Review: Sankeys Opening with Matador, Legowelt, Jovonn

Image: Tom Jenkins

Last weekend saw the return of Manchester’s infamous underground hangout, Sankeys, as they began their new season with a two part banger. We hit part one of the weekender for a musical and technical masterclass from some of electronic music's finest.

The Friday was a melange of fine house, tech-house and techno, spun in by Legowelt, Chappell, Jovonn and Ireland’s techno powerhouse Matador, who had whet our appetites via a ferocious live showing for Mixmag earlier (below), who headlined the charge.

Despite the deflating Christmas pinch and five gruelling weeks of no pay, it didn't hold back a core crowd of revellers at Sankeys, who were definitely alive and kicking as the club opened its doors.

Chappell kicked things off and Jovonn followed delivering some eclectic, classic and soulful house music, teasing the crowd with a seductive array of grooves into the early hours. Jovonn played tracks in his signature spiritual fashion featuring strong emotional tones.

Then, the night took a menacing turn as Jovonn paved the way for the dark, hypnotic pulsating beats of Gavin “Matador” Lynch . Fresh from the release of his new 5 part EP 'Play with me!', the Irishman tore the roof a big ‘un, as his carefully crafted melodic hooks, which have become so synonymous with his productions, ripped up the fervent crowd.

The Minus man's sets always leave the crowd with fists pumping, grinding out moves into the early hours as he squeezes a monstrous amount of energy into his one hour live bursts. Friday night was no exception, the energy levels were rife as huge reactions greeted 'Play with me!' and his breakthrough smash 'Kingswing' (below) when they pulsated through the soundsystem.

Finally the legendary Legowelt stepped up to the decks and delivered a brilliant performance, spanning genres and sub genres, he took the deep dark vibe into the early hours.

His unique and liberated taste for music shone through in his wizardly DJ set, mirroring the awe many had who had witnessed his live set for Meat Free at Joshua Brooks recently.It was the perfect end to an evening of electronic music that spanned moods and textures.

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