Now, if there is one night in Birmingham that deserves your respect, it has to be the fantabulous Drop Beats Not Bombs. And Audio-Freq turned out to get the lowdown on what was happening last Saturday...
I will have to begin with a small disclaimer - we were a little concerned at Audio-Freq that the loss of certain aspects of the Custard Factory to commercial developers would have a bit of a detrimental effect on the layout of this year's 'Drop Beats' street festival spectacular. We could not be more wrong...
Spanning not only the Custard Factory, Boxxed and Space 2, but also out all over the streets of Digbeth, the 'Drop Beats' crew served an unmissable smorgasbord of music and underground culture fresh from Brumtown. 10 music arenas, kicking out all sorts: D&B, Dubstep, Techno, Minimal, Electro and a sneaky bit of Dancehall here and there, kept the throngs of hyped up boys and girls dancing into the early hours of the morning. An extra special mention must go to the University of Birmingham 1210 Society, who smashed out set after back-to-back set up in the Medicine Bar, where the atmosphere was jumping and the people sweaty.
And to keep everyone entertained whilst wandering from stage to stage, the whole of the Boxxed arena was section off for a fantastic display of graffiti art, from which the heady fumes of tinned paint crept out over the crowd (Audio-Freq has to admit it spent more than a fair few minutes sniffing the air, trying to get a quick buzz). We have to say, it was a bit of a shame not to see some stages inside Boxxed, due to the great quality Function 1 soundsystem they use on most of their nights, but you cant win them all! Incidently, Boxxed do some FANTASTIC stuff in Brum, so check them out here...
All in all then? Abso-bloody-lutely brilliant. Another corker from Drop Beats Not Bombs. We have to admit, there is nothing better than rolling out into the streets of Digbeth at 6.30am, Red Stripe in hand, shit-eating grin on face, and realising not only have you had the best night you've had in a long time, but that the money you spent doing so went to a good cause.
spot on.
I enjoyed the night rather a lot but feel that there was a lack of dubstep (one appreciates that it is a drum and bass night first and formost), it didn't get grimey enough towards the end of the night and though the venues were all good, it felt rather sparse in areas. There was a definite lack of a central, communal area but the addition of a fast food van was inspired!
ReplyDeleteStill a great night but there is a huge amount of competition between the Triangle of Bass (Rainbow, HMV, Custard). To stay at the top of its game the Custard Factory will have to pull its socks up.
aye, we see what you mean Dr. Funions. It was also a shame not see the standard Custard Factory Thai Curry stand. always a treat.
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