Gig Preview: Smash Up Nights
9 March 2013
Bombay's been begging for a new gig-space for a while. Apart from veteran soldiers like blueFROG and Bonobo who've somehow managed to remain largely unscathed, other venues are succumbing to the pressures of the battle every month. This is why OML's new property 'Smash Up' seems to be the talk around town. With its frequency set at once a month, it promises a fresh, new space, unadulterated EDM that stays relevant, and energetic crowds. A bit ambitious, but certainly deliverable given the kinds of properties they've pulled off in the past.
The new night kicks off this Friday, 8 March at a new Lower Parel Haunt appropriately named Smaaash. No points for all those extra's but a gaming-arcade-turned-gig-venue, which looks poised to be one of the most affordable ways to have fun in this city, seems to be just what the doctor ordered.
Interestingly, OML has called upon kingpin Dualist Inquiry (Sahej Bakshi) to curate these nights and his first ever picks prove he's been keeping his ear to the ground. The night kicks off with nu-disco/elctro-funk duo AlgoRhythm (Paloma Monnappa and Varun Patra) who have been baring their baby teeth for a few months now. Keeping anything but a low profile, most of their events so far have guaranteed a high energy crowd with an appetite for more eclectic music.
Next up are two veterans who've been marshalling music-lovers for a while. DJ Amul (Amul Lokanathan) and EZ Riser (Sohail Arora) intend on unleashing funk/nu skool breaks and glitch hop/bass music respectively. Consistent crowd-pleasers, the question of disappointment hardly arises.
Last words of advice - dress down, show up early. 'Unbelievable deals' (cover charge of Rs 500 includes 3 beverages + a starter) are an inherent part of Smash Up's mantra so expect crowds will pick up and the music to be unmerciful to sartorial discomfort. Plus, the 1 pm deadline is touted to be dead serious.
Conclusively, in this already-burgeoning music scene, perhaps Smash Up will prove to be another proverbial platform for local talent.
‘Smash Up’ will take place at Smaaash on 8 March in Lower Parel’s Kamala Mill Compound.
Set Times:
AlgoRhythm: 9.30pm - 11pm
DJ Amul: 11pm - 12am
EZ Riser: 12am - 1am
Words: Mandovi Menon