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: HOME : CREW : F.T.C.V. : AUDIO : HISTORY : GALLERY : CONTACTS : FUTURE THINKIN MUSIC STORE : |
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| KNOWLEDGE MAGAZINE REVIEW OF TRAFFIC.... | ||
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TRAFFIC @ THE RHYTHM FACTORY It was back to the Rhythm Factory for the second instalment of Traffic at their new home. For those that haven't experienced a Future Thinkin’ event in the past, or even know much about them, here is a brief run down. Future Thinkin ’are a group a DJs, MCs, a vocalist, producers and D&B headz who have been working together under this collective banner since 1997. During a career that's seen them grace the Scala, Colosseum, Turnmills, Subterrania and now with Traffic, the Rhythm Factory, FT have always stuck to their "Full Spectrum" methodology. The full spectrum of jungle d&b must be represented while going against the D&B promotional norm and giving exposure to up and coming d&b DJs. Traffic on Friday 13th June represented this philosophy to the fullest, bringing together the FT residents alongside producers and non-producing DJs. Arriving at the venue in East London, I was greeted by a crowd similar to that of a Metalheadz event. Immediately stepping into a full on assault from DM Cut, the scene was set for a night of musical pleasure, dubplates and pure quality d&b. DM usually likes to take things on the harder tip but being on quite early in the night his set was slightly more laid back. The sound system was sounding very tight indeed, maybe a touch quiet, but I prefer quality over volume. With just a sprinkling of people in the venue lining the sides, it was a nice way to begin the night – chilled, with people appreciating the music ready for the night to take full flow. Following on from DM Cut was another of FT's residents, Danny Exile. Coming from the SRD camp guaranteed a fresh set, plenty of new tunes on show and tight mixing. Danny Exile didn't disappoint. Playing through the d&b spectrum but keeping it all flowing for the dancefloor was order of the hour. ‘What You Don't Know’ by A Sides, Fresh's best solo effort, ‘All Strung Out’, and the ‘Pulp Fiction remix’ all went to provide the quality of this set. Influx Datum. Little needs to be said about this production duo. Over the past couple of years they have proven themselves to be a major force to be reckoned with. Gavin – Influx UK – was here to show some new goods as well as old. For anyone expecting a pure liquid set would've been shocked. He laid down tough beats, some nice garage influenced tracks and the liquid side was also shown. I’m hoping that a large majority of the set was forthcoming material from Influx, as the only tracks I spotted was their own remix of Landslide's ‘It's Not Over’, ‘Chicago Sound’ from Dylan and the sublime ‘Signs remix’ by Calibre. Influx UK proved he can mix with the same smooth ability that he produces tracks. A funky set with tough beats, and FT's MC System alongside vocalist I-One giving the vocal flavour with great finesse. System was giving his best performance I have so far seen of him, once again listening and complimenting the music with his unique and meaningful lyrics and I-One bouncing off him perfectly. With the venue nicely busy and vibes increasing, it was time for long time d&b producer veteran to bring some Good Looking sounds to the dance. Nookie stepped up, back to back with MC Mojo. What was to come was one of those tingle worthy moments that you remember for a long time. Starting the set with another remix of Bukem's seminal ‘Music’, and then very shortly afterwards dropping the mighty ‘Western remix’. There was only one thing that was about to happen – ‘REWIND SELECTA’. The whole crowd went mad for it, some more vocal than others – a moment to remember. With the help of FT's MC Mojo, Nookie did the right thing. Nookie continued at frantic pace, with Mojo laying down his trademark lyrics – and for those that don't know he has some of the best lyrics in d&b, so flowing and complementing of the music it's surely not long until he becomes a fixture a more d&b events. Unfortunately Nookie took the whole set a little too mellow by the end, possibly should've started the way he ended and vice versa. Still a quality set though. When you mention female d&b DJs to
most, they will probably cite Rap as the most popular. The next hour
proved why Storm should be the name on everyone’s tongue. Starting quickly
dropping into the sounds of ‘Vault’, the set then moved into a strictly
dark and filthy set, Metalheadz vibes all the way and MC Rage finally
taking control of the mic. Innovative double drops, tight mixing and an
ability to read the crowd perfectly was Storm tonight. ‘Star’ and
‘Terminator remixes’ proved to be the highlights for the whole venue. One
of the great sets this year.
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