GRANT PATERSON'S FLOORFILLAZ

ELOI - God's Love (Debug)


Minimal beats and catchy groove work this one as the 'God's Love' speech rides over the trancey chord pattern as the melody takes it higher and higher. What I'd call a happy tune to spread a smile across faces. Try it and see the effect.

ARSENIC LOVERS - Contre Temps (Mizumo) 

Electro, funk and stuttered sound make this a head-turning, brain bashing track that inflicts audio pressure like no other. Chances are if you don't feel your head is going to explode you no longer have hearing. It's loud.

SANDER VAN DOORN - Daddyrock (Doorn Records)


The hi-hats skite over as Van Doorn drops in the biggest bass and kick drums you'll have heard in a while. Peak time banging trance, this is going to be big. The large synth stabs slice through the melody demolishing everything in their path.

JOHN SAUSAGE - Burifara EP (Manual Music) 

Arpeggio's a go-go as the tension building bass threatens to suck all the oxygen from your lungs. The percussion keeps things flowing in old  skool waves. A sound-scape that's quite mesmerizing.

FRESKA - Comanche (Traum)

Electronica with a huge Kraftwerk influence. Warm melodic chords with soaring electric peaks burn away any doubt that this isn't going to be massive. Play this and see what happens. When dropped last Friday the crowd was putty from then onwards.

CLUB OF THE WEEK: CABARET VOLTAIRE

DRESS CODE: From jeans and trainers to alternative fashion, to designer and trendy.

MUSIC: Underground music - techno, house, dup step, breaks n' beats, electro... the list is endless.

DJs: Edinburgh's home grown talent and the biggest DJs worldwide.

'Breaking the boundaries in music.' That's what they claim to do. But does Cabaret Voltaire actually do that? Absolutely. Every time.

Cabaret Voltaire (Cab Vol for short) hosts some of the best club nights in Edinburgh and leads the way musically. With so many clubs on the roster you'd think it risked over-saturation, but not so. Each night specializes in its own genre with every promoter deeply committed, passionate and professional.

Providing the soundtrack to the weekend are the local DJs spinning a fantastic selection of music, but when the big guns come to town they tend to be found in the Cab Vol, simple because the music policy is on par with the ideology of the underground.

Like any recipe, every ingredient has to be premium to excel and here the experience is enhanced by the setting. There's a backdrop of stone walls and atmospheric dark caverns all illuminated with theatrical red and blue, which washes over every surface with dazzling effect. It's time to head to Blair Street to dance your socks off.

Cabaret Voltaire, Blair Street, 11pm-3am, 0131-220-6176, for a full listing of club nights visit: www.thecabaret-voltaire.com


Words: Grant Paterson
Picture: Grant Paterson

GRANT'S FLOORFILLAZ:

Julie Walehwa - I Mind Remixes (Boomnote Music)

The 2002 classic Contemplation, remixed into full blown cosmic journey. Stratosphere climbing I Feel Love-styled arpeggio, Walehwa's angelic vocal intensified by wistful loops and dreamy beats, all courtesy of the Weirdo Police.

Bottin Presents Tinpong - New Religion, Pete Herbert Remix (Nang)

Nu disco for the funkiest floor. Tribal with quick edits and dropped out beats. A smattering of echo sets the groove and vintage synthesisers slide with nu wave vocal, forming what can only be the sound of a new religion.

Random Movement - Waterlogged (Bulldozer)

The transient sound of drum  'n' bass  - emotive melodic pads and gentle piano loop. Hi-end drums tip  'n' tap like water droplets as  the strings section weaves before launching the full blown drum score. A  recollective and timeless encounter.

Pale Sketcher - Can I Go Now, Donna Cha Costello Remix (Ghostly International)

Pale Sketcher (aka Justin Broadrick, guitarist from Napalm Death) releases this stirring EP. Musical melancholy as the trash compactor beats numb the senses. Gently swelling synth pads drift in like fleeting memories spilling from a forgotten moment. Soul searching vocal, vocoded and reverbed hits a note, humanity blossoms in this post apocalyptic landscape.

 

DJ Christ - Pies on sale (Progrezo Records)


Hungry? Tech house diner served from rising star who ticks all the boxes. Prime time stuff - catchy groove and a sampled vocal, acts like a percussion instrument shifting like a pimped up Bugatti Veryon with some extra va-va-voom.

