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Vox Warehouse welcomed over a thousand excited guests through its gates last Saturday for Contact’s first night outside of London. The stellar line up and the rumours of the incredible sound system meant that the sense of anticipation was almost tangible while entering the impressive venue. The rumours were immediately confirmed; the Neuron Pro Audio Incubus soundsystem was noticed and appreciated the second you entered.

Sometimes criticised for being too traditional, I personally appreciated Youngsta’s determination to remain classicist in the way he decided on his set. The heads-down halfstep sound was hypnotic and when the old school DJ dropped ‘War Cry’ the crowd went wild. The heavyweight line up stoked expectations which weren’t dissapointed when Youngsta manned the decks. 

The “Pillar of the dubstep scene” definitely ended the evening on an ideal high, but the highlights of the night arguably came earlier, namely from the Dutch drum ‘n’ bass prodigy Icicle and 21 year old Commodo. Icicle’s emotional set will be forever remembered for its powerful bass drops and emotive sounds. But even more remarkable was the young Commodo, who created something more complex by paying great attention to percussion and creating an overall melancholic feel.

Overall it is hard to find fault in this night, the combination of venue and carefully constructed succession of artists meant that it fulfilled every possible expectation. Hopefully we will see Contact gracing Leeds again soon.

Madeleine Davison

Youngsta & Seven – ‘War Cry’ [Tempa]