On 15 February, Critical Sound took over South East London’s Ibiza-style mega-club, Studio 338 for another party of epic proportion. The Critical team brought a night of cutting-edge drum and bass that covered all corners of the genre and represented the sophisticated sound of the underground that the label is best known for. No set was the same, as each artist on the bill performed to their trademark qualities and insane skillset, which paired with the club’s intense atmospheric light show and monstrous sound system made it a night to remember.
Charli Brix, who’s mostly known for her effortlessly fusing emotional lyrics and captivating vocals warmed up the main room of early arrivals with an exclusive DJ set. Charli belongs to a rare group of vocalists who sound as comfortable over roaring basslines as they do harmonious hooks. Later in the night her exceptional vocals were able to be experienced over the dark minimal sounds of Hyroglifics in the Loft.
South Londoner, Particle took to the decks alongside popular MC, Mantmast. The pair performed an an energetic set that spanned all corners of the drum and bass hemisphere, comprised of early jungle, techno and breakbeat sounds that Critical has built its solid reputation on. Mantmast stayed on stage asFade Black took on the midnight set duties with a volatile underground set, packed with abrasive basslines and tight, minimal beats.
Mefjus, one of drum and bass’ most forward-thinking and innovative contributors took over the main room’s decks with an explosive early hour set. His raw talent shines through in his production – every sound from his own releases is constructed from scratch, no pre-made ingredients, no sample packs.
Critical label boss,Kasraperformed a heavy and energetic set in the main room alongside MC GQ, which was complete with plenty of unreleased dubs from the Critical catalogue and beyond. Kasra also teamed up with Inside Info as part of their more recently formed double act, Circuits for a bass-heavy back-to-back in the Loft.
Dillinja, one of the most influential producers in drum and bass, took the main room’s special guest slot alongsideMC Jakes. He played his trademark mix of aggressive basslines and tight breakbeats, confirming his reputation as one of the scene’s most called-upon DJs. Another addition to the Critical line-up was special guest, Annix and MC XL, who treated those in the Loft to a weighty 2am set. The combination of Decimal Bass and Konichi always brings a seamless blend of styles that’s rooted to the familiar grittiness of the Playaz imprint.
For the last hour of the night,TIperformed an exclusive showcase of his brand-new album coming out soon on Critical, Blank Canvas. Accompanied by MC XL, TI’s set celebrated the diversity and innovation in his production and received a positive reaction from the committed ravers that were still dancing ‘til dawn.
Although the night will be hard to beat, Critical have announced that they will return to Studio 338 on 23 May for their Summer Sonics BBQ –register interest. The Summer show is bound to bring a whole new vibe (and hopefully some sun), while still exposing the strength of Critical as a label and the talent of the artists.
Photography - Sophie Harbinson
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