SHOOT THE DJ

Rip It Up, Issue 236, 1 April 1997, Page 25

SHOOT THE DJ

AUCKLAND March turned out to be an incredible month, with visits by Doc Scott, Jeff Mills and Kemistry & Storm Doc Scott amazed with his four-hour seamless journey into all areas of drum ’n’ bass, tight mixing and a brilliantly thought out set. Jeff Mills dazzled many with his frenetic style of mixing, attempting to mix in as any many records as he could in a short space of time, his use of drum machine adding extra trickery to the night — technically brilliant, but where was the ‘journey’? I must add, it was embarrassing about the notetaking ‘trainspotters’ right in front of the DJ booth. Guys, I know you were all excited about his cross fader

action, but how about giving our international guests room to see the dancefloor and to breathe. Kemistry & Storm played a dazzling set to confirm they are amongst the best drum and bass DJs in the world — brilliant. April is looking like a good month to recover, get some valuable sleep, and spend a little less on

entertainment. However, there are a few things 0n... on April 12 there is a ‘foam’ rave at The Crypt: an allages happy hardcore event featuring Adam Bomb and 007, amongst others ... also on April 12 is the confirmed visit to New Zealand of

Chicago house DJ Derrick Carter — renowned worldwide for his quality house sets. A night for great house, not cheese, with Oreg Churchill and Andy Vann in support... the end of the month promises another .

Subtronix installment, with the tour of Dorn and Roland At this stage, no confirmed venue, but leave the last weekend of this month free for what promises to be another excursion into drum and bass heaven.

Dorn has recorded with many labels,

including Moving Shadow and Prototype ... and don’t forget the Redzone is back in action at De Brett’s. It’s definitely worth checking out this club for the new direction in house that Andy Vann is taking it... finally, the all-ages show Paradox is happening at the Powerstation on April 11, with Oz DJ Steve Astran, plus’Demon & Gyro, 48 Sonic, DRave, Andy Vann, and Spectra X. DAVE ROPER WELLINGTON Sliding into April already, and the year so far has been one looonnnggg blur. We’ve had a whole squadron of top international breakbeat DJs pass through: Jeff Mills dropped in to display some jaw dropping deck skills, and now Sasha and Derek Carter are coming. Make no mistake, New Zealand is fast becoming a recognised component of the international dance scene... the breakbeat onslaught continues. In what became a Metalheadz March, Doc Scott played a sold-out ESC, and delivered a deep, rolling set of real intensity, while Kemistry & Storm played Escape and stayed a handsome Thursday night crowd with their back to back, double team turntable action — stunning stuff... Psurkit Bang! is on April 12, at a secret location to be revealed on the night... Babes In the Hood presented another of the super stylee fashion extravaganzas that are Lush. It was at the Boatshed on March 27, and it rocked! ... shouts out to Lava Lava, who held a wicked party at ESC to celebrate the release of their excellent album Burnt, and were supported by Wetli’s own Jet Jaguar... Hedonistic present a double-header trance party to be held at the Furnace April 28 and 29. One night will be called Heaven, the other (you

guessed it) He 11... the mighty Roots Foundation Sound System present the Outer-national Meltdown on May 3, and look out for a possible Roots Foundation vs. Subtronix soundclash ... the Players Summit has been postponed; listen to Active for more details ... Come Together presents Derrick Carter at Escape, with Mu, Schmoo and Andee, on April 11... Sasha is confirmed to play Wellington on May 1. It’s a Thursday night, but the epic house king commands such a reputation, you just know the Wellington crew will turn

out in full force ... finally, if you're Net-wise, join the Psurkit mailing list. It’s a forum for debate and dsicussion on all things dance. Informative, educational, controversial, and sometimes just plain stupid, it’s the first place to hear new rumours; obscure.co.nz is where you can find it. ANDY PICKERING CHRISTCHURCH Tranceformation went off in fine form in the Southern Alps on March 7, depsite the fact it was raining in Christchurch that day. It didn’t discourage the 600 people who still travelled to the party, creating an atmosphere second to none... the big party of the month in Christchurch will be Phuture Beats, taking place at the Ministry hack room on April 19. DJs on the night are Kinesis, Argyle, Pots and King Al, playing the more progressive side of house, trance and drum ’n’ bass. An RlB age limit will ensure a kiddie

festival will be no problem, unlike some last Ministry events ... and

there are rumours of the Sure to Rise posse presenting Positive Force 2 sometime in the near future. Keep your ears to the ground for that one. D J KINESIS