The Warehouse Project - Manchester, The Metropolis Birthday Live Review

Review of The Metropolis Birthday at The Warehouse Project, Manchester on 5th Dec 08.

The Warehouse Project

So I finally make it to The Warehouse Project at the venue beneath Piccadilly train station in Manchester. The first location in some ways recreated the old feel of clubbing creating the old underground warehouse feel to a plethora of raving people.

There were some complaints about the sound due to the venue being so big however they certainly seem to have got it right with the Piccadilly train station venue. The '08 events to me oozes cool with the likes of Justice, Dizzee Rascal, Annie Mac, Groove Armada, Jeru the Damaja and a host of other legends playing cutting edge music on select music genre nights. I'm sure all the venues in Manchester will be seething right now. However I wasn't going to complain. I was well looking forward to an old school rave.

The scene was 'The Metropolis Birthday'. This crew have been throwing parties all around the north with success showcasing premier drum and bass legends and setting the stall for progressive pioneers. The line up tonight was outstanding but sadly the headline act LTJ Bukem couldn't make it down.

I arrived and the place was pumping. The sound was spot on and the venue ideal for a d'n'b night. It was great to see so many vibrant young people shocking out to the big bass sounds and you could see the MC's were in for treat. Quality MC's such as GQ, Conrad, Tonn Piper, Daddy Earl, Magika, ID and Skeez were toasting the mic good style.

In Room 1 Prophecy started the night with some big guns as in Room 2 Netik was showing some skills. Both rooms had a great feel. It was serious in Room 1 whilst cool in Room 2(not literally though, it was well hot in there). The visuals added to the ambience but there was no denying this was a quality and unique venue to get people going. It was interesting to note that there was no gangster vibe there at all. It seems those days are over in the commercial world and that's no bad thing.

Skream was up next in Room 2 and you'd guess there was a huge queue to get in there. Quality dub step and a great set as you'd expect from Skream. The Stanton Warriors also played some quality innovative tunes and there was some great skills coming through. Then we had Freestylers and London Elekricity to finish things off and it's no surprise people stayed in there all night. A master class of progressive tunes and a series lessons in DJing to be had by all.

But there were bombs going off in Room 1! The mighty Andy C was smashing the place and everyone was going wild. It's no surprise really as this DJ is up there with the best. And then to follow DJ Hype played some outstanding tunes. A genius d'n'b DJ. To finish the night off we have Noisia, Prophecy again, Mark OD and silver. Wow!

It was a great night due to the great venue, music and lovely people. This venue is soon to be over and it is indeed a shame. Things don't last forever but I reckon people who have had a taste of this will be assured of better things to come. It's nice to see music is still alive and well in Manchester and indeed how cutting edge this city is in the North. Respect to the Warehouse Projects?

Tareck Ghoneim


Site - http://www.thewarehouseproject.com

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