CLUB OF THE WEEK : 

SAHARA SESSIONS @ PO NA NA

DRESSCODE: Smart and trendy fashions to  bohemian chic.

MUSIC: Funky and disco house, with club classics.

DJS: John Hutchison with guest DJs, live percussionists and saxophonist.

Po Na Na has just got a whole lot hotter with new club night Sahara Sessions. Running weekly  they launched  in July with Mark Trophy from The Trophy Twins, who played out a glam house and club classics set.  A perfect start to the weekend, Sahara Sessions has one aim, to bring a bit of fun, glam and sexy clubbing back to Edinburgh.

This night is firmly focused on house music so you can expect the finest funk and disco tinged house with a few club classics new and old thrown into the mix. If you are a fan of Hed Kandi, Defected and Subliminal, then this night is for you. Resident DJ John Hutchison (Tokyoblu) will be playing tracks and remixes from the likes of David Guetta, Dennis Ferrer, Freddie Le Grande, Roger Sanchez and Calvin Harris alongside classic  diva's Jocelyn Brown, Kathy Brown and Barbara Tucker. There's some thing for everyone with Hutchison keeping everything housey and lively.

The décor has been transformed from the usual Arabian market vibe to a  more-glam look for Sahara Sessions. Fortunately you are still treated to the warmth of Po Na Na's basement style inspired by Moroccan souk bars. The cosy booths are perfect to chill out - warm and intimate. The dance floor is to the back of the club and is equally cosy.

With the current trend taking over Edinburgh at the moment being the inclusion of live performances alongside the DJ, expect to see regular appearances from Trav ‘Saxingh’ Panesar (Hed Kandi / Fierce Angel) on live sax and David McGeorge (Tokyoblu) on percussion. This really enhances the night with Hutchison taking the musical experience a step further by adding some big name DJs to the bill.

If George Street is turning out to be a bit too much like a safari trip then head down to Po Na Na, Sahara Sessions is a burning hot house night with a great atmosphere and a perfect alternative to the main club nights.

Sahara Sessions @ Po Na Na, 43b Frederick Street, Fridays, 10.30pm – 3am, £3 before 12 / £6 after, 0131-226-2224


Words: Grant Paterson
Pictures: Grant Paterson (Main Image), others complimentary.

DJ CULTURE:

CLUB OF THE WEEK: MUSIKA

DRESS CODE: Trendy and designer.
MUSIC: Progressive house, tech house and techno.
DJs: Derek Martin, Jamie Mackenzie, Kirk Douglas with guests - Tim Green (Cocoon) and M.A.N.D.Y (Patrick Bodmer DJ Set).

Musika has been at the forefront of Edinburgh's clubbing scene since it started a little over three years ago. Unhindered by not having a venue to call home since the fire at the Liquid Room, DJ/promoter Derek Martin has risen to the challenge, organising a number of nights held at different locations throughout the city.

One such night was Musika's 3rd birthday bash in February this year, who saw Timo Maas and John Digweed play at the 2000 capacity Corn Exchange. Just last month Martin brought Sasha to the HMV Picture House -  his first appearance in seven years. This event was made all the more special by the introduction of new kid on the block, Max Cooper - whose atmospheric tech house set was a perfect start to Sasha's session. To the delight of the crowd, Sasha took them on a magical journey full of soaring peaks, driving beats and layers of sound. Painting a deep and dark soundscape that developed into edgy techno. A ten minute encore ensued with shouts for, “One  more tune,” and Sasha's killer tune “Xpander” was dropped to rapturous applause. Well worth the seven year wait.

Tomorrow night see's Musika return to the newly reopened Liquid Rroom on Victoria Street. There is a pre-club party in the City Cafe, just a couple of blocks away on Niddry Street South. It kicks off at 8pm if you fancy getting in the mood early. Otherwise catch Derek Martin joined by Cocoon Records Tim Green and headliner M.A.N.D.Y (Patrick Bodmer DJ Set), who has topped the dance charts ever since 2005 with tracks like the amazing "Body Language" imprint on Get Physical Music.

