An Evening With... Skream review

Image: Sarah Koury (Here & Now)

In:Motion has become the backbone of Bristol's constantly expanding club scene, championing the biggest names in underground house, techno and bass for gargantuan showcases and captivating extended sets. Most notably the 'An Evening With’ sessions have challenged artists to go the extra mile for the almost insatiable crowds.

It was Skream's marathon music showcase we were preparing for earlier this month, the night would entail a full six-hour set from one of the most influential and diverse figures in the global dance scene.

Having recently completed a mammoth Open To Close US tour, we knew he was up to the task, but there was speculation as to whether or not he’d have burnt himself out, particularly after hearing about the cancellation of his last date of the tour. We were soon to get confirmation about Skream's unwavering performance.

As the clock struck midnight the main attraction stepped up to the decks to begin his lengthy stint in the Marble Factory venue. To begin, Skream paced his set with soothing, house beats with a solid groove. A standout track from the introductory hours of the night was, ‘Come On Now’ by Francis Inferno Orchestra (below), a sultry and funky selection that eased the crowd in.

Things were, as you’d expect, taken up a notch by powerful basslines and stomping house tunes later on in the evening. Skream soon adopted a hypnotic rhythm, introducing a strong bass-led core that would have tracks gyrating throughout the night. A prime example of this was when DJ Le Roi’s ‘You Don’t Know’ was thrust upon us. 

A few of Skream's new tracks were road-tested, going down well with the boisterous bunch, but it was his remix of Chemical Brothers’ ‘Sometimes I Feel So Deserted’ (below) which had the room bouncing with pure elation. Edging on to about 4am, we were treated even further to an underground extravaganza of illustrious sounds.

The highlight of the night arrived when Skream presented us with Bicep’s 2015 edit of Dominica’s 1995 hit track ‘Gotta Let You Go’, a crowd favourite and a go-to track for most artists, it's a bouncy belter which oozes nineties style. 

Any doubts prior to the night about whether Skream was up to it were erased by his signature stage presence, assorted set and the rapturous crowd response. It was a strong, satisfying set that was suitably closed with an absolute classic in the form of Hot 8 Brass Band's ‘Sexual Healing’.

An evening spent with Skream consisted of big tunes, a happy crowd and a new respect for the DJ and producer. 

Read more: Kerri Chandler and Skream to play Mint Warehouse birthday

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