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Drum n Bass/UK Garage event, Century Club, Los Angeles, CA – February 12, 2005

It’s not often there is a Drum ‘n Bass event that takes over a major venue in Los Angeles such as the Century Club, especially on a Saturday night. Yet this was the second event of its kind to take over a club that is normally filled with revelers that adhere to a strict dress code, and pay VIP entrance fees to hear the Pop Top 40 and bling-bling Hip Hop tunes that permeate the lavish, cavernous rooms.

Grapevinez, a promotional group headed by MCMC, an LA transplant from the UK, has been fast and steadily making noise of great proportion in the local Drum ‘n Bass scene. The first major event was the notable “History” which was received to wild success on a Sunday night, featuring all-star lineups in 4 areas, with J Magik, Adam F and Photek headlining. It was only natural that the second event was met with great anticipation, especially since this time the lineup featured a decidedly “liquid” vibe, and included an “Aphrodisiac” room, sponsored by Grapey Baby, with an all-female lineup of UK Garage flavor.

The early scheduled talent were definitely the highlights of the evening. In the Aphrodisiac room, the beautiful DJ Inanna opened the night with some fresh tracks, however, it was the unfortunate occurrence that kinks in the sound were yet to be worked out and mixing was a challenge due to the lack of functioning monitors. The sound issues were resolved just as she played her last 2 tracks. The Syrup Girls were on next, and arrived in grand style, with a whole new look, both with platinum locks and an edgy urban look with a touch of 80’s punk flair. The dancefloor was starting to fill and people were moving as Star Eyes and Siren took turns at the decks. The aphrodisiacs provided by Grapey Baby, we soon found, were the steady supply of heart-shaped lollipops for the ladies. The boys were at their knees.

Meanwhile downstairs on the mainstage, I had just missed “The Hook” a live set with Melicious on decks accompanied by a sax player and vocalist. I heard it was very good and look forward to catching one of their shows in the future. JuJu then performed an enjoyable set with the soulful vocals of Audio Angel, who always delivers. It was Commix that really set things off though, with deep, rolling, liquid basslines that pulled people onto the dancefloor.

Back upstairs, the ladies were holding it down and Inanna was able to redeem herself as she got back on the decks for a second turn, and continued the energy the Syrup Girls had established. Wild Child, scheduled to play after Syrup Girls, was no where to be found, and after Inanna came off the decks, the vibe suddenly turned to some Hip Hop jams. The dancefloor vacated, replaced by what were clearly the regular weekend heads that were probably wondering when they’d hear some music they knew! I headed back to the main area where Jumping Jack Frost was getting ready to close the night.

All in all, it was good night, although the addition of a main jungle area would have made it a stronger success. The liquid and garage sounds are growing in popularity yet not enough to carry a night in a venue this size on its own. Major props to the many talented artists and the Grapevinez crew for putting their hearts in everything they do to push the boundaries and bring new sounds to the City of Lost Angels.

Love Ya!--SYRENA