Last Saturday 5th March, Leeds-based underground music troupes Super Hexagon and Future Daze joined forces for the ultimate in alternative electro and techno talent. DJ Stingray 313 (AKA Sherard Ingram) graced the comforting lair at Wire, just one week after a performance at Berghain. Heralded as a pioneer in Detroit’s electronic and techno scene, Stingray has released a plethora of records over his career on Weme Records, and is known for his associations with Drexciya and Moodymann. His talents have taken him – and his mask – into the company of the likes of Carl Craig, so it came as no surprise that his Saturday night set was sublime. Stingray treated us to a musical adventure of rhythmic bass and futuristic high-speed beats. Never has reference to limbs flailing been more apt, the healthy crowd responding to the ebb and flow of the bleeps and bloops that permeated the depths of the venue.
Unlike any other DJ on the circuit, Stingray does not drop tempo. Ever. The relentless throbbing and clanking was exhilarating as he meticulously selected each proceeding vinyl, the likelihood of ever hearing any one of them again extremely rare, but appreciated nonetheless. As each tune became more erratic, so did the audience’s enthusiasm, with nothing but full-blown dedication and immersion to both the soundtrack and dance moves. A fair few scraggers held out to the bitter end, witnessing an epic B2B between one of the supports, Alma Construct and Stingray. Eventually, dance moves began to peter out as beats became insatiable, with electronic crescendos building up right until the lights glared and the remaining punters stumbled out onto the street.
Stingray’s appearances in the UK are few and far between, but his display in Leeds will hopefully provoke more frequent visitations. And according to a recent interview with Wire, he has a love of UK countryside, public transport and our politeness (hope he enjoyed his scotch eggs and houmous), so we wait with baited breath until the next import of energetic, electronic eruptions.
The next Super Hexagon event not only presents the brilliant DMX Krew, but also the launch of Super Hexagon Records. Be sure to head down to Moorside Social Club on April 29th for some proper funky beats. Tickets will be available to buy on the door.
Flora Tiley
Photo courtesy of Super Hexagon