This is TMRW presents Erol Alkan review

Image: Erol Alkan

After last year's successful May the fourth Bank Holiday special, it was only right to have back in full force the mighty eclectic selector that is Erol Alkan return to the Hare and Hounds. It proved to be another unforgettable and unmissable night, which saw support in the form of Phantasy label's Nathan Gregory Wilkens and local residents Scott Bleepz and Deano Ferrino.

Promoting the shindig was alternative party starters This Is TMRW, who have been in the business for an impressive eight years running leftfield gigs and club nights at many established music venues around Birmingham. They've seen performances from the likes of Connan Mockasin, Mac Demarco previously and will welcome ex Late of the Pier singer Sam Dust's new incarnation as LA Priest for his debut in the second city. 

As we entered the main room of the intimate surroundings showed for an impressive and pulsating evening ahead, the atmosphere already in full swing as one half of techno duo Cowboy Rhythmbox's Nathan Gregory Wilkins kicked off the nights proceedings by playing a mixture of current bangers, including Dirtybird mainstay Kill Frenzy's pumping 'All Night Long' alongside a meaty selection of 80s disco and house jams.

The room was filled almost to the brim with revellers ready to lose their inhibitions as Phantasy head honco Erol Alkan took to the decks. A DJ for over a staggering 20 years and with a number of productions and remixes under his belt, this guy's influence can be seen and heard in many of today's up and coming DJs, as well with prominent techno and electro selectors of the past 10 years. He's a true originator that isn’t afraid to bush boundaries or defy genres.

The indie dance pioneer's set saw him give a throw back to the rawness of his now legendary Trash club nights via Tiga's throbbing electroclash anthem 'Louder Than A Bomb' (below), which left the sweaty masses hungry for more filthy intense goodness.

This didn't stop here, as he played Glenn Underground's insane remix of Donna Summer's staple 'I Feel Love' which really got the clubbers throwing their hands in the air and reaching for the rooms big shiny disco ball. As the nights activities went on the debauchery continued, epitomised by when Erol dropped Bjarki's primal 'I Wanna Go Bang', sending the ravers off into a vibrant frenzy.

Finishing off the festivities was a special back to back set between FACE co founder Scott Bleepz and Magic Door resident Deano Ferrino. The final hour consisted of a range of heavy hitting club classics, in the shape of Alan Braxe's French house favourite 'Intro' and Booka Shade's electro fuelled 'Mandarine Girl', both helping the crowd carry on the nights wild antics.

Once again Alkan managed to deliver a resoundingly brilliant example of why he has been top of his game for so long in a venue perfectly suited to his genre bending brilliance. We can't wait for the master to return.

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