Music
Originally published on Friday, 30th January 2009
Back To The ‘90s
Back in the day, it was about the 7 year itch and 20 year throwback. Now, kiddo, its all changed. The scratching kicks off within 3 years, and as for references? Look back around 15 to see what’s de rigeur. So what is it now? That’s right. Blackstreet and hip house. No diggity. No doubt.
From the semi-nomadic B.A.D. (which last touched down at Shoreditch’s Old Blue Last with their New Jack101 throwdown), through to Dance Area’s electrified ‘90s rave-up homage ‘AA/247’ that’s doing the rounds, it seems that it’s all gone 90 once more. Almost as if, ahem, Nu Rave never happened. And, you know what? I actually think it might not have.
The ‘90s were really all slow jams and sex, right? As DJ Sober says about his exemplary ‘Satin Sheets Mixtape’ (download for free right here!), a sound that’s guaranteed to give you “goosepimples or that nostalgic High School dance feeling.” What more do you want in a world where we have to weigh organic living against Botox? Smooth music flowing down your ear like the nectar of youth…
So what’s happening Westerly? Well, it seems it’s all about unifying contemporary art with dazzling electronica. Whether plush No.5 Cavendish’s party, Balance, with Nariman Fadakar’s visuals accompanying Anthea’s warm house sound, or the launch of interactive digital art & music happening, Grok Institute – with the likes of Soul Jazz boy wonder, Secondo, and NYC electrosoul duo, New Look , on board. Finally it seems the West End is beginning to simmer once again.
Gotta love London. No diggity, no doubt.
Balance, at No.5 Cavendish , 5 Cavendish Street, W1G 0PG
Saturday Feb 7 & 21. £10.
Grok will be in various spaces around Carnaby Street & the Newburgh Quarter.
Feb 19 – Mar 6.