- A glacial winter night early in December saw affiliates of the original three labels welded to form Glasgow-based collective Numbers, brought together by Black Atlantic, one of London's most uncompromising group of promoters. The setting was a dingy cavernous car park in southeast London. The half-risen shutters and blinding lights shone from the makeshift entrance of the warehouse space, welcoming the masses desperate to get in for their piece of sonic boom.
Numbers cohorts Deadboy and Spencer primed the crowd nicely for what was to come, seamlessly crafting a faultless selection that was shamelessly geared to the dance floor; El-B and Menta cuts followed by "A Little Bit Of Luck" triggered echoes of "we can make it through the night" that trickled through the space's industrial arches. By this point, the venue was filled to capacity, and everyone in attendance was moving. Up stepped Hudson Mohawke, his steeze emanating throughout the confines of the epic space, with his characteristic hunch and head-swing, delivering synth-heavy, glitched-out crunk. The climax to his set was memorable to say the least, reeling off classic after classic; Mystikal's "Shake Ya Ass" into "Ms Jackson" from Outkast, before eventually closing with R Kelly's "Bump n' Grind" to rapturous applause.
What felt like an eternity passed before the next act came onto the stage while onlookers whistled in jest. Whether this was an attempt at building the suspense for the "secret headliner" or just a technical issue, it proved to be quite frustrating. Still, the audience remained rooted to the spot in preparation for the onslaught. The announcement of the secret guest earlier in the week added an extra glint to the already solid lineup—it was revealed to be another Glaswegian, Rustie fresh from the release of his Glass Swords LP. Fluorescent lasers danced ecstatically on the high ceilings of the brickwork tunnels, filling the dark air, while Thomas Traum and Remote Location's equally psychedelic, neon-tinged visuals reacted with Rustie's Technicolor sound as he pushed the sound rig to its limits. There was barely any room for movement between the perspiring bodies. Jamie XX and Jackmaster then respectively took the reins through to the early hours. The latter was characteristically on point with both his selection and mixing, interweaving an array of styles; the former's DJ sets are now similarly skilled, slowly matching his already high production levels.
When it was all said and done, the night's performances, combined with the location, visuals and atmosphere made the event a true success, capturing the magic of the Numbers parties in Glasgow that are revered by so many.