Say the word ‘toxic’ and – like it or not – Britney Spears’ 2004 number one dance hit comes to mind immediately. But this poison paradise comes from a different source – the newest nightlife hangout at St James Power Station, TOXIC, which takes over the massive space of former dance club Powerhouse (it closed last July). Don’t worry though, there’s nothing deadly about the place; its name comes from the word ‘intoxicated’ because… well, that’s just what happens to people at parties.
The club threw a three-day bash to celebrate its soft launch at the end of November 2013, featuring a bevy of hot international model/DJ guests like Mari Ferrari, Seherezade and Ngelik, and will kick off its official opening sometime next month. There have been some slight revamps to the space – look out for a LED-lit staircase up to the new second-storey VIP mezzanine area (to add to the old one), a DJ booth that’s been boosted up on a higher podium (so you can make googly eyes at that hot DJ you’ve been checking out), two dance platforms with railings (for drunk dancers to hold on to), a couple of cosy velvety couches lining the sides of the dance floor, and ‘toxic’ décor elements, just to name a few.
That’s all meant to set itself apart from St James’ previous occupant; notably, TOXIC is one of the few properties at the complex (there are nine in total) that isn’t owned by the St James Holdings company. They’re open from Wednesday to Saturday, with weekly themed parties like Luxuriate Nights with DJ Yenn and DJ Will on Wednesdays (essentially a ladies’ night shindig with free entry and drinks for the fairer sex, as well as one-for-one Mumm Champagne bottles); Bottles Up Thursday featuring the same two beatsmiths, one-for-one house pour bottle promos and complimentary entry for all; and Therapy Fridays showcasing resident DJ Effen.
Of course, their signature drink is named after the club: ‘TOXIC’ ($88) is a strong concoction served in a skull-shaped jug that glows an eerie shade of red – great for sharing.
If you’ve been a serial club-hopper, you’ll probably recognise DJ Will, who brings his 28 years of experience in the nightlife scene to the table along with his mix of ’80s retro, house, hip hop and R&B tunes. Also well-known in the industry is DJ/producer Effen, who has been around since 2004, throwing down his trademark sound of progressive house at places like Zirca and Avalon. DJ Yenn rounds out the residents as the only female of the trio, but the up-and-coming DJ holds her own well against the two veterans.
Planning on being a regular? Their membership card is available for $288 – you can also get it by spending $1,000 in one night. It offers priority free entry for you and three friends, invites to exclusive parties, special birthday treats and more. They’ve also got TOXIC Ladies and VIP cards available by-invite-only.
Oh, and did we mention TOXIC stays open all the way until 6am in the morning? So if you’re at a club where the harsh lights flicker on at 4am sharp and you’re not all partied out yet, you can still get your dose of TOXIC, where the booze keeps flowing and the beats keep pumping till sunrise.
Before 11pm & after 3am: Men $15, women $10; after 11pm: Men $25, women $20, includes one drink.