Tomorrow is a Musika / Get Physical Music special , so be prepared for something out of the ordinary. It's all about the 'Muskia'.

MUSKA @ Liquid Room, 9c Victoria Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2HE, 0131-225-2564


Words: Grant Paterson
Pictures: Grant Paterson

Grant's Floorfillaz:

Kaiserdisco - Jaana, Cashmere Remix (King Klong)

The original  EP has been doing the rounds for a few weeks now and this remix is full on funky house with a tribal vibe. Cashmere cuts it and intensifies the sound.

Mueller & Mitch - Careless /M92 Sternhauven (200 Records/Kompakt)

M92 opens with a crackling vinyl effect and hypnotic piano loop  - filtered, phased and recursive. Powerful yet warm, it kick-builds as a soulful voice insists, "For everyman there is a woman,"  as hi-hats cleverly connect with a soft edged bleep to complete the score.

Scott Harrington & Greg Mak - Like Me, Lunacy Sound Division Remix (Cubism Records)

This has a big room groove as deep drums and more hi-hats blend with tribal percussion. A phat bass line and catchy vocal seductively  mouthing, "Like me ," elevates  it to breath-taking proportions. Deep, groovy and sexy.

Jason Chance - Head Shake (Nocturnal Groove)

Prime-time house guaranteed to be a floor filla. It does exactly what is says on the tin, with piano stabs and snappy percussion that will make your head shake.

Jeroen Search - Mobility (Coincidence Records)

Vintage house. Warm bubbling acid bleeps, powerful drums and a tight hi-end which progresses into a marching roll as the beautiful arpeggio-synth delivers what can only be described as audio honey.

Grant's Floorfillaz:

Terence Fixmer - Drastik , Planetary Assault Systems Remix (Electric Deluxe)

Pounding  techno straight from the underground, if you want to crank it up a notch or just like it heavy then select this no nonsense version.

Funkagenda and Dave Seaman - The Mighty Ming, Original Club Mix (Toolroom Records)

Superb re-release of the Mighty Ming with a driving bass line, tight percussion and cracking vocal sample. Pumping peak time stuff. 

Claudio Mate - You Never Know What Happens , Original Mix (Snejl)

Dreamy Detroit finery as wave upon wave of warm chords wash over and leave you dreaming of electric sheep.

Darko Esser - Zuurkool, Chymera Old School Mix (Wolfskuil Records)

Builds and builds, glitters and shines... heading straight for classic status, layers of sound sizzle and flow, you will too.

North Beach - Des Anges , Original Mix (Kant Records)

Strong beats with tribal percussion. Subtly,  the wonky melody drifts in and just grows and grows, getting better and better.

CLUB OF THE WEEK: 
THE ONE BELOW @ The Rutland Hotel

DRESS CODE: Designer and high fashion.
MUSIC: Funky house, disco, soul and club classics.
DJs: DJ Finesse with live percussionists and musicians.

The Rutland is one of Edinburgh's finest hotels and restaurants, located at the trendy West  End of Princess Street, its club, The One Below has just launched a fabulous new program of club nights, perfect for the discerning party-goer looking for a stylish night out with a difference.

Located to the rear of the hotel, The One Below is easy to find, and well  signposted. Once through the main entrance and down a flight of stairs, you'll  discover a sumptuous interior,  designed  by Tibbatts Kirk Abel and inspired by the 'lounge clubbing' scenes of New York, Paris and Los Angeles . Enjoy the buzz of going out without the crowds in the venue's cosy private booths. Each glows with neon lighting as they branch out from the orange-lit bar. The booths also promote the stunning ibar concept, with individual iPod docks and sunken Champagne buckets which give a definite feeling of modern luxury.

Other highlights include waitress service and a stunning array of cocktails. DJ Finesse keeps everything funky with his unique blend of house music, which is complemented by live percussion and saxophone. It's musically impressive, funky and feels right, without any cheesy Baker Street solos.

With a great atmosphere, The One Below boasts a trendy but friendly crowd and is well worth a visit . The One Below makes a refreshing change from the usual George Street club circuit and is an exciting and vibrant experience . Try it.

The One Below, 1-3 Rutland Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AE, 8pm-3am, 0131-229-3402


Words: Grant Paterson
Pictures: Grant Paterson

DJ CULTURE: