There’s something strangely reassuring about a club night where the promoters aren’t afraid to wear furry rabbit’s feet and make their mascot a helium-filled primate. It’s a sure sign that the place doesn’t take itself all that seriously. But the MT ethos of stupid jokes and quality house music means the crowd love them for the weird, engaging little crew they are. 

Now, MT has managed to hit its third birthday outlasting much trendier clubs, with bigger names and more ironic flyers. Candy’s Apartment was the venue as always. Celebrations got underway early and opener Tazman (of Clean & Serene/Kikkon fame) played an engaging set of vocal house to an already filled floor. It’s hard to describe the place without resorting to the great club clichés: smiles, lots of regulars and neighbourhood house party feel.

Illya brought things into sharper focus. This kid is phenomenal: an EQ-tweaking, acapella-dropping jacking house freak. And versatile too. Every DJ in the room (and there were many visiting to bring birthday wishes) took their turn standing off to the side, watching Ills chop the faders. Funky Tennis resident Danny Bass claims he’s up there with deck technician James Zabiela in eq wizardry. He took the place up and up.

By the time MT’s architects Lummy and Broadband took over at around 2, the entire place was packed and jumping. The duo played a more energetic set than their traditional deep and tribal vibe and it worked. The crowd stayed with them all the way.

Back in the Funky Tennis room Steve Corfield and Danny Bass were dropping soul and hip-hop with all the energy of the front room. A real shame that Danny left his other record bag in the taxi, although it’s unlikely the crowd noticed. 

Finally, with the best saved for last in the main room – Simon Ramsey was back to close proceedings, inheriting a floor that was still at capacity and jumping at half past four. It was a flawless tour through house styles, dipping in latin, tech, vocal and rock flavours, and a few classics for a suitably emotional end to the night.