Mono_cult NYD 2013 Party
Henrik Schwarz, Jackmaster, Bicep,
Mano Le Tough, Krystal Klear, Matt Long,
Lauer
The Faversham
Tuesday 1st January

Having thrown parties from the intimate surroundings of Fullcircle to the warehouse expanses of Canal Mills, booking a wide range of artists from Sven Weisemann to Joy Orbison, Mono_cult returned to their home The Faversham Hotel for their annual New Year’s Day shenanigans. The afternoon start was perhaps a little ambitious, considering few punters could resist a few drinks the night before, but by the time residents Matt Long and Brad Mercer took to the decks in the main room at half past seven things were bubbling just nicely. In the purpose-built marquee outside, Jackmaster stepped up for his first set of the evening, themed around his increasingly popular Tweak-A-Holic mix series and absolutely packing out this groovy little addition to the venue. Henrik Schwarz’s highly anticipated live set didn’t disappoint but Lauer’s offerings in the more intimate Blue Lounge were even more impressive. Krystal Klear and Bicep were definite crowd pleasers, both promising talents leading the way for house music in the UK. However, sandwiched tastefully inbetween them was the wonderful Mano Le Tough, playing everything from his original productions to Michael Jackson hits, making his appearance the highlight of the event for many. Credit must also be paid to regular Mono_cult room hosts ReWind in the Gimp Room as well to the Butter Side Up and Hush House residents, as well as Hypercolour’s Ste Roberts, for bringing down their favourite records. New Year’s Day parties become more popular ever year and they make those January exams that little bit more of a challenge, but we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else other than Mono_cult. Not to rest on their laurels however, Detroit’s Theo Parrish makes his return to Leeds to play an extended set on Friday February 1st for what is set to be something really special, not to mention their extravagant sixth birthday bash at Canal Mills in March. Onwards and upwards for one of Leeds’s most respected outfits!

photo: Ian G. Ramsey