Arguably the best club in the UK hosted another spectacular Ram Records event. The launch party for Sub Focus’ self-titled debut album featured an amazing line-up. Many of the scenes top DJs and producers spread across two rooms. Matter boasts a capacity of over 3000 and hosts a very intelligent lighting display, backed-up by possibly the best club sound system in the UK.
Arriving at the club via a boat from Woolwich, I could already feel the excitement in the air, as rows and rows of ravers queued up outside the O2 arena. There were big names walking around outside, and there was a real sense of community, as well as a very friendly vibe.
By midnight the club was rammed (mind the pun) and the atmosphere was already very lively. Brazil’s DJ Marky was working the bass-bins with some low rumbles. Also showing off his scratching techniques, he was causing a stir.
Shortly after, it was time for Ram’s very own Sub Focus. Celebrating the release of his album on Monday 12th October, he had a lot to show the Matter crowd, including a very creative intro.
After being introduced, he sent a sustained sine-wave pumping through the sound-system, slowly rising in frequency. After about half a minute of anticipation, the first note of ‘Rock It’ struck. With a VIP style re-arranged melody, he already had the ravers on their toes, before mixing Distorted Minds’ ‘T-10’ VIP during the intro. By the time the first track had dropped the audience were engaged in the music. Clipz – Offline VIP soon followed, before the Ram producer showcased many of the tracks from his album.
After getting a taste of Sub Focus’ set I headed for Room 2. After finally finding the second room I walked straight up to the DJ booth to find Tokyo’s finest Drum & Bass DJ Aki. Having never heard him before, I was intrigued to learn about Japan’s Drum & Bass scene. After starting his set with some dark, rolling beats and sub-low bass, he slowly built his set, getting into the dirtier end of the spectrum. His own energy rubbed-off on everyone surrounding the booth, and spread across the entire room. Finding room to play Sub Focus’ ‘World Of Hurt’, before progressing into a Renegade Hardware style with a dark, Japanese edge, he provided the set of the night, leaving everyone who experienced it talking about it for days.
I returned to the main room where Sub Focus finished his set in style, double dropping his own production ‘Let The Story Begin’ with the Ram Trilogy classic ‘Screamer’. This received the best reaction of the night and earned a well-deserved reload.
This paved the way for the worlds biggest Drum & Bass DJ, Andy C. Using his usual fast mixing techniques on three decks, he had the whole crowd involved from the off. Dropping all the usual anthems, such as ‘Take Me Away’, ‘If We Ever’, ‘Stigma’ as well as some unexpected oldskool classics including ‘It’s the Way’, ‘Pulp Fiction’, and ended the 2 hour set with Adam F’s ‘Circles’.
The Valve main man stepped up next, to provide the ravers with the grimy style Drum & Bass. Making full use of the Matter sound system, he spun a selection of his own productions, along-side an array of dirty basslines and crunching beats.
For the last two hours, Spor, Xample and Lomax gave their interpretations on the Drum & Bass sound, each showcasing their own production styles. This rounded up an amazing night that eventually went on till passed half six, as nobody wanted to leave!
Ram returns to Matter on the 12th December with an even bigger and better line-up. It’s going to be possibly the biggest Drum & Bass night of the year, so do not miss it!
Tune of the night: Sub Focus – World Of Hurt (Taken from the forthcoming album ‘Sub Focus’, released 12th October on Ram Records).
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