Sometimes things work in reverse. By that, I mean they happen in the opposite way to which they should… Like, lets say, going to Nano for the first time when the event is about to finish up. Considering how lousy a day it was outside – it rained non-stop – when I arrived at Miss Libertine I was pleasantly surprised to see a club that was full. Although, by the end of the night, I realised I shouldn’t have doubted it. I hadn’t been to Miss Libertine in a while and I have to say I like the current layout with the DJ booth at the back of the room as it allows people to get up easier around the bar.
Up first was Nicholas Jouin going back to back with Andrew Jobe. I really enjoyed what they were playing, and it was good to hear it on a great sound system. It was also good to see the DJs enjoying themselves just as much as the crowd! Anna Ce was up next, and after a few initial issues setting up her laptop she certainly didn’t hold back. It was very chunky and almost industrial in sound, and also more rolling, along the lines of ‘traditional’ techno. It must have been such a good feeling to play music to such a welcoming and accepting crowd. On the subject of the crowd, they were indeed an eclectic bunch. There were hippies, glamours and all sorts, with everyone there just for the music. Each individual person added to the collective vibe. Even though Anna Ce started rather hard, the set progression was excellent. She managed to keep things flowing, using each track to its fullest. After shifting myself closer to the front, the sound proved to be even better, and an extra plus was that the bass was never overpowering.
Soon enough it was time for special guest Kazu Kimura, who was up and ready to show us why he is so revered. Taking up exactly where Anna left off, Kazu kept the pace but added his own, distinct twist to the music. An early track that went down particularly well was Marc Houle’s ‘Bay of Figs’. What I found most interesting was the crossover sound of both Kazu and Anna. Although it was techno, I also think I heard elements of psy-trance in there, and it made for a really interesting blend. As a result, Kazu’s set just flew by! Ending to rapturous applause, the claps continued into the set of local favourite Dave Pham. Dave played more a minimal sound, but it was still banging to keep the weary crowd interested. What Pham tends to bring – more so than most DJs – is an element of fun. It could be the wry smile he gives out every now and then, but most likely it’s the great music and vibe that it creates.
At 4:30am, Nicholas Jouin came back onto the decks and dropped the pace a little, though he kept the quality high. I really enjoyed this short set; it was more moody and atmospheric. Not more than half an hour later Kazu took to the decks again! It was great to see everyone still hanging around for all the DJs. It’s a shame that Nano is coming to an end, but more things are planned by this crew and I – along with many others – are looking forward to it.
