Mr Scruff at KOKO, Camden

“Incoming bass line alert!” With two turntables, a digital audio station and a sampler, Mr Scruff kept the beats dropping with an eclectic mix of techno, soul, hip hop, funk, electronic, house, reggae, dubstep and jazz for a five-and a-half-hour set at KOKO in Camden.

Fans have become accustomed to such marathon performances. This time, they heard many of his hit singles (including Wobble Control, Donkey Ride, Happy Band, Honeydew, Blackpool Roll, Spandex Man and Night Time) that span across six studio albums from as early as 1997.

It’s easy to understand why Mr Scruff’s styling does not grow tiresome. Throughout the night, he builds suspense, starting out with rather easy listening, then moving on to heavier beats, teasing the audience with the accrual before dropping the bass line again. And when he does, the enormous disco ball overhead spins and shines, reflecting thousands of white and yellow specks across the walls, creating the most surreal atmosphere to get lost in the music.

The venue altogether provides an ideal space for any type of show you are looking to experience. Once a theatre house, its three balconies were perfect for onlookers that were just interested in listening, while those closer to the stage showed more enthusiasm. The main floor housed the all night dancers that continued to move to the beat no matter what the genre. A real sense of harmony is established as the crowd parts in the centre for amateur breakdancers to show their skills and do flips and jumps in sync with the melody.

Unlike other DJs and performers of this sort, Mr Scruff thoughtfully picks and chooses vocals from one song, instrumentals from another and incorporates variously paced beats. He creates a unique compilation that comes off fresh and dynamic with each listen.

With two screens on stage projecting his iconic animations that accompany his tracks, the night was energetic and mellow, upholding the standard of his popular residency shows.

Verdict: ★★★★★

 

Natasha Fonseka

Photo: Flykr, Fly Global Music Culture

For further information about Mr Scruff and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Wobble Control here: