It was that time of year again, Printworks season opening. After the announcement of the stellar set of shows for this season back in August, we’d been looking forward to heading back to one of our favourite venues for an unmissable array of parties spanning the entire dance music spectrum.
For the opening show, Printworks unleashed an eclectic techno lineup consisting of some of the genre’s most in-demand selectors – with many playing their inaugural show at the venue. A refreshing heavily female main room line up saw Amelie Lens, Nicole Moudaber, Nastia, Luigi Madonna, B.Traits, Sofia Kourtesis, and Blasha & Allatt keeping the press halls buzzing with energy all day. Meanwhile, Kiara Scuro, faux naïf x Øliver, Milo Spykers, and Farrago made sure the Funktion-One system in the Dark Room got put to full use.
Aside from welcoming many new artists for their Printworks debut, the venue also saw some blinding new production additions put to full use for the first time. Among the upgrades were custom designed visuals displayed on a huge LED screen behind the DJ booth, bolstered sound systems and a bespoke light configuration at the end of the room capable of illuminating the entire space – perfect for building tension just before the drop.
Whilst it was hard narrowing down to just five, here’s some of our standout tracks from an unforgettable audiovisual experience.
1. B.Traits – I Feel The Music
B.Traits, former Radio 1 DJ now techno-turned master played a heavyweight set of booming, percussive techno. Released almost a year ago on Drumcode, “I Feel The Music” is a progressive techno stomper that got a huge crowd reaction in the press halls. The hard hitting bass with the rough vocals erupted onto the dance floor, leaving the crowd listening with rapture as the moody purple/pink spotlights darted across the dark room.
2. Dax J – The Tyranny
Nastia, the Ukrainian DJ known to not conform played an outstanding set. She’s been known to play industrial techno, experimental, house or DnB, and this time we were treated to a special industrial techno set with a DnB finish. A stand out track for us, Dax J’s “The Tyranny” set the press halls alight with the lighting rig throwing out strobes, lasers, and dashing light beams. What a performance.
3. Stratton – Coming
This breakbeat-fuelled 90s rave homage took us by surprise amongst Nicole Moudaber’s heavy techno selections. Creating a real shift of pace, the track which turned many heads on the night was complemented by the mind-bending visuals on display. A memorable return to Printworks for esteemed artist.
4. Nico Moreno – Purple Widow
A track which perfectly define’s Amelie Lens playing style – fast and furious. The Belgian techno starlet made her long awaited debut at Printworks and closed the night in emphatic fashion. “Purple Widow” forms part of a 4 track EP by the same name released in May this year on Insolent Rave Records.
5. Peder Mannerfelt – Sissel & Bass (Perc remix)
As we drew towards the closing moments of the night, Amelie took us deeper into the underworld. What can only be described as hell-spawn, the ominous vocals and chaotic sounds of Perc’s “Sissel & Bass” remix worked perfectly in sync with the venue’s hypnotic strobes and visuals.
An incredible opening to 2019’s Autumn/Winter season at Printworks London, with the venue again proving why its one of the leading venues in the UK. Never choosing to sit still and become complacent, each year since their opening has seen continuous developments and refinements to craft what is a truly unique rave space.
Cover Image : Jake Davis (Hungry Visuals)
ratemyrave.com 