We wish we could vouch for the acoustics of the eerie location used for this past week’s Boiler Room party but - as we were stuck in the states for this epic event - we can only comment on the perfect setting created by the refurbished bathhouse that was the heart of the House of Vans series. The event was the long overdue Boiler Room debut of techno gods Hercules and the Love Affair, Brodinski and Gesaffelstein. Joining them was the returning talent of Berlin natives, Modeselektor and Boys Noize. If you have not ever experienced a Boiler Room set, we here at ITAM truly stand behind the concept that the Red Bull Music Academy sponsored company works towards: procuring good music streaming live and archive for the public to enjoy. 

Going to an event knowing that Brodinski is going to be spinning, you are probably aware that you are in for quite a treat. Going to an event knowing that Brodinski is just the opening act, you are probably aware that you are in for one hell of a party. This was the case for the Vans Boiler Room party in Berlin, Germany. Brodinski, known as being one of the more forward thinking DJ’s in the scene, wasted no time in getting this party started. Starting off nicely with some deeper tracks, guests were welcomed into the party with some heavy beats to whet their palettes with early on in the night. Weaving through tracks from artists such as Skream, DJ Funeral, and Marcel Dettman, those in the crowd were treated to an extremely fresh set. However, the most entertaining bits within Brodinski’s set easily came from the hip-hop tracks that he peppered in throughout his track selections. Those who have followed Brodinski throughout the years know he has always had a passion for hip hop and this set clearly displayed his love for the genre. Easily my favorite part of not just his set but the entire night was Brodinski ending his hour with Kendrick Lamar’s “m.A.A.d. city” into the classic Crime Mob track, “Knuck If You Buck.”

Transitioning from his current live tour he has being doing under the title “OUT OF THE BLACK” back to a DJ set, Boys Noize couldn’t resist to maintain his complex nature of perfomance. Going from zip drives on cdj’s to cd’s and vinyl and back just proves the versatility and creativity the Berlin native has. Perhaps he was flexing some extra musical muscles for his local crowd, I’m just glad we here in the states got to witness it up close and personal. Starting off his set with the eclectic remix of “XTC” by MMM set the tone for this wild 90 minute performance. My personal highlight is the love he has been showing to Audionite and his unreleased track, “No Good”. Not to mention how enjoyable it is to see up close the energy Boys Noize exudes into these sets.

Side note: If you were the kid wearing the Boys Noize t-shirt in the front, we have a message for you (two assumptions here: first, you are actually reading this. And second,  that you actually speak English.): Please remove yourself and go to the back of the crowd next time. You are not the show because you are on the camera nor does greater proximity make you better friends with the DJ. Great enthusiasm though my german friend; I’ll give you points there.