ARTBAT bring their UPPERGROUND party to Drumsheds in London and it doesn’t disappoint
ARTBAT’s agenda-setting UPPERGROUND label brought its signature energy to London’s The Drumsheds for another unforgettable night than mixed a cultured lineup, knowledgeable crowd and world-class production.
That crowd of approximately 10,000 created a vibrant, electric atmosphere that pulsed through the cavernous venue and saw people from all over Europe getting down all night long.
© Khali Ackford
The main room kicked off with Patrice Bäumel and the German set the tone with his deep, melodic grooves building a warm foundation for Dutch legend Joris Voorn’s more intricate, uplifting sounds. The progressive tastemaker that is Siona label head Miss Monique followed and commanded the crowd with a standout set that featured her clever edit of Faithless’s ‘Insomnia’ which sent the audience into a frenzy next to plenty of her usual trance-tinged melodies and rolling beats.
© Khali Ackford
Stephan Bodzin b2b Massano delivered a masterclass in emotive, progressive techno with a symphony of big tunes and breathtaking moments all sticking in the memory as the club’s superb lights added an extra dimension. The energy reached its peak when Ukraine pair and global heroes ARTBAT took over for the closing set. As expected, the iconic duo unleashed their arsenal of massive tunes, with their iconic remix of Monolink’s ‘Return to Oz’ receiving deafening cheers and hands raised across the sea of ravers. Their set was another well balanced affair, perfectly sequenced and with great emotional range.
Beyond the music, the production elevated the night to the heights we have come to expect of UPPERGROUND. Striking visuals on the massive screens complemented the euphoric melodies, and the sound system delivered a perfectly balanced mix with booming kicks and crisp melodies. Despite the vastness of the venue, the lighting and visuals created a sense of intimacy and immersion which made the whole night that bit more special.
© Khali Ackford
For those who ventured beyond the main room, highlights included electrifying performances from Shall Ocin, Fred Lenix, and Layla Benitez, all of which made for a night of exceptional music, high energy, and a reminder of why UPPERGROUND events continue to lead the way in large-scale electronic music experiences.
© Photography by Jake Philip Davis (www.instagram.com/jakephilipdavis)
