We returned to fabric for the last drum and bass FABRICLIVE event of 2018. After a number of sold out UK takeovers this year, Metalheadz announced they were taking over room one at London’s legendary club, alongside Dispatch Recordings and Flexout Audio for an exclusive Christmas special.
Founded in 1994, Metalheadz is home to Goldie, Jubei, Ulterior Motive, Lenzman, Artificial Intelligence, SCAR, Ant TC1, OneMind and more. It’s recognised as one of the most sophisticated and ground-breaking drum and bass labels that continually showcases a full spectrum of the genre.
Room One - Metalheadz
Fabric’s main room featured back to back sets from the Metalheadz regulars Artificial Intelligence and Zero T, Om Unit and Doc Scott, hosted by MC GQ, Visionobi, and Blackeye MC. Drum and bass pioneers and vinyl veterans Grooverider and Randall were a highlight, taking room one on a voyage through the Metalheadz vault, with added unreleased dubplates from the likes of Benny L and Serum. Zero T also delivered a killer FABRICLIVE promo mix ahead of the night.
The sounds and styles played in room one became progressively darker and more industrial at the hands of Scar, the duo comprised of Survival and Script. Followed by a back to back between Grey Code and Phase, and a downtempo closing set from Kid Drama.
Room Two - Dispatch Recordings
Ant TC1’s Dispatch Recordings took to room two, with their sub-bass battalion out in full force, being just as packed as room one for the majority of the night. The Pioneer Pro Audio sound system was pushed to its limits throughout performances from Ill Truth, Philth and Dabs led by MCs Fokus, Gusto and Subliminal. Another highlight set came from DLR and Black Barrel, who brought a tearing back to back showdown.
Room Three - Flexout Audio
Flexout Audio was one of the best and busiest takeovers we’ve seen in Fabric’s room three. Flexout is a relatively young label in comparison to Metalheadz and Dispatch. The label was launched in 2011 and is run by Bassi, who also released a FABRICLIVE promo mix. Swiss duo QZB, tore through an hour of dark futuristic drum and bass, followed by cutting-edge minimal rollers from the Belgian triple-threat Bredren.
It’s clear why Metalheadz club takeovers are often sell out events. Their Christmas Special was a solid and well-curated night packed with dedicated fans who appreciated the music. While a different era of drum and bass was present in each room, the lively crowd reactions were consistent throughout the club. This shows a testament to Fabric as a venue, the timelessness of drum and bass music and the current artists that represent it.
In April, Metalheadz and Virus are joining forces for the first time in Bristol's revered SWX space. Expect another huge line-up of new and familiar faces from each imprint to the fore TBA - sign up for pre-release tickets here. You can also check out the Metalheadz 2018 staff picks playlist, curated by Goldie, Ant TC1 and Diverge.
Find out more about Fabric’s upcoming events here.
Photos by Sophie Harbinson / Instagram - sharbinson
Comments