Project 13 – Akkord Debut Album launch show – 2022NQ – Manchester

The hype surrounding this show was tantalizingly just. Akkord’s meticulously conceived PR campaign for their album worked perfectly in the favour of both artist and promoter here, and in beginning with a home town gig, it showed a real love for their roots. This was the second of Project 13’s events at 2022NQ and after the slight hurrah of late coming merrymakers and the 1 AM last entry, folk took extra note and arrived well within the time constraints.

Also making a debut of sorts, Hypercolour’s latest associate, Edmonson kicked things off with a refreshingly textural take on house and garage. He’s previously released on Indigo’s EMF imprint, so from there it’s easy to grasp his knack for precisely ordered, ethereal sounds.

From there Project 13 resident and a man making elevated waves in the world of electronic music, Acre took over the reigns. His consistent gig schedule around the city and increasingly further afield is testament to his productions as much as his top tier track selections and ability on the decks. Undoubtedly Acre’s on the rise to greatness.

Another local talent with a point to prove, Biome stepped up next. Once the top dog of his particular dark and lovely breed of dubstep, like many he’s taken to the cross pollination of genres accumulating around the 130 mark, that allows for such variance it’s hard not to stick it under the broad umbrella of bass music. His is a dark and rolling twisted sound, that keeps a contained anger about it which translated into a dancefloor filled with screwfaces.

By now most had made it down to the white shining, tile wall confines of the basement club. It’s uncommon for club spaces to feature such a pristine décor and one many wouldn’t necessarily opt for. But with the lights off it creates a hazy atmosphere about the place with no need for excess smoke.

Whispers were starting to spread amongst the dancers. Everyone knew they were due to come on soon and the excitement was on the rise. Indigo and Synkro, the pairing who mastermind the indelible sounds of Akkord then garnered huge approval when mic-man, Sparks announced their arrival to the stage.

The duo played a two hour set of conquering, bass infused techno that made full use of the impeccable void sound system installed specially for the night. Their taste for obscure arrangements and delectably fragmented textures equates to such powerful results. There were one or two fans in a state of accepting confusion at just how good the music they played was.

As per this was a well informed selection of DJ’s from Project 13, with each maintaining a consistently high level of prowess for their craft. There was no denying this was all about Akkord though and you wont see anyone complaining about that. The guys are truly championing the style they’ve built up and they do it with such endearing enthusiasm its a joy to see them play.

Project 13 have announced a little break in their schedule, but will no doubt be back with more fire than is ever needed to start a dance.