Review: The Northern Project's Old Skool Project @ WN1 (formerly Maximes)

When: 18th September 2010

Reviewed by: Charlie Heap

Line-up: Graeme Park, Mike Knowler, Matt Bell, Triple X, Andy Pendle, Reg, Lee Garry, Ash. Plus a live PA from Dream Frequency.

This was the second night these guys have put on, and after hearing nothing but good things about their first effort - and with a line-up that included Graeme Park, Mike Knowler and Matt Bell - I was ambitious to get there to see what all the fuss was about.

Admittedly, I'm not old enough myself to remember the heyday of such music, but I've always been a big fan of old skool and retro house. And clearly, the organisers do know their old skool business, having been there back in the day. Their knowledge and massive passion for the music shows through their DJing. 

There was a brilliant vibe at the event, with no attitudes from anyone. Great music all night, plenty of classics, along with a lot of stuff that I didn't really know - but absolutely loved. And all this blasting through a sound system that really packed some punch. I cannot recommend this night more. It was just a shame that there weren't more people there - hopefully the word will spread. 

My highlights have to include the legend that is Graeme Park (Hacienda) playing a good dose of Detroit style acid techno to a packed dancefloor. 

I know that Graeme Park was probably "the man" of the night for most people, but for me, Mike Knowler (Quadrant Park) did the business. Mike pulled out all the stops, playing some real classics which included "Inner City - Big Fun" (1988), giving us all a good mix of in your face rave stabs, uplifting vocals and oldskool 303 acid. I couldn't stop smiling all through the set!

I really quite enjoyed the live PA from Dream Frequency, some wicked tunes and those girls have brilliant voices and some quality moves. I'd never heard of them before but I'll certainly  be checking them out again.

I'm really looking forward to the next event on the 4th of December with K-Klass. If you're going I'll see you all there - I'll be the one dancing at the front!

Buy tickets for The Northern Project's Early Christmas Cracker. 

Tickets are no longer available for this event