Club review: The Warehouse 33rd birthday with Frankie Knuckles, 31/03/12

For over three decades now, the three-roomed space has revolved and evolved. Initially starting out in a post punk time, it has seen acid house, disco, minimal and more all come and go, but is still battling on, relevant as ever. In fact, in recent times, it has had something of a resurgence, with key Leeds promotions playing out in the big space each weekend. This weekend, though, it was all about one thing – celebrating.

And who better to help the club do that than living legend Frankie Knuckles, with support from Basics and Hacienda spinner Buckley and cosmic disco funksters Crazy P all in tow, along with the club’s original resident from all those years ago.

Arriving just before midnight, we found the club already bouncing to some party starting house beats. There are newer dance heads, scene veterans and everything in between all going at it together, with the Funktion one ticking everyone’s inner ears all night long.

Crazy P are the first big act up, with the club already at capacity and plenty of lively disco sounds being knitted with more driving but equally sun kissed house. People are clamouring closer and closer to the DJ booth as the intensity levels increase, all in anticipation of headliner Frankie Knuckles.

When he first steps up the place goes wild. Hands are in the air and whoops are winning out all across the dancefloor as all sorts of extra production hangs from the walls and the ceilings. For the next few hours there is no let up as Knuckles works through every conceivable type of house music you can imagine; some fluffy and vocal, some more driving and some stone cold classics from the last 33 years of electronic music.

Up in the cosier Loft room are local DJs spinning a fun blend of funk and soul, with the club’s original resident still holding his own after all these years. Given the vibes of the place in full flow it’s no wonder it has such history and heritage (Soft Cell formed here apparently, amongst other musical highlights).

As the party roles on until after sun up, its hard not to imagine a similar scene in another 33 years’ time.

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