On Wednesday afternoon, MixMag announced an impromptu gig at the impressive London Fields venue in support of Justice’s new album ‘Woman’.
Upon arrival there was a palpable excitement in the air, a chilly autumnal wind not enough to deter away a vast crowd. The queue was mammoth.
However, venue and punters have to be applauded; there was no aggression not even a hint of frustration. This was to be a celebration, we knew we were in for a treat.
Shockingly, the venue is vast and channels the ‘warehouse’ space that has become synonymous with so many East London venues. In these early parts it was a chance to check the sound and the lighting – both of which were exceptional. The hefty strobes crashing on the already assembled crowd below.
By the time French DJ ‘Busy P‘ took to the stage the party was already in full flow. The crowd had obviously come for Justice, however, ‘P’ very nearly stole the show. Musically he could not have played a more perfect set, an early spin of Bicep’s ‘Higher Level’ setting the tone and seeing the crowd swell and move as one. This was not to be the highlight, however, the Mercury Remix of ‘Breakfast’ growled out from the speakers, the industrious space whipped into an anarchic frenzy.
Justice arrived to serene sounds of their new single ‘Safe and Sound’ and in a club environment the track is a monster. The hypnotic baseline coupled with a dizzying array of lights left the crowd turning to one another, throwing hands into the air and screaming along. The standout from their triumphant set came in the form of Erol Alkan’s mix of Rmi Is All I Want, a tech-laden number that echoed around the vicinity.
Justice have been welcomed back to London with open arms and on this form they look to be a force once again.
Words By: Tom Wiltshire