Review: Chibuku Relaunch with Bicep, PBR Streetgang and more

Image: Gary Brown

The relaunch of Chibuku signals the beginning of arguably the best time of year for dance music events. As the leaves change higher education newbies explore the city, and oldies return to their posts. The Autumn period is a paramount segment of the rave calendar; it’s a chance for events to showcase their concepts to new audiences, and also secure their position in the hearts of experienced party goers. 

With all that in mind, it was essential that Chibuku’s inaugural seasonal event made a big impression, on regulars and first-timers alike. The already hugely established and respected club night started as it meant to go on, and on Saturday 20th September, the East Village Arts Club housed a giant underground line up featuring Bicep, Skream, PBR Streetgang, Artwork and Ben Pearce.

Warming up the Theatre was Chibuku’s new resident, SG Lewis (check out our interview and mix from the starlet here). His set was laced with melodic house, and then moved confidently towards funky, bass house. Despite having only spent a few occasions behind the decks in this epic main room, he was at ease and took control of the crowd with tracks like Bondax's 'Baby I Got That' and Ten Walls 'Requiem'.

As is the case with most Chibuku events, both rooms were rammed with talent of equal measures, which proves difficult when scheduling your whereabouts. Artwork played upstairs to a packed out Loft, the air was humid and thick but the music drew attention away from the oppressive conditions. He wavered through funky, electo beats including Todd Terje's 'Strandbar'.

Touring the East Village Arts Club alone is an experience, what appears to be a maze of red stairs and back doors leads to the most absorbing musical experiences, and back down in the Theatre, PBR Streetgang were doing their thing, the set was driven by deep groves as the crowd bopped along contently.

As their set drew to a close, they upped the ante and delivered bigger tunes with thunderous bass, provoking massive reactions. The stand out tune was courtesy of the trumpet filled Smith N' Hack remix of Herbert's 'Moving Like A Train' (listen above). The dramatic pauses and climaxes throughout the track, along with the strobe made the room erupt.

The Belfast duo Bicep took to the decks after them, diving straight into retro sounding tracks including 'Coconuts' by Cajmere and Gene Farris. Their tune selections flutter between heavier techno, and funky 80s beats. It sets them apart from the rest; never boring, never predictable, always quality.

They injected the crowd with a new lease of life. The roaring bass showed not a hint of remorse, and their mature, intelligent approach to house music left the crowd in awe, as always. Their sound is so distinguished, and continues to be executed with style and finesse, making for an excellently reliable start to the serious rave business in Liverpool once more.

Chibuku host their next event on Saturday 4th October with Duke Dumont, Oneman, Bontan and more. See the full line up and get tickets here.