Curated by Flume at Warehouse Project see’s flume return to Manchester as part of the Australian electro artist’s new world tour in support of his upcoming album ‘Skin’, out on May 27. Flume confirmed the news “It’s something I’ve been working on for a while, with an entirely new setup and a few other surprises – it’s the biggest tour I’ve ever done”
Before the main event there’s plenty to see on this strong line up as soon as you enter the arches you’re drawn towards Room Two. Local man Jon K has got everyone jumping and the venues already beginning to fill out. Jon K used to have a residency in Manchester and has previously played Boiler Room events at the Art Gallery, he is one to keep a look out.
The main room hosts up and coming Bonzai, making full of the occasion with the first live set of the night, she has toured with Flume and it’s easy to see why he’s such a fan, everyone is talking about Bonzai. The Irish/American’s EP Lunacy has just been released and her high energy Electronic sounds seems to be the perfect build up. Her music dips into all genres teasing in and out of Jazz, hip hop and Grime. An early highlight for night as she gets involved with the crowd to wrap up her set, her next tour will be a must see.
A hard act to follow, step up Tourist. No stranger to the Manchester crowd “Manchester this is my 3rd time playing warehouse how you doing?” Previously featured on Manchester’s Finest for his sell out set at Deaf institute the Brighton man has the Main Room to himself and doesn’t disappoint with another live set. Real name Ben Phillips showcases extended tracks from new Album ‘U’. He’s is a master at what he does the Grammy award winning DJ and producer looks at ease on a larger stage. You can feel the anticipation in the room building for Flume but it’s hard not to be immersed in Tourists Set. He ends his set with a mix of ‘Run’ before dropping into the Original to wrap it up.
A short breather before Flume, the crowd go mental from the first beat as the Australian goes in heavy with the first track, the normally chilled out electronic is temporarily replaced with a Dub feel to it and the energy in the main room doesn’t stop for the whole set. The visuals are at a peak as you would expect for someone who’s finishing a stadium tour. “Manchester! How we doing?”
Its easy to focus on Flumes albums full of chart topping hits and forget just how good of a live DJ he is but tonight he is showcasing all of his musical talent. Flume hits the balance between his album tracks with high levels of vocal and heavy transitions much more suited to the dark warehouse scene seamlessly holding the whole thing together.
The set is drawing an end and Flume brings out the big guns from an armoury full of chart hits. Build up to the end is his mix of ‘Tennis Court’ by Lorde which leads to a drop worthy of the occasion. The light show takes it up a gear and flume carries the bass through. Party time as he pulls out ‘Say it’ with more vocals than the Main Room is used to, the crowd know every word. He steps back and has the lights up “Manchester thank you so much” before the atmosphere explodes for ‘You & Me’ and ‘Drop the Game’ with flumes impressive back catalogue of Remixes and Collaborations it’s hard to believe he’s only aged 25 and was only signed 5 years ago. The night has produced some unforgettable live sets from experienced DJ’s and some future stars.
