krankbrother

Data Transmision: Krankbrother BBQ Terrace/Loft Party with DJ.T & Todd Terje

posted on May 28, 2012 by danny

“Krankbrother? What kind of a name is that? It’ll never catch on.” This is more or less what I said a few years ago when a friend told me about his friends’ (then) minimal techno night in South London. How wrong I was. In a relatively short space of time, krankbrother has grown to become one of the capital’s biggest house and techno draws, pulling in some of the world’s biggest names for all manner of rooftop, warehouse and terrace parties in East London. Today they venture West for one of their biggest parties yet, as the marvelous Loft Studios plays host to the unofficial start of summer.

Daytime focuses on the terrace area, a space that’s usually for those needing some cancer stick action, the space fast reaching capacity following our entrance at 6 PM for the start of Nordic disco don Todd Terje’s three-hour set. Noise restrictions aside, Terje makes the most of the wattage on offer to slowly weave a compelling story of his musical identity over the course of 180 minutes. The time flies by (I think that means we’re enjoying it?) as he attempts to tease the sun out with Cheek’s french filter house classic Sunshine People, and gives plenty of nods to the past (Tom Tom Club’s inimitable Wordy Rappinghood and an obligatory Donna Summer tribute, Hot Stuff).

Terje mixes like a demon, connecting the dots in effortless and logical fashion, working the mixer to its fullest to enhance his bevvy of gems. The nu disco selection he’s best known for (the saccharine bounce-fest Inspector Norse of course making a much-anticipated appearance) makes way to tougher-edged, chunkier, pacier material that he’s less associated with. As always, it’s an impeccable selection, and before long we arrive at the gargantuan arpeggios and spine-tingling of Pryda’s classic F12. It’s an immensely satisfying moment for this Pryda fan boy, vindicated by his musing that Terje and Prydz share a lot of common musical DNA, and that there’s an Eric Prydz production to suit pretty much any house, disco, electro or techno club – and slay it in the process.

It elicits the biggest reaction of the day – not bad for a four year old track that I’d wager hardly anyone here could name, by an artist that few of them would probably profess to like. It’s testament to Prydz’s utter comprehension of the dancefloor, and also of Terje’s skill as a selector, thinking outside the box and drawing on five decades worth of music during his perfect set. This is the second time I’ve seen him do his Nordic thing, and I can safely say he’s one of the very best DJs around.

Residents and promoters krankbrothers take over next with another brilliantly eclectic set that starts on a Hot Creations sort of vibe before splintering off into different directions of sheer rudeness. Justin Martin’sRuff Stuff and some garagey flavours amp things up another few notches amidst some truly sordid tech house, the packed terrace now in full swing while the two indoor rooms begin to get underway. krankbrother agency DJ and Get Physical / Kindisch signing Adeline lights the touchpaper in the sweaty loft, dishing out all manner of rolling techy and tribal-tinged grooves to an appreciative audience, before boss of the aforementioned labels, DJ T, steps up to the platters to deliver one of his funk-fuelled sets and take the night into sixth gear.

The marvellous Butcher & Baker serve up some delectable philly cheesesteaks all the while, with meat cooked to perfection by one Struan Robertson (check his excellent blog, www.modernmeat.co.uk) – a former ad worker who gave up his job in London to become a butcher. His story mirrors that of the promoters of krankbrothers, who did the very same thing to pursue their dreams of making this increasingly popular party brand into a fully-fledged business.

They’ve come a long way, baby. The rise and rise of krankbrother sees them take in Eastern Electric and Gottwood festivals this summer, plus a yacht in Ibiza, and more London sun traps to boot – all in addition to their burgeoning DJ agency. Get yourself down to one of their parties, and don’t be surprised if their mini-empire continues to grow and proliferate over the next year.