- Sometimes the easiest way to say goodbye is to not say anything at all. That's why, last Saturday as I made my way to The End for one last time, I knew it was going to be a night where words were replaced by making the most of an irreplaceable night with Nic Fanciulli and Dubfire.
With icy cold temperatures outside, we practically skated our way onto West Central Street, sliding up to the towering metal doors at approximately 11 PM. Short queues meant we were instantly warmed up as we made our way into The End's sister bar, AKA, which is an airy split-level space fronted by huge glass double doors with a warehouse-style design. It's a relaxing place to chat amongst a cool international crowd whilst enjoying the impressive bar.
The End is unique in its size and set-up. The main dance floor is a compact underground tunnel comprised of two arches with a romping sound system that usually leaves your ears ringing for days afterwards. Appropriately, the DJ booth is placed at the centre of the action, illuminated by neon blue lights which entice you closer until you're face-to-face with your favourite DJ. There is also a smaller lounge just upstairs from the main dance floor where you can buy drinks and fans for a pound.
The End's resident DJ, Don Mac, was first up on the decks. Initially we were drawn in by his meandering playful techy house beats. Yet it soon felt as though we were facing a brick wall as Mac's emotionless face eventually matched the repetitive sounds he was offering the crowd. Mac's solemn expressions and lack of enthusiasm made us retreat from dancing until young Fanciulli took over at 12 AM.
After attending the Sci-Tec night at Ministry where Dubfire and Fanciulli blasted out till 9 AM, I was even more geared up to see this duo again. With The Box at Ministry being at least five times as big as The End's dance floor, my second helping was worth the wait. The night was intimate, personal and first class—there was no struggle to move around the main room as you could happily dance and weave your way through fellow loyal partygoers. This is why The End is a cut above the rest: You truly feel like you're getting your own private show.
This night, in contrast to November at Ministry, Fanciulli played before Dubfire. This is how it should be: At Ministry Fanciulli came on when people were starting to leave, and now I could finally understand the hype buzzing around the rise of this young, good looking Brit that has a charismatic, soulful quality. His set was the perfect appetizer, a nice mix of deep and melodic tech house grooves including some irresistible mixes of Marco Carola's "Bloody Cash" and Reboot's "Vandon." People were waving their hands in the air, fanning one another in what felt like a carnival atmosphere. Teasing the crowd, a glimpse of "Grindhouse" began to creep in at one point, but never fully dropped. Admittedly this tune has been played excessively across clubs during 2008, but hearing it through The End's soundsystem felt like a new experience.
It's no wonder Ali "Dubfire" Shirazinia has been hailed by DJ Mag as the "Prince of Darkness" for 21st century techno. At around 3 AM when the red lights blazed down and he appeared, the tone was set: dark, moody and gothic. His four-hour set dominated the club as the crowd started to slowly going insane for the throbbing basslines matched by unsettling noises that you either loved or at times felt a little scared of.
What makes Dubfire such a pleasure to watch is that—at first glance—he looks petrifying. It's as though Fanciulli is the good angel on one shoulder and Dubfire the bad angel on the other. This night, however, Dubfire revealed a passionate, smiling face, thriving off the emotions that only he can evoke from a crowd. Would the prince of darkness laugh as a group of starry-eyed girls waved their newly purchased fans frantically at him in a competition to see who could cool him down? Highlights of his set included his inevitably terrifying remix of Radio Slave's "Grindhouse," the pounding rework of "Spastik" and to finish at 6.30 am, the irresistible rolling percussion of his remix of Minilogue's "Jamaica."
After this night, it's clear to see The End & AKA are closing in style, giving the venues the send-off they deserve. After nearly 15 years of attracting international talent, it is true that all good things must come to an end. With Dubfire and Nic Fanciulli, I thoroughly enjoyed my goodbye.