- I have to admit I had very high expectations leading up to the Poker Flat ten-year anniversary party at Mezzanine. Steve Bug's label created the sonic blueprint upon which the current minimal techno explosion was built. Ten years ago, when techno had become lost in one-dimensional rhythm-only tracks, the imprint subverted the scene with its fresh take on the genre. Dark, funky bass lines were driven by sparse, hypnotic rhythms; eerie melodies were punctuated with seductive vocal snippets. Poker Flat helped bring techno back to the main room of clubs everywhere by bringing both sensuality and musicality back into the equation.
I have only had the opportunity to see Bug spin once before, and came away with the sense that I had only seen a glimpse of his DJ prowess. Therefore, I walked into Mezzanine wanting to see the man performing at the level that has made him a legendary figure. I arrived a little after 11 PM, having, unfortunately, missed the opening set by Dory, a talented DJ based in LA, but with John Tejada already in control of the sound I could already feel the energy immediately upon entry.
Photo credit: Pilar Woodman
The party was promoted by listed Productions and their pairing of John Tejada with Steve Bug was a perfect choice. Tejada has a loyal following in the Bay Area, myself included. With an extensive discography of tracks that are both classy and quality, Tejada is the direct musical offspring of the classic Detroit sound defined by Derrick May and Carl Craig. Tonight was no different, as Tejada stirred the crowd up slowly with syncopated rhythms simmering in warm sonic textures.
As his set progressed, Tejada began to punctuate the classic techno rhythms with unexpected turns into more abstract territories but with a restraint that always kept a sense of tension in the air. Then, about ten minutes before Bug was to perform, he finally allowed the room to release with a well-timed breakdown followed by a hands-in-the-air-inducing beat drop. Tejada is one of the most underrated DJs in the States, his mixing talents often overshadowed by his reputation as an excellent producer.
Photo credit: Pilar Woodman
Finally, slightly past 1 AM—the dance floor now heated to the perfect temperature—it was time for Bug to take control of the sonic reins. A dirty beat began to slowly assert itself into the groove, the clean edges of Tejada's last track began to fray, and by the end of the transition, the room had suddenly gotten a little more raw. The crowd was all for it, and responded in kind. Bug began to build the intensity of the sound with each new track culminating in a stunning breakdown that revealed a melody that was both abstract and uplifting.
When the beat dropped, Bug began to let loose, dancing along with the crowd to the sublime rhythm. From there, Bug began working the room with a more house-centric sound than I had anticipated, but it kept the vibe of the room both loose and elated for the rest of the night. Everyone was dancing to the constant flow of choice tracks Bug selected and enthusiastically showed their appreciation with smiles and sweat. I left that night with a sense of satisfaction: the music was pure quality, and the crowd was having fun. And that, after all, is what it's all about.