EVENT REVIEW: Otherland featuring Simian Mobile Disco + more at Tattoo 08-01-14 by Christina Turner

A deep and electric experience, Otherland brought in the sounds of something different, something funky and something everyone could have danced to. Hosted at Tattoo (567 Queen St. W) on Friday, August 1, 2014, the event featured acts Simian Mobile Disco, Iron Galaxy, Bwana, Alister Johnson, Andy Capp (Bang the Party) and Pooyan.

Otherland was everything that was expected from it, and more. I arrived at Otherland at about 11:00 p.m., an hour after doors had opened, and was in the middle of Bwana’s set which began at 10:00 p.m. and went on until about 12:30 a.m. The Toronto DJ seemed so cool and calm, in his natural element while I was watching him on stage. The crowd was dancing and bopping to the techno, chill-break beats and glitch house styled set. Moreover, I was pleased to see how mature and relaxed the crowd was, an atmosphere that was perfect for a Friday evening outting. Tattoo provided a great and spacious venue also, which wasn’t too stuffy, and lots of room to sit and drink. The venue features three huge bars, a large couch and various places to wonder.

After about a half hour of watching Bwana’s set, I decided to make my way downstairs to scope out the disco-house style of Alister Johnson and found a dark, red light room with a huge disco ball next to the DJ booth. Behind the DJ booth also, there was a circular couch with tables, giving this room a COMPLETE 70’s vibe – groovy! I was interested and wanted to stay down there for as long as I could as not only am I a huge fan of disco, but finding this music at an event is fascinating and interesting. I was also very fond of how Johnson was spinning on vinyls, and the rest of the DJ’s who followed Johnson, did the same. It was an original and raw feel to the event and to Johnson’s set in general, and gave me more respect for the DJs in general. He played various sounds of Motown including the Jackson 5 (love!).

The DJs changed and Andy Capp (Bang the Party) took over the decks. Capp is a Toronto DJ who has been blowing up the decks for the past several years. I did not get to watch much of his set, but from what I could see, his talent and skill blended beautifully after following Johnson. There was no hesitation or delay in his set, and he kept the right momentum for the crowd after Johnson.

At 12:30 a.m., I moved my way upstairs to see James Ford and Jas Shaw, famously known as DJ duo Simian Mobile Disco. Being their first appearance in Toronto since 2005, I was very excited to be part of this experience, and found it very exhilarating for me. Simian Mobile Disco opened and the crowd was cheering. In sure delight the stage was up close, personal, and perfect for the viewer’s eye. The background pieces matched brilliantly to their style of techno, funky, experimental house, and kept the audience intrigued with what was happening.

What I was very upset about however, was the sound system during some parts of Simian Mobile Disco’s set. It seemed as if there was no control over how loud the music was playing and what could be heard. At some points, it was clear, but when Simian Mobile Disco switched over to play Tangents, I felt that the bass was just over powering the piece. It was a little unfortunate, but those on the dance floor didn’t mind. Simian Mobile Disco made me fall in love with them all over again, especially when they played Parson’s Noise. Simian Mobile Disco complemented Otherland for exactly what it is – something different.

During the middle of the show, I went back downstairs to hear the end of Andy Capp’s set which eventually turned into Pooyan for the rest of the night. Before Andy Capp stepped off the decks, he completed his set with Prince – (whom I love and completely respect, and I think a lot of French house and disco fans appreciate too), so the crowd was chanting the lyrics and cheering to the song. I left about a half hour after the set was finished, at about 2:30 a.m. and was unfortunately unable to stay to see Iron Galaxy, but from what I heard he was more than amazing.

Overall, I found Otherland fun, exciting, different, and an honestly well put together lineup of DJs and entertainment. This is a great mature crowd with music if you are looking to go out for a night with a few friends, grab a drink and listen to great music. Tickets were only $20! An unbelievable price for the performances at hand, I highly recommend anyone to check out the next Otherland on September 5th, 2014 with Joey Beltrum, Lone, Tessela, and Jokers of the Scene.

Otherland
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Simian Mobile Disco
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Mysapce

Iron Galaxy
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Resident Advisor 
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Nautiluss
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Resident Advisor

Bwana
Bwana
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Alister Johnson
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Andy Capp
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Christina Turner – EDM TOR