- The 30th birthday of Eskulap has spanned a series of memorable events with renowned and acclaimed DJs and producers. This particular night was given over to guest stars Benga & Skream, Scuba and Shackleton.
As I entered the club, Benga and Skream were kicking off their back-to-back set. Though I had heard that the event had attracted clubgoers from the distant regions of the country and was one of the most anticipated nights in Poznan, I still hadn't imagine that the club would be as packed as it was. You could hardly get to the middle of the dance floor, and right in front of the DJs an enormous moshpit was in full force. The records spun by the two young Brits were as dense as the air in the room.
Their set was typified by ultra-aggressive tracks, drill-like bass lines, sonic disorientation and frequent start-stop mixing. The violent records were intertwined with some digital funk (Joker or Skream's recent remix output, for example) and jungle-like drum patterns. Although moods and tempos changed rapidly throughout, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the constant "push harder" attitude near the end. It was a solid performance, though, and seeing Benga freaking out to the music was rather unforgettable.
As Scuba took control of the decks, at least a fourth of the people left the room. Beginning with "Hyph Myngo" he quickly took his set into more techno-like territories. The boundaries between techno and dubstep were impossible to spot. At the end, as he mashed-up Jeff Mills' "The Bells" with wobbly basslines, the enthusiasm of the crowd hit its peak. It was a masterful example of Scuba's DJ skills, but there were more than a few complaints about his set "not being true" or "monotonous" among those in attendance. For me, it was one of the most forward-thinking mixes I've heard in a long time.
At 3 AM, Shackleton began his live act. I was extremely surprised by the energy that emanated from the speakers. Listening to his recent productions, I thought that we would be treated to a contemplative after hours set. Instead, we got a ferocious bass assault that shook the room, clothes and glasses. Shrieks, psychedelic mumblings and elaborate drum patterns were omnipresent throughout, all adding up to what was a horrifying—and awesome—experience. Despite all the atrocity contained in the music, it was fiercely danceable, though only the minority of attendants were left to admire this spectacle.
Both musically and in terms of a vibe, the night was an enormous success. Though some didn't admire the final two acts, they found their place in the upper room where a more "classic" approach to bass music was presented. As a result, it was a night to remember for just about everyone there.