Where did 2006 go??
FUndamental made it's mark in London in 2006, joining forces with Party Proactive to give the BEST clubbing experience London has seen for a while. FUndamental's music policy has always been 'any dance music that’s good!!' It’s a simple formula and its beginning to show.
FUndamental started its life in the VIP room at the first Party Proactive at the start of the year. Having rocked the room as soon as the first needle was placed onto vinyl the promoter decided to give them a bigger stage to show what they could really do. T3 beckoned for the next party and yet again FUndamental pulled out all the stops and totally blew the room apart.
This takes us to where we are today having just celebrated NYE where Fundamental were hosting a room at Brixton Academy along with London giants Heat and The Gallery - no mean feat for a small relatively new party. Fundamental were hosting the VIP room along with other London promotion, Never Enough. Now the VIP room is a difficult one to find in the Academy as it is hidden behind these big wooden doors followed then by a staircase leading upwards. The room itself is very much like a long corridor. There was plenty of seats, its own bar area and toilets and a great view of the main arena. The sound was pretty good in there too with great interaction with the DJ (something I’m always grateful to see).
Fundamental had brought along with the party their ever reliable residents Chris Cee and Alan Banks with rising stars Adam Symbiosis and XI. Never Enough had brought along Eduardo Herrera, Marcio Groove, DJ Paula and Daniel Brandao. It looked like a good line up and I was eager to see how the night would progress. Looking at the set times it seemed like a very well programmed room and when the first track kicked in I knew that the right DJ had been put on first as this minimal house sound came filtering through the speakers.
With the rest of the venue now open people were making their way into the main arena and I joined them just to get a feel of the place. It is an impressive sight as you walk down the sloped floor towards the stage with the lights piercing the darkness it does take your breath away. As the main arena started to fill up I went to check out FUndamental DJ XI who started his set at 10.30. Already there were people making their way up the stairs to get bearings and see what was on offer. I don’t think people really settle in a room on NY until the stroke of midnight happens and this was true in the VIP room as there was a constant movement of people just poking their heads in to see what was happening (lucky there were so many posters around directing them to the room really). XI played a house set which wouldn’t look out of place in Ibiza at famous clubs like Space or DC10. Just a shame there weren’t more people there to hear it, but I’m sure there will be more people enjoying it when XI plays for FUndamental again.
I made my way then down to the main arena to see in New Year with well over 3000 people. Ian Betts and Gavyn Mitchel where doing a back to back set and were clearly loving what they were doing, Gavyn constantly in front of the DJ stand whipping the crowd up into a frenzy. The countdown begun and as the Big Ben chimes echoed across the main arena the chords of ‘Insomnia’ hit out across the crowd. The fire works lit up, the cheers deafening – welcome to 2007. Quite simply the crowd went mad!!!
Now was the time to have a wander around the venue. As you walk into the Academy you are greeted with the foyer area. Playing host was Party Proactive and there was a very large crowd there dancing to techno and hard dance. People seemed to be enjoying it but to be honest it wasn’t my thing. Walking up to the balcony gives you an amazing view of the main area and whilst looking down on the crowded people makes you realize that dance music is still alive and kicking despite what the media say. The lasers were in full effect now and looked truly stunning. The balcony was full of people taking a well earned rest I’m sure but still found the energy to give a cheer when a song was put on that lifted spirits.
I made my way back to the VIP room as I wanted to catch FUndamental resident Chris Cee in action. If you’ve ever met Chris you’ll know what a likable fella he is. Full of enthusiasm for the music he plays. His mix of funk, breaks and electro really hit the spot and all the while during his set the room started to fill with people. Those that were already in the room sitting down started to get up and dance smiles etched across their face whilst the FUsic TV caught peoples attention for photo opportunities. The party in this room had officially started.
Chris handed over to Alan Banks to a room now buzzing with excitement. Alan is known more for his EDM sound which he promotes solidly encompassing trance, techno and house and normally plays at the biggest trance parties in London. For his FUndamental sets however he drops the trance and plays pure tuff house (think Marco V here people) something which few DJs are able to do. His set takes over from Chris perfectly and raises the tempo to an already happy room. He drops a remix of ‘Blue Monday’ and the crowd responds and more and more people join the fray and hips and arms are daning like mad. A great set and proof that these two DJs really are London’s best kept secret.
Adam Symbiosis takes over from Alan and plays a mixture of classics, famous remixes and plenty of funk. He commands the room and keeps people stuck to the dancefloor. Many of you may of seen Adam in clubs around London and he is a very accomplished DJ. The set went quickly it seemed (always a good sign that you were enjoying yourself) and we waited for Eduardo Herrera to step up to the decks. Alas he didn’t show so we were treated to a back to back from Chris Cee and Adam Symbiosis to close the room. Loads of classics ensued lots of fun and lots of energy (these are becoming a bit legendary of you remember the last time these two paired up at Thirsty Thursday!!)
The room closed at 5.30 with lots of happy people. But where did the time go? Who cares where the time went. We danced, we partied, we laughed, we hugged, we made idiots of ourselves, we dressed up, we didn’t take ourselves too seriously – isn’t that what clubbing is all about. FUndamental know what its all about, I suggest you check them out.
For more info check
http://www.fusic.co.uk/
http://www.alanbanks.co.uk/
http://www.chriscee.com/
FUundamental are back hosting T3 for Party Proactive on 24th March at Turnmills Click here for more info and tickets