After its annual summer hiatus, Flux returned to its spiritual home of Beaver Works on Wednesday night for the first party of the year.

The line-up for this one was impressive as ever, boasting the likes of Berghain label Ostgut Ton’s Prosumer, alongside the masked electro titan, DJ Stingray, resident Dan Shake and Lobster Theremin’s rising star, Shedbug. These names were importantly complimented by an array of local and student DJs, including those from Rubik, who brought Ben Rau to the Bunker, Primal Sound and of course, Flux.

It was former Leeds student Dan Shake who impressed early on, his set in the crammed red room effortlessly moving through and blending funk, disco, house and squelching acid. Elsewhere, Ryad’s Justin Gardner provided some warmth in the Beaver Works Bar, playing African and Balearic house rarities.

3AM marked the night’s watershed moment as DJ Stingray, whose set clashed with Prosumer’s, packed out the basement. The first hour followed predictable lines as he selected wall-to-wall slamming electro, the kind that he has come to be defined by. However, those still present for the sets denouement would have seen Stingray draw for some Grime and Dubstep classics, most notably Kahn’s Abattoir, which was met with riotous cheers from the basement’s revellers. There was definitely something momentous about seeing a Detroit master showing such an appreciation for the underground UK culture.

Given the imminent closure of both Canal Mills and Mint Club, Flux’s status as a figurehead for the Leeds house and techno scene is now more profound than ever. If the night can maintain its current level then Leeds partygoers can rest easy, at least for the time being.

James Dewar

(Image credit: Flux)