Review: Abandon Silence with Craig Richards, Levon Vincent and Jasper James

Images: Alex Alderdice Photography

Abandon Silence events ooze substance, from their flyers to the artist selections, they’re never short of style and maturity. Part four of their fifth birthday extravaganza took place on Friday 6th March at their home in The Kazimier, and the penultimate event signaled the fast approaching finale of what seems to be a never ending series of raves. 

The Kazimier itself offers so much more than your typical warehouse venue. The Shakespeare’s Globe-esque circular room is complete with upper tiers and the carved out wooden details, rich textures and red tones that are reminiscent of the Moulin Rogue. Although these quirky, period features are prominent, they are overpowered by an impressive lighting set up, making the venue rave-ready. 

On arrival Glaswegian youngster Jasper James was warming up The Kazimier’s main room (we caught up with him before the event, read the interview here). He indulged the crowd with a selection of funky and energetic house tracks, juxtaposed against his too-cool-for-school aura. He worked his way through infectious, retro beats and chugging basslines, leaving the crowd perfectly prepped for Craig Richards. 

The Fabric resident played a vinyl only set, and boy did it make a difference. Craig Richards' mixing was absolutely faultless, the sound was crisp, and without breaking a sweat, he effortlessly showcased some of the most awe-inspiring house music we've ever had the pleasure of listening to.

He treated the crowd to the unreleased bomb 'Crab' by Tim Wright, mesmerising them and inducing smiles whilst he worked across the turntables. It was an utter pleasure to watch and listen to Richards' set. Every track selection left you yearning to know the name of what was blaring through the speakers, but that’s the beauty of his sets, you’ll most likely never find out. These are exclusive. 

Dressed in his usual sophisticated attire, his outfit wholly matched his set, suave and refined. It was fast paced but classy and some standout tracks made for moments when hairs stood up on the back of our necks. It wasn’t just a set, it was a journey and a masterclass from one of the industry's best. 

Levon Vincent was up next. He kept the momentum going and pushed forward with even more power. He took the night in a darker direction, with thick basslines and irregular drums. Meanwhile in Rat Alley, The Kazimier's sheltered outdoors area, an impromptu back to back from Craig Richards and Jasper James put the cherry on the Abandon Silence birthday cake. 

As the night drew to a close at The Kaz, the party was just beginning over at the The Magnet for the after party. As crowds began to pour in, revellers patiently waited to see who would be providing the after-hours beats, and they were pleasantly surprised as Craig Richards and Jasper James took to the turntables to join forces for the second time. 

The event reiterated that Abandon Silence is one of the most forward-thinking club nights in the North West; championed by impressive bookings, spontaneous performances and the ability to recognise and transform one of the best venues in the city. Here's to another five years. 

The last edition of the birthday series takes place on Friday 24th April. Abandon Silence also team up with Chibuku this weekend as they host their own room with Jackmaster, Joy Orbison B2B George Fitzgerald, Four Tet and more. 

Tickets are no longer available for this event