Dusky - one of the most respected names in the house and techno scene, took over the Capital’s prestigious venue, E1 with a well-sourced lineup of internationally recognised artists representing different flavours of the genre, curated by London-based events promoter Percolate.
Berlin-bred Sally C opened the night with a two-hour set, introducing the early 80s and 90s Detroit techno sound, abundant with low-fi vocal samples and 808 hits. Her old school records brought forth some of the earliest dance music anthems, showcasing the genre’s origins.
Next up was one of the original pioneers of the rave scene,Randall. Rather than spinning his usual jungle and drum and bass, he drew from his acid house collection straight out of a 90s warehouse rave, spanning the likes of Inner City, Cybersonik and Steve Poindexter. A stand-out set, Randall delivered some of the UK’s most influential dance music tracks which paved the way for the hardcore,
jungle and drum and bass styles heard today.
Following on from Randall, was Nottingham’sLone, who took E1 on a mesmerising journey through the sounds of deep and ambient house. His profoundly atmospheric style worked well at the half-way point of the night. His music choice reflected the soul and jazz influences from the 90s, injected with electronic and sub-bass heavy sounds which developed in the 2000s and 2010s.
London-based duo Dusky are known for their stylistically diverse sets, treated E1 to the sounds from their Aset Forever EP and records from their label, 17 Steps. Their two-hour performance embodied a different aspect of their musical influences including ambient jazz and techno, to experimental and progressive house. Their masterful blends and selection gave the impression that all the tracks conformed to a single genre.
Closing the night, was the Irish-born newcomer DJ Kettama. He let loose his raw and unapologetically ghetto techno beats comprised of heavy low-fi kick drums and choppy techno riffs. His fresh sound represented some of the new styles which were emerging from the house and techno scene today, appropriately rounding off the night.
Dusky Presents was more than the usual house and techno rave, it was a celebration of the genre and its history and rightful place in the UK’s dance music scene. The set times arranged by era was a good move from the organisers, embodying house and techno’s timeline - from its origins in the 80s, through the 90s rave scene, finishing with the world-renowned dance music genre it’s known for today.
Find out more about upcoming events by Percolate here.
Photography - First Light Media
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