PlayDub @ Nation
Written by Rachael Carpenter

The JMU students who run PlayDub have seen yet more success, with a fantastic night at Nation, home of one of the biggest club nights in the world. I do wonder if they’re ever going to stop, world domination certainly seems imminent.

 

Managing to bring in such big acts as Channel One Sound Sytem and Noisia was impressive in itself. Radio One’s Mary Anne Hobbs was also billed to play but unfortunately she was ill, nevertheless Stenchman was enlisted as a replacement. Although there was obviously disappointment over Hobbs not playing, there couldn’t have been much better a consolation prizethan Stenchman.

Hard to choose who I enjoyed most, I think Foreign Beggars would just about take the prize for ‘Rachael’sfavourite act of the night.’ It seemed like they were never going to get off the stage, with their fantastic energy and grimey sounds I found it physically impossible to stop dancing. I use the term ‘dancing’ loosely; the pictures tell a very different story. Sadly I appear to have no rhythm. Dutch Drum & Bass trio Noisia brought a different vibe to the night, with their own record label they have complete creative control of their music and that was fully evident from the mix of beats and passion pumping out of the speakers. Channel One Sound System, one of the best known and most established dub and reggae acts in the world were an extremely high point, bringing the sound of the Caribbean to Liverpool and asmile to everyone’s faces.

After an early morning finish, confused crowds walked home in a flurry of snow. Regardless of all of our complaints about the ridiculous British weather, it was actually quite nice to cool down.

It is impossible to describe just how much I enjoyed my night, it was a refreshing change from nights such as Chibuku (which was on simultaneously), with a more interesting line up and a more enjoyable crowd. Those nights are beginning to over-flow with people fresh on the dance music band wagon, but PlayDub seems to draw in those with a real love of the music and it is clear that everyone behind the night has real passion and a huge amount of drive. I can’t recommend their nights enough. Keep your eyes peeled for the next one.