30th January 1998 - Thekla, Bristol, England
Breakin
Point
Everybody
wko has ever clubbed regularly in Bristol will be familiar with the
Thekla. The club, which is itself housed in a moored boat on the shores
of Bristol is home to many of the cities successful club nights.
One such night Is the now fairly long runnirig Nu-Skool which drops
a mixed selection ot breakbeat. The Thekla is an odd, though not unpleasant,
place. Once on board you are led into the boats hull which is dark,
sweaty and smoke filled. The dance floor, which takes up nearly all
ofthe space is barely lit and in the crowd your line of vision is usually
restricted to a couple of feet [part ofthe clubs charm). Upstairs is
a more ettectively lit cafe type area. complete with a second bar and
views of the docks. Nu-Skeol resident Gerard is joined by a good selection
of guests each outing and has in the past delighted Hip Hop headS with
the likes ot the flamboyant American legend Cash Money and under-ground
San Francisco producers Peanut Butter Wolf and Fanatik. Tonight was
to see the guests travel from a bit closer to home just up the road
infact, with local boys Mushroom and Daddy G of Massive Attack. In true
Bristol fashion the boat was rammed, somewhat blunted but still rocking
from early on with Gerard and jamie from Bristol's Hombre Records warming
up the crowd with a good selection of party Hip Hop beats. By the time
Mushroom hit the decks, dropping the recent classic Jungle Brothers
single" Brain" the crowd had already been precariously swaying
for a good couple of hours. Mushroom, who looks coolly relaxed behind
the Technics, let his Hip Hop roots show clearly with a set that leaned
heavily on US Hip Hop such as Tribe Called Quest and Do La Soul. Afer
a while he was joined by Daddy G who rocked the mic, toasting in his
own relaxed way. Lovely vibe!