Not thursday night at The Bridge
IN THE pre-jungle era Oxford was a mecca for the massive free party scene. Colossal raves attracted well over 10,000 people, sowing the seeds of love for future dance music entrepreneurs. Since the golden days of rave, Oxford’s drum and bass landscape has slowly developed into the healthy scene we see today: legendary nights such as Prism, Minchery Farm and Metro helped pave the way for the events we see posted on billboards around town.
Whether you are a breakbeat virgin looking to try something new or a hardened raver looking to check out a new party, here is our guide to the top D&B nights in Oxford. Started by Brillo in 1997, Source is the longest running D&B showcase in Oxford and one of the most established in the country. This pedigree ensures a big draw for all of the UK’s major D&B artists, often being the location for some fantastic album launch parties.
Situated in the suitably grimy environment of the Zodiac, Source is a definite must. Kinetik attracts breakneck DJs, striking a healthy mix between the latest artists and old school greats. This is not a night for the faint-hearted (expect to feel your diaphragm vibrate with the bassline from the 10kW Funktion-One PA) but if you love D&B and want a work out, this is the night for it.
In many ways the unofficial sibling night of Source, HQ has been running for four years and offers a fun D&B blowout in the familiar surroundings of The Cellar. Easy on the wallet but not on the quality. Newcomer drumbabydrum helps cater for the current obsession with the liquid style of D&B. Expect a soulful, vocal style of breakbeat and the best of the subgenre’s DJs. Think Metalheadz and Hostpital, however, beware of the expensive cocktails.
Possibly the hottest night in Oxford at the moment, Hit&Run is Oxford’s prime student D&B night. Marshalled by the seemingly omnipresent DJ Fu, Hit&Run’s greatest strength is its versatility, providing an accessible blend of the various D&B subgenres.
1st Jun 2006