14th November
Sankeys
9/10
Tribal Sessions & Content’s 5th Anniversary, bolstered by the prestige of the chosen venue Sankeys, attracts a diverse, all-ages crowd ready to hear Boddika’s unique production showcased by the respected master himself. On the night, the Sankeys interior is typically understated but is brought to life by the swampy, techno-heavy sets in the main room and the healthy contrast of disco-house flavoured vibrancy upstairs.
The appearance of the main attraction is preceded first by a series of techno tools primed for elevation. As they are dropped one by one, anticipation builds to palpable levels, pupils dilate and limbs begin to move restlessly and rhythmically in time with the pounding percussive noise. Boddika’s arrival on stage is heralded by his typically trademark sound of murky bass and ruthless driving beats, textured by electro and indebted to the forerunners of the entire dance music spectrum, from garage to breakbeat. As Inner City’s ‘Big Fun’ Detroit synths cut through the pulsating fog of sound during Boddika’s introductory movement, the atmosphere spirals to ecstatic realms.
From behind the decks, the London-based face of cutting-edge orchestrates a barrage of dirge-driven bangers, interrupted occasionally to bring the crowd teases and excerpts of his phenomenal work with fellow experimental vanguard Joy Orbison. As the dark roars of Boddika’s ‘Mercy VIP’ blast through the sound system the crowd screams in appreciation and as the set draws to a close it’s handshakes all round for Boddika and nearby audience members.
Boddika’s current output, amongst that of contemporaries, is aiding experimental dance music’s outreach into new and exciting territory, and on the night, the sound of London’s underground is brought to Manchester with electrifying results.
