REVIEWED: Metropolis Birthday X Warehouse Project

Abi White | 9th October 2018

 

Voted one of the best clubs in the UK, Warehouse Project (WHP) is back for 2018 running weekly events in its Store Street venue from September through to New Year’s Day. Hosted in a carpark under Manchester Piccadilly, WHP has built itself an infamous name as its hosts some of the worlds most renowned artists for curated nights which vary in styles of electronic dance music.

 

Northern based promoter ‘Metropolis’ hosted a WHP takeover featuring artists like Andy C, Noisia and Goldie, amongst others. Billed as one of the few Drum & Bass nights on the 2018 Store Street calendar it was sure to be one of the most exciting. Established over 16 years ago ‘Metropolis’ has become one of the most forward thinking promoters to date and its WHP curation was nothing short of genius.

 

As the queue stretched all the way around to Piccadilly Station, feelings of excitement and anticipation could be felt as the crowds began to descend into the depths of Store Street. Warming up the crowd with his new radio 1 residency was ‘Hospital records’ own Danny Byrd. His set was full of twists and turns and a fantastic showcase of his new album ‘Atomic Funk’ which received a huge reaction from the crowd.

 

Following Byrd was Dutch trio Noisia. Known as one the most prolific group of producers in the world, it was sure to be an hour of utter carnage. Warming up for the first 30 minutes, Noisia showcased its experimental side that could not be pinned down to a certain genre. Nevertheless, its new exciting sound could be felt from the back of the venue. As the set grew to a close, Noisia heated up as they began to play the twisting Neurofunk we all know and love.

 

 

Holding it down in room two was Drum & Bass legend Goldie with his ‘anything goes’ set. This offered a refreshment from the twisted dance floor sounds coming from the main room. Goldie, with his years of club knowledge and expertise, delivered a masterclass in whatever music he felt like playing. Hats off to Metropolis for the diverse booking here.

 

As all three rooms were pumping, there was a sense of anticipation growing for the headline set; the godfather of Drum & Bass Andy C had been booked for a heroic three hour marathon. As his set begun the room packed out and the already sweaty venue began to bubble over- dripping with heat. Andy C cruised effortlessly for three hours and the crowd matched his energy. Each drop got bigger and each song louder as Andy C once again never fails to disappoint the people of Manchester.

 

As one of the most exciting line-ups at WHP this year, Metropolis delivered a fantastic roster of artists. Each performance complemented the previous and catered for all. Store Street has always felt like a high-energy venue for the people of Manchester. However, constant energy for the last five years has begun to take its toll on the underground venue. Leaks from its brickwork ceiling can be felt dripping onto the ravers below and seepages of the water points near the toilets contribute to the already mugginess of the venue. As expected, this is the last season at Store Street as we wait in excitement for the next announcement of the future of The Warehouse Project.