- Tuesday night isn't exactly primetime clubbing in London, students normally being the main frequenters of the few clubs who are brave enough put on a night. So it's no surprise that They Live's launch of Cancel Standard at The Nest was a relatively quiet affair, with the club never more than half full. It had the feel of a private party, something reinforced by the fact that almost everyone there was a part of the drum & bass scene.
This was the second of an intended series of Exit album launches at The Nest, the debut centering around the recent compilation, Mosaic. They are very much industry parties, a small showcase of one of the most respected labels on the scene, but feel more like a welcoming friend of a friend's house party. This time out, a number of label mainstays were scheduled play, including head honcho dBridge, Code 3, Loxy, They Live (Consequence and Joe Seven) and the Rinse FM dubstep maestro Youngsta.
Warming up until 11 PM, dBridge pulled out a characteristically solid set, keeping it simple as the dance floor filled, readying things for Loxy to up the pace a bit. He pulled out some slightly more techie beats and skillfully built from dBridge's gentle start. They Live then spun an excellent back-to-back set which smoothly journeyed from UK Funky beginnings—taking in tunes from artists such as Joy Orbison—all the way to a satisfyingly Exit Records heavy last half hour, finishing with Skream's "Motorway," much to the crowd's approval. Wrapping the night up tidily, Youngsta made a fine selection from his notoriously sub-bass heavy vinyl collection, leaving the room shaking. It fit perfectly with Exit's anti-"crash bag wallop" policy, gratuitous wobbles being replaced by subtle and considered basslines.
Although a Tuesday isn't likely going to make for the wildest night out, what happened at The Nest was still pretty entertaining. Besides, what were you doing on Tuesday that was better than listening to Exit DJs playing some of their favourite music very, very loudly?