REVIEW: Funkdub 2nd Birthday - Little Barrie
On Saturday, 14th October, Funkdub celebrated its 2nd birthday. It was always going to be difficult to surpass the previous Funkdub Live events at Telfords Warehouse, but by securing one of the UK’s hottest bands, Little Barrie, the night comfortably made it into the pantheon of Deva legend.
In its short two-year existence, the Funkdub brand has become of the most respected and recognised aspects of the music scene in and around Chester.
As well as over 35 nights under their belts, Funkdub has spawned two additional spin-off entities: Lockdown, the drum and bass sensation; and the newly-founded funk night, Wax On / Wax Off.
Funkdub has also attracted the attention of established nights in the area, collaborating with the likes of Planet Of The Breaks, Sick Trumpet, Luv Jam and Surgery, as well as bringing respected artists such as Pama International and Keb Darge to the Chester�s otherwise barren live calendar.
On Saturday, 14th October, Funkdub celebrated its 2nd birthday. It was always going to be difficult to surpass the previous Funkdub Live� events at Telfords Warehouse, but by securing one of the UK�s hottest bands, Little Barrie, the night comfortably made it into the pantheon of Deva legend.
Funkdub stalwarts Woj and Shikibu opened vinyl proceedings with their trademark sound of deep funk, classic hip-hop and vintage soul, before Funkdub architects 3DJ and G-Kush rolled out the inimitable and eclectic Funkdub sound as the anticipation for the band grew.
With a new single out in just two days time, this gig kicked off the Little Barrie world tour, and the energy, enthusiasm and vibe that emanated from the Nottingham three-piece was incredible. The Telfords crowd was swept along with the funky guitar, slick bass and glorious vocal work from the very first track. Guitarist and singer Barrie Cadogan then stopped the show to personally dedicate the next track to the man who made the whole event happen, 3DJ (Sam Hutchinson), before whipping the audience up again with the electric new single, �Pin That Badge�.
The set continued: a flawless display of tight, beautifully constructed funky rock anthems- stopping only once for a rendition of �Happy Birthday�, an unexpected, but gracious and appreciated tribute to the Funkdub massive�s special day.
The dance-floor had rarely been fuller, and from the die-hard fans down in the front to the captivated swayers at the back, Little Barrie had the whole place gripped with tracks such as �Greener Pastures�, �Burned Out� and �Stones Throw off the �We Are Little Barrie� album, as well as plenty of fresh tracks unheard live anywhere before.
Little Barrie finally bowed off stage to rapturous applause, but the night was far from over. The dance-floor was still packed, and 3DJ and G-Kush galvanised the Funkdub reputation with trademark cuts from their extensive collection. Dub rubbed shoulders with hip-hop, electro tipped its hat to funk, and drum and bass got frisky with roots reggae. The righteous sounds went on way into the small hours, and when it inexorably had to come to an end, Telfords was baying for more.
The band stayed for drinks, expressing that they enjoyed the night as much as the revellers: if you missed it, hope for a repeat performance from Little Barrie before they go stratospheric.
The bar is now that little bit higher once again. After a 2nd birthday party of this magnitude, what can Funkdub bring to the table in year three?
November 1st, 2006 at 12:51 am
That pretty much sums it up! Great review.