Review: Drumcode at Albert Hall

Image: Transmission

More often than not, a good and proper rave up increasingly manoeuvres towards it's defining moment, often orchestrated by the marquee selector at the summit of the line up.

The Drumcode kingpin himself, Adam Beyer, would fit that mould, yet the proceeding events veered left of field with a formidable quartet equally contributing towards a techno masterclass. 

Manchester's Albert Hall is not your run of the mill underground locale, rather a departed place of worship. It lends itself well as a temple to the raving masses, a beautifully re-imagined space now receiving regular clubnight exposure. For those of you unaccustomed to it, the winding stairwells lead you to a extensive dance space bared down upon by a steeped gallery - attributing itself to some sort of raving Colosseum that has to be seen to be believed.

Dense & Pika initiated the battering of the encompassing stained glass windows, stepping in with a no holds barred aesthetic which mocked their role as 'warm up' DJ's. Plucking off heavy cuts such as their very own 'Colt' (above), they marauded to the end of their set with constant slabs of unforgiving techno alongside the odd curveball, Inpetto's remix of 'Toca's Miracle' one example that provided one of the night's many golden moments.

Scuba, at the peak of his powers was next to receive the baton, continuing the nights reign in sublime fashion. Repeatedly making his presence felt by turning things on its head, the Hotflush warlord provided slices of his imprint such as Locked Groove and Mind Against's 'Elysium', permeating their surroundings with a cloud of unadulterated hedonism.

D-Fomation and Julian Perez's 'Fanfare' was similarly outstanding, forming an incredible opening that hooked in the punters for the remainder of his mind blowing set. 

Optimum velocity was yet to be achieved however, with the Drumcode elite still lying in wait. Adam Beyer was next up and expectedly stayed true to his label compatriots. Flickering through his arsenal of Drumcode artillery, he tore the venue limb from limb - particularly when he unleashed the all conquering force that is Sam Paganini's 'Rave' (above).

The night roared on until 5am with unforgiving slabs of relentless techno pcoming thick and fast, yet the night was incomplete. As the techno aficionado amongst us will attest, Alan Fitzpatrick is arguably the hottest name on the Drumcode roster at present, and following on from Beyer offered the perfect chance to live up to that reputation.

He solidified that status with a touch of wizardry, bringing the venue to a standstill with his outstanding cut 'Turn Down The Lights' (above). An energising collision of hard hitting drums and a godly melody, it perfectly encapsulated the majesty of the venue and the peerless ability of the DJs playing.  

It goes without doubt that Albert Hall stands as one of those venues where incredible memories are captured. This night saw the Wesleyan Chapel turned club fortress exemplifiy this with the rolling ferocity of Drumcode's vision of techno - a lasting impression we won't shake off any time soon.

Want to get in on the action yourself? Head here for the remainder of the Transmission series.