While the majority of the city’s focus sets on Oasis’s homecoming shows, innovative Brixton duo Basement Jaxx deliver a theatrically energised performance at Castlefield Bowl for the conclusion of Manchester’s Sounds of the City.
A diverse range of ages, most eccentrically dressed, glitter-faced and sunglasses clad, descend on Castlefield Bowl for what is a sweltering summer evening. A fervid atmosphere pervades the jam-packed crowd as showtime approaches, and both the weather and the venue’s open-air design create an ideal setting to watch a group who are essential summer listening.
Like their music, Basement Jaxx’s stage design is extravagantly garish, transforming the bowl into an exotically avant-garde clubland. An incredible ensemble of dancers, vocalists and musicians joins the big beat pioneers as the set kicks off with the 2004 single, ‘Good Luck’. The Grammy-nominated track’s catchy bassline and soul-influenced sound rings around the ground to an encouraging reception from the 8,000 spectators.
Felix Buxton, inhabiting an unorthodox hole in the ground DJ booth, holds his arms high while Simon Ratcliffe takes up guitar duties for the infectiously fun ‘Bingo Bango’. Its four-to-the-floor elements fuse with Latin-inspired sounds to keep up the blistering momentum. Despite the heat, the crowd are in top form as they smile, swig pints and bop along to Basement Jaxx’s maximalist hits.
A performer donning an elaborate flower costume takes to the stage as ‘Raindrops’ slows the tempo before the driving beat of ‘Do Your Thing’ provides a midpoint highlight. It’s big-band grooves and layered house foundation flow seamlessly into the funkiness of ‘Red Alert’ – another certified fan favourite. The track’s classic dance elements remain blissfully fresh while its bouncy rhythm, screeching synths and feel-good 70s beats urge the crowd to bask in the summertime glory.
The unmistakable intro to ‘Romeo’ sends the audience into another wave of euphoria and rounds off an unbeatably infectious trio of tracks that most artists could only dream of having at their disposal. The addition of a live trumpet adds a refreshingly raw edge to complement the anthem’s poppy melody.
A costume change and a DnB / classical music interlude ensues before Buxton picks up the mic for a dynamic rendition of ‘Rendez-Vu’. Fusing Latin and Reggae influences with a sprinkle of the duo’s big beat brand, ‘Rendez-Vu’ is an onslaught of instrumentation. Flamenco guitars, violins, organs, and strings all prevail as the tracks’ shifting energy builds up, pulls back, and leaves Jaxx’s droves of admirers desperate for more.
While not as groundbreaking or chaotic as many of Basement Jaxx’s discography, ‘Never Say Never’ provides a pleasantly danceable moment of respite. The third single from 2014’s Junto, the duo’s last studio album, ‘Never Say Never’ is a feel-good hit full of catchy hooks that provides a calm before the storm moment.
The storm arrives a few tracks later during a monumental rendition of ‘Where’s Your Head At?’. The chaotic punk-house hit is a dancefloor rush that displays everything people love about Basement Jaxx. It’s a soulfully garish left-field hit full of in-your-face fury, and as shouty vocals advise “Don’t let the walls cave in on you,” and performers dressed in gorilla costumes stomp around the stage, it becomes evident that the evening has been nothing short of a success.
Despite bringing the set to an unexpectedly abrupt end after just over an hour on stage, Basement Jaxx delivered a sweaty evening of electronic excellence that teetered on the right side of kitsch. After 10 years away from the touring circuit, the duo picked up where they left off and sounded just as fresh as when they catapulted to stardom some 25 years ago.
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PHOTO CREDIT – HELS MILLINGTON
