FESTIVAL CLUBS | Previews
ON THROUGHOUT THE FRINGE . . . One of the best things about Edinburgh in August is the wealth of indulgent after-hours fun to be found in the most unexpected of places. David Pollock picks a few highlights for those seeking a lighthearted alternative to the usual late-night offerings.
The After Party Alex Rossi and the Rhythmic Circus band (pictured) deliver a three hour afterparty of rock’n’roll and hip hop from the Assembly Hall show in which they star. Assembly Checkpoint, 623 3030, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 Aug, 11.55pm, £10.
The Egg A perennial Edinburgh club, this Saturday night of indie, new wave and much more besides is an Art School favourite with the locals. Wee Red Bar, 651 5859, 16 Aug, 11pm, £5 (£2 before midnight).
FLASH / BANG! The successor to the Bongo Club Cabaret is a non-stop DJ set with walkabout performances from cabaret acts. Assembly Checkpoint, 623 3030, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23 Aug, 11.55pm, £12.
Jukebox Presents Late and Loud Lulu’s audience-selected weekend club adds a bit of festival interest with guests like DJ Edith Bowman and comedian Russell Kane. Lulu, 225 5005, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23 Aug, 10pm, £10 (£6).
Midnight Ceilidh Traditional late-night Gay Gordoning fun for all experience levels at Edinburgh’s most out-there venue. Summerhall, 560 1581, 13, 20, 23 Aug, midnight, £6.
PBH Free Fringe Club Nights PBH’s Free Fringe branches out into clubs, with this weekly late-night northern soul and retro indie bash boasting some special guest comedy circuit appearances. Electric Circus, 226 4224, 13, 20 Aug, 1am, free. This is Ceilidh Spiegeltent-style ceilidh in the heart of the city, with live piping and all sorts. Assembly George Square, 623 3030, until 24 Aug (not 11), 11pm, £16–£18.
(David Pollock)
100 THE LIST FESTIVAL 7–14 Aug 2014
JACKHAMMER BBQ WITH BEN SIMS The Edinburgh techno crew welcome ‘The Machine’ for their annual meats-and-beats fest
Described as a veteran of the scene, and certainly someone who has devoted much of his career to playing and producing quality techno, Ben Sims is celebrating a special milestone this summer. From his early days on pirate radio to the launch of his highly respected label Theory in 1997, he’s achieved almost cult status among fans and peers; but this September he welcomes the next phase as Theory issues its 50th and final release. ‘It just feels like the right time’ he says, speaking of the label’s culmination. ‘Musically it's at its strongest, I've achieved far more than I ever thought I would and I’m happy to finish on a high and move on to new projects.’ Featuring eight new tracks as well as exclusive remixes from the likes of Surgeon and DVS1, the 50th release is a triple vinyl collection aptly titled The Theory of Completion, and certainly represents what Sims has always strived to promote: forward-thinking and distinctive techno. ‘The final release has a bit of everything that I've wanted on the label, from raw loop-based club tracks to darker and heady grooves. I've also managed to get four of my favourite producers involved to help me finish the label with a bang.’
Playing the annual Jackhammer BBQ alongside Scottish veterans Slam, much-hyped trio Skymas
and River Of Slime, ‘The Machine’ – as he’s fondly become known – will no doubt be firing on all cylinders. (Alex Caslano) ■ Liquid Room, 225 2564, 9 Aug, 10pm, £10.
UNSEEN End of the road for diverse techno night
Two years after Unseen first brought its eclectic techno sound to Studio 24, they've chosen the busiest month of the year to go out on a high. ‘After 27 parties it feels like a natural time to bring it to a conclusion,’ says the club’s Mike Lavin. Residents Nomad and Neil Templar now live outside of the city, which makes the logistics of things much trickier. ‘After all,’ Lavin adds, ‘it's better to burn out than to fade away.’ Reeling off Unseen's best bits, Lavin says: ‘The
Tresor takeover was outstanding, Pacou and Marcel Heese judged every track perfectly. Sicknote was another favourite (a bunch of Welsh lunatics), and Paula Temple was a perfect choice for our second birthday with her hybrid DJ / producer set. And Mark Archer from Altern-8 quite simply old- schooled the hell outta the place.’
There's no special guests here, though. ‘The residents are the backbone of every good club,’ says Lavin. ‘They should be able to keep the dancefloor jumping whether it’s as residents or playing in support. So the only fitting ending is for them to take this whole night between them and give us one more taste of what they can do.’ (David Pollock) ■ Studio 24, 558 3758, 9 Aug, 10.30pm, £5.