Music / Bristol
Review: The Love Below presents Mister Saturday Night, Exchange
A brand new soundsystem, four bulbs hanging over the booth flashing intermittently and a disco ball working the dance floor, this night was a far cry away from a grungy alternative gig – the kind of show the Exchange is renowned for.
Party throwers, The Love Below are making a statement in Bristol as they continue to bring musical legends from around the world to the city and this was their biggest booking yet.
Drum roll… Mister Saturday Night. For those that don’t know, these Brooklyn Boys are famous for rolling sound systems out of storage, taking it to a homey loft, hanging a disco ball, inviting some friends and getting down until the sun comes up. With that in mind, I’d been looking forward to this night for a while and couldn’t wait to see what resident DJs, Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter had in store for Bristol.
is needed now More than ever
After arriving at the venue and catching a bit of local Dismalman (TEAK) who warmed up proceedings, the Exchange quickly filled up with a good crowd of people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the New York party legends. The room felt busy but capped at 200 with the stage dropped to crowd level, the Love Below guys were sure to keep the party intimate. The red lighting worked well with the hazer and finished the overall look.
Disco grooves, the occasional sax and general melodic magic… the set had started. The level of creativity entwined within the set was impressive. Eamon and Justin knew exactly how to work the crowd and built up a great rapport throughout the night. You only had to look around to see everyone’s faces, glistening in the disco ball light, to pick up on the vibes.
The new soundsystem added that oomph – totally worth it. Credits to the Exchange; far too many venues in Bristol need to give their boom boxes some TLC.
At one point it all got too much and the fire alarm made its debut in the set. Absorbed in the music, I don’t think many noticed and simply carried on dancing. I couldn’t help but laugh and think it added to the experience. Next, I was waiting for the sprinklers to come on.
The party was at its height when the boys dropped Stacy Kidd Disco Feet Sundance. The Love Below guys had done it again with another sexy booking.
Colours closed the night with another brilliant set. The night really did end with a bang and a newly acquired love for this little venue in Old Market.
After Bristol lost party goers favourite, the Small Horse earlier this year, is the Exchange going to become the new haunt for disco nights and lovers? The disco ball looked great, so I think maybe it should…
Images by George Bale
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