“Where are you going tonight?” was a question always met by the answer of “Sankeys” by tourists and workers alike on a Wednesday evening in Ibiza. With Pacha and Ushuaia considered the main competition in d’en Bossa for the Manchester-based club in mid-week, Tribal Sessions has risen immensely in popularity, especially with house music purists and workers who occupy a Workers Pass, like myself.
Having attended the opening party back in May, I knew the sky was the limit in terms of potential for Tribal Sessions. Solidifying itself amongst the best nights in house on the White Isle, this particular Sankeys diamond hasn’t looked in its wing mirror since. With names like Jozef K, Sidney Charles and of course, Tribal Sessions’ weekly resident Darius Syrossian, on the cards, another night of supremacy awaited.
Supremacy was exactly what we got as well. In return for our loyalty and pure undying love for everything house, every act performed out their socks to ensure this latest Tribal Sessions installment was a success. None more so than Sidney Charles. This Hamburg wonder, real name Sidney Charles Hurricane Vieljans (believe it or not), took to the decks in terrific fashion. Present in his set were sounds of a classic 4/4 club vibe, something Sidney has revolved his career around since the very beginning. Experimenting like a professor in a lab, Sidney played with driving beats, heavy kicks and jacking highs to produce unrivalled tech-house results. Wednesday night proved one thing, the world is Sidney Charles’ oyster and he will milk it for everything it is worth.
Not to be outperformed in the slightest, the spearhead of Manchester’s constantly growing house scene did everything in his viable power to spearhead Tribal Sessions. The weekly resident at the Den Bossa club has been blowing away revellers this summer and has definitely made the most of the stage and opportunity given to him. For what I could only describe as a wolf amongst the sheep, Jozef K is the complete opposite to the current bandwagon (whatever it may be). This is why this young star is in such high demand. Implementing his own unique style and craft upon the audience, Jozef K impressed. Succeeding in the task of getting the audience to clap and fist pump to his sound in rhythm, Jozef had achieved what he had set out to do and give Tribal purists another memorable night.
The rest of the billing were also red hot too. Move D, Shlomi Aber and Rosario all turned heads in positivity as they spun their stuff behind the decks. Manu Gonzalez was a particular treat to watch especially considering the man is a home grown talent and it’s good to see local DJs climbing the ladder in such a competitive environment. Showering the crowd with Balaeric sounds, Gonzalez combined Chicago house, Detroit techno and the latest underground beats to further establish himself amongst the bigger names – his is certainly a star on the rise.
Another Spanish sensation that sent house addicts to another raptures of delirium was Hector Couto who displayed exactly why he’ll be a act rocking crowds for years to come. It was clear to see that the ground work Couto had inserted into his career back in Tenerife had paid dividends with all house lovers feeling incapable of standing still during the youngster’s energetic set.
However, the night was all about three words – TRUE HOUSE MUSIC, or in other words Darius Syrossian. This man is everything house music is in 2014. From every beat that is dropped to every fist that is pumped – Syrossian is house. This night was no different. Exploding onto the scene in vigorous fashion, Darius injected his love for house into every single being on the dance floor with such hits like Seeking For Peace. Syrossian continued to set the bar in terms of performance, guaranteeing a night of two-stepping extravaganza. Chicago Tales featuring Horatio and Denny K then blared out of the speakers much to the delight of the crowd further adding to the excellent atmosphere.
Considering the fact that I had been to Sankeys on a number of occasions this summer – mainly because of my worker’s season pass and the fact that it genuinely is that good – this was one of the better nights I had experienced all summer. It had the right music, the right crowd and most importantly, the right atmosphere. For me, Wednesdays don’t get much better than Tribal Sessions at Sankeys.
Words: Matty Adams
Photos: Justin Gardner – www.facebook.com/justingardnerphotography