- When Easter weekend comes along it usually means that quality acts and parties accompany it. This Easter was no exception, and for fans of progressive house, some could say that too much talent is on show. That was definitely the case for 7th Heaven @ Gas on Easter Saturday night.
The Bohem was the room of choice for the long night ahead, despite the incredibly LOUD state of the sound system. Trent Anthony opened up proceedings with a standard display of classy house. Tunes such as Chris Lum’s “Bigger Tool” and Chris Lum and Jay J’s very impressive “Freak Like Us” all got airtime. Hit of last year, UBU’s “Pixels” was also heard to the delight of those getting into the groove. When Ben Korbel stepped up the crowd definitely started to gather, and one could tell it was going to be a big night. He again did a fine job as entrée for the main meal, cooking up delights such as Ortus’ beautiful “Pangia” and the latest offering from production outfit Echomen.
Parks & Wilson were next. I was expecting BIG things from these guys. As producers, they have made classics such as “I Dream” and remixed guys such as Breeder and Pete Lazonby. As DJ’s, their reputation was as good, if not better. Did they deliver, well in my opinion not until the latter part of their set, but to many there they certainly did for it’s entire duration. Their first 2 and half hours seemed to drag with little variation, with slight exception such as the Interflow’s “Storyreel” – and it was very hard, something that at least surprised me. Their last half hour though was pure genius, playing these six tunes:
Liz Fraser – “Underwater” (Charlie May Remix)
Bjork – “All Is Full Of Love” (Brancaccio & Aisher Remix)
Tilt – “Headstrong” (Tilt’s Scalpel Mix)
Breeder – “Carnival XIII” (Buffbrass Mix)
Datar – “U” (Tarrentella & Redanka Instrumental)
And of course their final tune, their (Tilt) rework of Pete Lazonby’s “Wavespeech”, which rudely got the big fuck off by Ian Ossia halfway during the track! Overall I really felt their closing 30 minutes to an hour could have been the theme to the entire set, but nevertheless their set was enjoyed by many, so well done lads!
While P & W were on I tried to venture downstairs to catch a bit of Jody’s set, and what I did catch off it was damn impressive. You know it’s going to be a special set when he starts off with Rui Da Silva’s magical new tune “Fire”. Many of Way Out West’s productions were played that pleased many of the faithful begging to hear them, and some quality breaks were hammered down from the boy from Bristol, which was pleasing as well.
Ian Ossia was the final guest DJ and started off with crowd favourite, the Hybrid mix of Radiohead. Only managed to see a little portion of the Renaissance resident’s set, but he seemed to continue the trend of going that little bit harder.
In reflection, I can’t help but feel slightly disappointed with the night, as it had potential to be one of the best nights of the year so far. It was only a good night however, and I’m sure the many there felt it was better than good, and that’s what it’s allllllll about :o)