Review: Krankbrother Street Party

While the rest of London was celebrating her majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee or gearing up for the 2012 Summer Olympics, 2000+ international party-goers took to the blocked off Clifton Street and boogied down in the daylight for 9 hours. Krankbrothers really outdid themselves with this one & were repaid with decent weather amidst a tumultuous week of rain and wind. As I arrived at the gate around 2pm, a handful of clouds dotted the sky but quickly made way for the sun. Folks slowly arrived, drinking their cheap tall cans before entering and sizing up the novel location set up in the heart of Shoreditch’s city blocks.

Delicious food & drink stands lined the entry as I walked onto the converted street. Jugs of Pimms and British flags strung about, Piadinas and Kimchi burgers adorned by the first to arrive. Adeline spun a thumping deep house set to a miniature crowd in the early afternoon. Her sound seemed a bit out of place, but the darker vibes offset the slight cloud cover and strong winds surprisingly. It was a shame only a handful of people were there in the beginning, because Adeline caught fire mid set which made for a good time right off the bat.

By the time she was finishing up, the street was packed full on. Krankbrothers (Kieran & Dan) took the stage to a welcoming crowd, playing the right tunes for an open air bonanza. Daytime house selections, mostly new tunes, with a tech tinge perfect for jacking on cement. Even Papa Krank made it to the party! 4pm now, street is slammed shoulder to shoulder within 30 meters of the stage. Kieran and Dan continued to fuel the floor with recent UK House cuts, tons of groove and lots of bouncy dancing. Weather kept up, sweeping a light breeze across the pavement.

Wolf + Lamb came on full classic disco style, switching the tempo and the mood of the restless, swelling party crowd. Things started slow. But their signature spacey dubs and hypnotizing soul set the party off, shooting the crowd into a rage that lasted through Sammy Dee’s vocal performance, Stimming’s amazing live performance and Guti’s untouchable wrap-up mix. Some found a way to make the warehouse afterparty, others drifted on to other gigs around town, but everyone that made the street party will remember it as the banger of party that set off summer 2012.

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