Rock and Pop: SW4 festival
Published: 1 September, 2011
by KAIVON ZIATABARI
THERE appears to be more Facebook buzz around South West Four festival than any other.
Perhaps the allure of last weekend’s event in Clapham Common lies in the satiating listing of the many illustrious international DJs.
Spanning minimal techno, house, drum ‘n’ bass and dub-step, punters bought up tickets to sell-out Saturday with the hope of throwing shapes in the sun. Unfortunately, Hunter wellington boots were the talking point while an early curfew somewhat marred the event with DJs refusing requests for “one more”.
From Djing at The Black Heart in Camden Town, Yasmin, an Islington based DJ and singer-songwriter, played the main stage on Sunday.
Her collaboration with drum ’n’ bass figurehead Shy FX has naturally born a synthesis where candid lyrics glide across raw old skool breaks. “On my Own” was a stand-out tune on the day.
The Digital Soundboy collective saw DJ Breakage dropping records which, in club Cable, can make ears bleed.
Instead the noise restrictions on the main stage were such that some music wastrivialised by an otherwise unworthy sound system. Luckily, the masses could take sanctuary in other less inhibited tents with a highlight being Berlin residing Richie Hawtin, who once more stayed true to his minimal techno craft.