Music / Review
Review: Fat Switch Presents Blue Lines, The Old England – ‘Fat Switch built upon the pubs natural dinge with a deft bill of DJ’s’
Fresh from their sold-out launch at the Old England in February, Fat Switch were back through the doors of Montpelier’s favourite drinking hole for the first edition of their club night, Blue Lines. Part of Fatswitch’s aim, as informed by one half of the promotional duo Zack Crane, is to “bring creativity, energy and quality” to under-used events spaces.
Despite the reprehensible last minute effort of a noise complaint letter from the council which – arriving one day before the event – demanded it be concluded by 11pm (the show was due to run until Sunday morning), Fat Switch were true to Zack’s word – and built upon the Old England’s natural dinge with an array of imaginative decor and a deft bill of DJ’s topped by Emmy.
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Two hours earlier than planned, through the shimmer-curtains and green laser lines of the live room was the opening act – Daniel. Such was the mist and murk, his curly blonde curtains were the only distinguishable feature from behind the decks but Daniel’s percussive deep techno did not suffer the same anonymous fate as his face, pulsing through the fog with distinctive ease.
Next into the booth (which, testament to the innovative Fat Switch spirit, was handcrafted in a Bristol field) came DJ Nothing. Complete with catching remixes of grime verses from artists such as Headie One and Skepta, the GRIM3Y Events founder provided some fun and funk to proceedings with his high tempo brands of ghetto house and electro before making way for Emmy.
The efforts of promoters and artists alike kept it thoroughly engaging throughout, photo: Cluny Powell
Perhaps best known for being a core member of empowering local collective Concrete Jungyals, Emmy was the most recognisable name amongst the line up and her experience showed, supplying exquisitely delivered house and techno grooves that demonstrated exactly why she is a sought after force on the Bristol underground. Afterwards, Channer closed the show amidst tropical heat with an impressive set of minimal house.
The show was a little light on spectators but given it was required to shift forward so drastically late, the ongoing puzzle that is the rationale of those making noise complaints after leasing property next to venues can take the blame. Blue Lines was never intended for the earlier hours of the evening, but was not lost to its circumstances – and the efforts of promoters and artists alike kept it thoroughly engaging throughout.
Main photo: Cluny Powell
Read more: Jabu / Serpente / Kelman Duran at The Old England
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