It’s Halloween week in Manchester (and if our sources are correct: internationally), perhaps the only occasion during which punters are encouraged to go out looking as terrible as possible. It’s also one of the busiest weekends of the year, especially as it falls squarely on a Friday for 2014, and while many of the usual suspects are even more hellish and full of blokes dressed as Smurfs than usual, there’s fortunately an even greater range of spots to get a decent dance on without hearing ‘Thriller’ three or four times in one evening… Although, just the once is fine, of course.
Wednesday October 29
Jacques Greene (Live AV Show) - Soup Kitchen, Stevenson Square
Canadian artist Jacques Greene is arguably not only among contemporary electronic music’s most talented figures, but he’s certainly one of its most ambitious, while still maintaining a credibility that seamlessly stretches across house, techno, pop and R&B. Although Greene has had some relatively recent dates as a DJ in Manchester, his current live A/V setup is an all-analog experience that melds his floor-filling but understated sound with a poignant and transfixing visual element that melds Greene’s experience as both a musician and a multimedia artist. Complementing his live set (and creating a midweek party atmosphere) are Maurice Alexander, and last week’s featured DJ, Soup Kitchen’s own Dan Hampson.
Friday October 31
Meat Free with Legowelt - Joshua Brooks
Meat Free might be known best an all-female DJ collective, but they’re willing to bend the gender binary rules a little when the opportunity arises, such as the arrival of none other than Legowelt. A Dutch electronic musician, real name Danny Woolfers, Legowelt has risen from techno punk squat raves to the ranks of one of the underground world’s most celebrated, not to mention prolific musicians. And his live set constitutes the billing; while it’d be impossible for him to transport his full studio to Joshua Brooks’ basement, expect analogue delights, with further offbeat selections from residents all night long.
Coded Rhythm and Ghosts of Garage - The Zoo
Ghosts of Garage would surely be unwise to miss Halloween of all occasions, and so in conjunction with Coded Rhythm, they present one of bass music’s contemporary pioneers and controversialists, Zomby. Currently working on new original material, the ‘Where Where U In 92’ producer is set to spin garage, jungle, hardcore and whatever else pops into his brain. Joining him for similarly heavy sounds are Manchester’s own Acre, plus Torai and the Coded Rythym resident DJs. War dubs at the ready.
Saturday November 1
Mr Scruff’s Keep it Unreal - Band on the Wall
Packing out Band on the Wall each and every month, the inimitable Mr. Scruff once again has full reign over the venue’s powerful sound system, digging deep into his notoriously eclectic selection to play jazz, funk, hip-hop, soul, disco, latin and much more, for one of the most laid-back and open-minded crowds in the city. Scruff almost needs no introduction at this stage, but the jammed crowd each month tells you all you need to know about the sustained quality of his sets.
Words: John Thorp
Find more club nights and music events here