This was my first visit to the Paradise Factory since it re-opened this year. Having not been best pleased with a recent visit to the gentrified poser hot-spot that is Sankeys, I was hoping to experience something more like the Warehouse Project, where most punters go, first and foremost, to experience the music.
My initial impressions focused on the décor and layout of the club. Expecting it to be the kind of shiny, post-industrial place befitting of the former residence of Factory Records, I was heartily surprised to find it more dingy and less pretentious than that – like Laser Quest but with glow-sticks instead of laser guns.
Less impressive, though, where the prices - ₤10 to get in and ₤3.50 for a bottle of Carlsberg. On closer inspection, however, ‘guest’ beers (a lager and a cider) where on offer in the downstairs bar.
Positioning myself in the downstairs dance area I was able to witness resident DJ Gerg Lord’s set that was a perfect introduction to the evening. Lord’s versatility was on display here as he mixed complex electronic sound and beats together. Towards the end of his set he introduced jazz samples to give his performance a more avant-garde feel.
The upstairs bar is probably the most interesting part of the club as it is built into the attic of the building. Dancing under the pointed timbered roof is a unique feeling, like being at a house party, and this produces a more communal atmosphere. One slight irritant about Jamie Jones and Hector’s otherwise accomplished four hour long set here was the sound levels, pitched so that it was too loud to talk over easily and too quiet to get a full appreciation of the sound.
Highlight of the night was undoubtedly Swedish DJ Adam Beyer’s performance. Bringing together electronica and techno sounds he had the dance floor in the palms of his hands. His set didn’t get off to the best of starts for me, however, as he introduced himself with what sounded like B-Movie zombie voices that where more disturbing than engaging. He did improve greatly though during his two hours on the decks and it was easy to see why there is sufficient demand in Europe for his services for him to embark on an international summer tour.
Saturday’s at 112-116 Princess Street are all about big name DJs like Beyer. On the evidence of tonight at least one night should be attended by anyone into dance music in Manchester this year.
8/10
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