A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To The Peer Hat

 

EMOM can be a life of woe!

The life of an EMOM performer is filled with woe. Take poor Steve Hardaker of Hardaker and Zux. On the way to play Bleep 17 last Thursday, he had a blowout and couldn't make the gig. Cue a small army of performers who had put their names down to play but hadn't been picked, secretly crossing fingers and waiting by their phones for the call to fill in. 

In the end, the gap was plugged by our host for the night, the inimitable DJ Johnny Deluxe, who performed a longer set to pad the evening. 

Spinmeister Johnny Deluxe playing an extended set to cover for Steve H.

 But what of the other acts? 

 Well, as usual for BLEEP, I had a curfew of 9pm. In this case, it was a super strict curfew because ASLEF was taking action, and pretty much every train out of Manchester that night had a service announcement warning of possible disruption. So, what did I get to experience before I had to leave?

Engines is a new one to me, but nonetheless he didn't fail to please. A resonant opening with creative use of beat frequencies put me in mind of OMD's use of ring modulator in tracks such as The Romance Of the Telescope. This slowly gave way to the main breakbeat vibe. Fast, but chilled out at the same time. A very satisfying sound. 

Engines satisfying the audience with fast but chilled vibes.

 

Sola Guinto blended jungle, breaks and guitar work with some straight-talking, sometimes angry, feminist lyrics, both sung and rapped. Serious energy; a very tight and commercial sound. A real crowd pleaser. Seek her out. You won't be disappointed.

Sola Guinto bringing the noise!

The final act I managed to see was someone I've waited a long time to catch: Crystal Maps. His assured performance mixes beats, electronica and breaks into a blend of electro that looks almost effortless.

Crystal Maps making his complex blend look effortless.

My big regret was not seeing Blue Leaf (AKA Duncan Knowles) perform. I saw his extended set at the April Shrewsbury EMOM and thought it was excellent. I suspect the Peer Hat's welcoming crowd gave his mix of DnB, breakcore and some slower half-speed takes on both a rousing welcome.

While watching the acts and keeping an eye on the time lest I become a victim of ASLEF's dispute, I also caught up with Steve Sellick. Steve's plans for a Liverpool EMOM are gathering pace, so expect an announcement later in the summer. The current plan is to hold it somewhere near Aintree, but this may change. I personally don't mind where it is as long as there's parking nearby. Libby and I will be there. Marjorie the satnav is adept at guiding us along the nation's motorways, and advising when to take a diversion due to incoming traffic data. Google Maps for the win, there. This maybe the best use humanity ever finds for AI.

Speaking of parking, the more I learn about what it's like to be a regular EMOM performer, the more I realise the value in good parking. There are no such worries this week as Libby and I venture down to Derby, and a return to the excellent Dubrek Studios on Thursday 16th May. The day after sees us venture over the Pennines to Doncaster to the Skate Co-operative. Both promise to be banging nights. 

See you at the EMOM!


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