Slackers Convention Pressure Point Leaving Party // Pressure Point

DJ Space + Richard Scott + Medtronix + Statikedge + Someblokeswivrecords + Y-Not + VJ Spank

Last night was the monthly Slackers Convention and this was a special one: the last ever night at the venue that propelled the Slacker’s boys to fame and riches. Okay, maybe not riches, but the regular night they’ve been putting on for the past 3.75 years has carved out its own special little niche in the sea of Brighton club nights, attracting party people and music heads into one great big collective mash up. So for me, the event was a sad one in some ways. I’ve been going to Slackers since it started and have grown a strange affection for the PP and all its charmlessness.

Doors opened at 11pm, although Slackers DJs were manning the decks downstairs in the pub since 8pm. When I made my way into the main room at 11.30, there were probably only 30 people BUT already the dancing was well underway. Someblokeswivrecords was churning out some nice chilled Evil Nine tunes, VJ Spank was throwing strange but cool images onto the large screen above the stage, and I went to get my first drink. The cost for a rum and coke was an outrageous £5 and I decided after that to stick to cider. Hey, I had to make my cash last!

Within half an hour, a wave of people began to filter into the club. I had an interesting conversation with Conspiracy and his new girlfriend about the different subdivisions of breakbeat and scouted around for some rizzlas. Statikedge came on at midnight. God knows what he played but it was definitely crowd pleasing including all time favorite, Aquasky’s “Overneath”. Tune and a half. I took to the stage to dance, only to get booted off along with six others by security when Statikedge’s records started jumping. I made due with dancing just off stage next to the speaker. DJs love me because I am THAT IDIOT who tells them to turn up the music. Old skool raver and legendary Slackers punter Simian turned up and we made a good show on the platform. Unfortunately, he did not strip off his shirt, his usual party trick, but he taught a few things to the young guys trying to breakdance (badly) on the floor. Talking to a few people, there were quite a few newcomers out that night and it was good to have more people joining the clan as well as catching up with the regulars.

I’m a big fan of Medtronix and was glad to see he made it back safely from Australia. He’s all about the nu skool breaks and was playing the best of his edgy, driving bass records. Very funny bumping into some guys I met after the Checkout DJ’s first birthday after party. “You’re from Texas, aren’t you?” one guy said. “You must be psychic.” “No, you told me.” “No.” “Yes, you did.” “I’m sure I didn’t.” It took a few tries before the penny dropped – I had met them. Whoops. People out that night were very friendly, no surprise there I guess, but I always forget what a lovely town we live in. The only asshole encounter was a wasted guy who tried to feel me up twice. The bouncers accompanied me so I could identify him and he got swiftly chucked out. KW turned up just after 2am and breaking showdown ensued. Why I still breakdance in a skirt is beyond me. Oh well.

The night ended with a drum n bass set from DJ Space. Not really my thing anymore but the crowds quickly got into the spirit of “shutupanddance”. Lights went on at 3.30am during the last song. I turned to Jez who was up on stage. “Aren’t you going to say something?” He blushed. “No, I’m too shy.” Luckily Chris grabbed the mic and made a speech, prompting Jez to say a final thank you and farewell. Outside the club, the bouncers said if I wanted to kick the groping guy’s ass to make sure I did it outside. “I’ll be glad to see that,” said one bouncer with a cheeky smile. I decided fighting’s just not the answer anymore – besides, I was in a skirt. I decided not to go to the after party and went home in a taxi where I knew a secret stash of Strongbow awaited. Bed too.

Listen, it’s the end of the PP era, but it’s not the end of Slackers by any means. The boys have some stellar plans for the year including a gig at Concorde in June with General Midi headlining, a free all-dayer later in the summer, and a boat party in London in the autumn. How very cool is that? If you want to keep updated, go to the website and sign up to the mailing list: www.slackersconvention.com

Pressure Point
Currently no Website

33 Richmond Place
Brighton
BN2 9NA
01273 684501

Words: Amy the Film Maker