After a successful year, Critical Sound took their final London event of 2018 back underground with a two room show at the one of the most exciting new venues in the capital. The event was curated by cross-spectrum bass-music promotersUndivide, who help fill London’s leading locations with diverse selections of artists from the electronic music scene.
Critical was founded by Kasra back in 2002 and is the home to some of the world’s leading artists across the drum and bass spectrum. The diverse styles range from dark liquid by the likes of Hyroglifics and Foreign Concept, to heavy neurofunk from Mefjus and Emperor. Today Critical is one of the most respected and unique independent labels with a worldwide following.
On the night, Critical partnered with 1985 Music, founded by Alix Perez. 1985 is a new, forward thinking label that caters to underground electronic music, usually played in the 170/85 BPM range. Also known for his association with Shogun Audio, Alix Perez evolved his music into dark half-time and other distinctive sounds inspired by soul and R&B.
E1 is a brand-new, premium warehouse venue that’s been transformed with a bespoke integrated sound system by acoustic consultancy and pioneering audio specialistsFunktion-One. The powerful sound system contributed both clarity and depth to the music and already sets this venue apart from others.
Room One – Critical Sound
The main room, known as the Warehouse is a large open space that compromised a ridiculous line up of both label artists and special guests. The Critical family were out in full force for the first half of the night, with some explosive back to back sets. Klax, Hyroglifics and Shyun ran the first two hours, spinning dark rollers as the warehouse quickly packed out.
Foreign Concept and Sam Binga showcased their unique jungle and half-time sounds, led by MC and vocalist Fox, then followed by Halogenix who dropped an unexpected VIP of his track ‘Blej’.
Enei and label boss Kasra provided a definitive onslaught of futuristic minimal drum and bass, fittingly rounding off the Critical Sound showcase before the special guests took to the stage. Prior to the event Kasra released a Soundcloud mix, which features a guest mix from Emperor which undeniably got everyone in the party mode.
Serum let loose his signature synth heavy rollers and jungle beats, followed by the legendary DJ Hazard, who started a riot with his energetic mixing technique and varied selection from across the drum and bass scale. Finally, Benny L and T>I owned the closing set, going back to back for the remaining hour and to the crowd’s satisfaction managed to play twenty minutes over time.
Room Two – 1985 Music
On the other side of the venue lay room two, also known as the Black Studio. This room was hosted by Alix Perez’s label, 1985 Music and featured extended sets from a diverse lineup of bass artists.
Tim Parker spun a mixture of lo-fi half-time and hip-hop beats, followed by Chimpo who upped the tempo with some jungle and trap blends. The sounds in room two were darkened when Alix Perez took to the decks with his trademark minimal roller sound. Monty took over for the closing set with dark atmospheric tunes, that performed well with the intimacy of the Black Studio.
Critical successfully showcased one of the best and busiest raves of the year and E1 has firmly cemented itself as one of the best upcoming venues in the country. The location added to the experience with its impressive space and good overall organisation, combined with a top range sound system that complimented the genres of music.
Critical Sound returns to London, 26 January to take over Corsica Studios for another bass-heavy workout. A three-hour set from Kasra alongside Critical’s strong calibre of artists and special guest Bou is sure to be another night to remember.
Photos by Khali Photography / Instagram @khaliphotography / Facebook khali.photography
Kolab Studios / Instagram @kolabstudios / Facebook kolabstudios
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