

Tickets are no longer available for this event