Buzzin' Fly Night with Ben Watt

  • Share
  • You really get the sense that Ben Watt feels he has nothing to prove these days. Considering his contribution to music over the last 25 years, he shouldn't have to either. He's done it all: From being half of a chart-topping band to relaunching himself as a DJ, starting successful nights in London, running a prestigious label and even writing a book, this is a man who has absolute self-assurance, doing what he likes, when he likes and how he likes. Tonight was no different, his confidence translating into a set at The End that was never overanxious to please. On several occasions, Watt was bold enough to use prolonged breakdowns where virtual silence took hold of the dancefloor—a brave move whilst playing to a sold out crowd in the venue's brimming main room. These silences however, were punctured by Watt's deep house in a set that was weighted with vocals. With his background, it's easy to see why he prefers a more melodic and harmonic style of vocal-friendly electronic music. His father was a jazz musician and Watt started out making solo jazz folk albums before going on to pop success with Everything But The Girl. An extended remix of Radiohead's "Street Spirit" with the acapella of EBTG's "Missing" was a particular highlight of the night with its swirling, melancholic trippy disposition trickling down the crowd's collective spine. "I Need Your Loving" by Baby D captured the same sentiment but moments like these were wavering, interrupted by periods where there was a distinct feeling of staleness, scattered in amongst the more captivating sections. Watt's set lacked fluidity and cohesiveness, keeping real atmosphere at arm's length. Over in the lounge, on the other hand, Prins Thomas and his space disco delivered. His obscure gems suited the open-minded vibe of those unmoved by Watt's pristine deep house. Because, no matter how sure of his selections as he might have been, Watt's rather polite, grown-up sound lacked good old-fashioned club thrills. Sometimes—just sometimes—you've gotta play to the crowd and not for yourself.
RA