- After bringing the likes of Steve Bug and Jeff Mills to Leeds in recent months, one of the north's premiere promoters, System, celebrated its second birthday last week by playing host to Loco Dice and his Desolat label. Following a memorable set for System last year in the same club—Dice played for five hours longer than expected—this night had a high standard to live up to.
With System consistently selling-out advance tickets for their recent monthly nights, it was no surprise to enter a bustling club upon arrival. Exuberant, fresh-faced revellers occupied every available space in the club, awaiting a repeat of Dice's last Leeds appearance. With Mint's white doors seeming to spill way past the club's capacity, however, it's clear that System has undeniably outgrown its spiritual home and needs to be careful not to overcrowd the intimate venue, as it dampens the atmosphere and the ability to dance, which can be aggravating considering the costly ticket prices.
Photo credit: Nik Torrens
Desolat confederate tINI warmed up with an energetic DJ set, while Guti provided a live performance interspersed with jazzy piano samples and melodic hooks, creating something a bit different to other artists in the Desolat stable. Despite a few sound interruptions, Guti's beaming attitude, paired with tINI's backing-dance delights, kept faces smiling and feet moving.
Unsurprisingly, though, Loco Dice proved to be the highlight of the night. Under Mint's candescent canopy of LED lights, he began his set with countless phones and cameras in the air pointing in his direction. Through meritorious word of his previous performance, he seems to have garnered a formidably strong status in Leeds, and this isn't surprising, as his DJing intensified the energy tenfold. There were a few slack moments of mixing, but the set remained captivating because of the overall coalescence of musical styles and directions.
Photo credit: Nik Torrens
Desolat classics like "Mousa Big Band" featured, but it was the inclusion of a cappellas like the Jungle Brothers' "I'll House You," which really demonstrated his indomitable knack for moving a crowd. It wasn't quite the same as last year, but Desolat succeeded in exhibiting a friendly, family connection between both artists and audience, with tINI cavorting on the dance floor while her own "That's Right" played out, and Dice joined the crowd during his last song as well.
He may not have surpassed his last momentous Leeds appearance, but it was a different night: Dice was busy presenting the Desolat label—not himself—this time around. Based on the response they received, they'll all be back in Leeds very soon.