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Launching last year, Bristol’s In:Motion has become known as the hottest underground music season. Held at the infamous skate park Motion, it provides the perfect backdrop to this year’s sterling line up.
London based label Hessle Audio played host on Saturday, with artists and producers so divine it comes as no surprise that it undoubtedly sold out in record time.
The label itself has treated us to releases from the likes of Ramadanman, Pangaea, James Blake and Bristol’s very own Peverelist. The line-up this evening is as impressive as their clientele.
Tonight, we look forward to Pearson Sound a.k.a. Ramadanman, Ben UFO, Blawan, headliner Jamie XX and a very special live performance from man of the moment Jamie Woon.
Since bursting onto the scene late last year, Woon has had critics in a flurry over his debut release ‘Mirrorwriting.’ Mixing electronica and exquisite vocals, everyone has been desperate to catch a glimpse of his acclaimed live show.
That’s not to say the buzz is for this Jamie alone. Since dispersing from his uber-cool band mates, Jamie XX has been in high demand from the likes of Thom Yorke and Florence and the Machine, all scrabbling for his attentions.
As if the main room wasn’t enough to get you drooling, the takeover of the tunnel was down to Bristol kings Idle Hands. With a line-up including Chris Farrell, Kowton, Peverelist, October and special guest Om unit, it was going to be a tough decision where to place those dancing feet.
As Pangaea took to the stage in the main room, Motion was yet to be overrun by excitable hipsters. Nevertheless, the Londoner didn’t disappoint with his solid set of bass fuelled carnage climaxing with his new tune ‘Hex.’
Channelling the vibes of ever resonant undertones and a contagious vocal hook, it’s clear the see that this guy is on the up.
Chris Farrell and Kowton played back to back for a glorious three hour set to kick start the night in the tunnel. Offering up a mixture of renowned house classics and 4/4 beauties, the guys never failed to keep the crowd moving. The tunnel was definitely where the party was at.
By the time Jamie Woon arrived on stage in the main room, Motion had morphed into an undisputable Urban Outfitters cat walk, complete with sassy attitudes and shameless cap bearers.
Nevertheless, Mr. Woon had the girls screaming and the boys nodding away as he began to showcase his undeniable talent. Despite his broken leg, Jamie managed to get his groove on and impress with his upper body swag.
For a line-up of this calibre, it did however seem that Jamie was a little out of place. Surrounded by effervescent sets from some of the hottest producers, Woon’s down tempo offerings may have worked better earlier on in the evening.
It’s a shame to say that the sound quality did nothing to help the already overzealous crowd. As the vocals diminished behind a cloud of chattering twenty something’s, it seemed that all these kids were interested in was getting their next dab.
Heading back into the tunnel, Omunit was in full swing, playing an eclectic set of hip hop and funky house, taking the crowd into full on party mode. All inhabitations quashed and bodies loosened, the tunnel was fast becoming the front runner for the best room of the evening.
Jamie XX gave up a good fight, vying for the crowd’s attentions in the main room. Unfortunately, his set was a little too predictable; playing commercial tunes and dropping in obvious places, he failed to ignite that special spark that everyone’s been banging on about.
Suffice to say, there were flashes of excellence but sadly, all Jamie XX wanted to do was give the kids what they wanted. At least he didn’t stoop too low and play any of those Radio 1 late night numbers.
The battle was well and truly won by Idle Hands in the tunnel, as Peverelist wowed the crowd with his usual off-the-hook display.
Never failing to impress, his sets are fast becoming the best in the business. Playing a mix of Skudge, Andy Mac and some of his own classics, Peverelist became the undeniable climax of the evening.
Photography by Jacob Martin