Modular Summer Sundance @ Cable, London

When: 5th June 2010

It feels like forever since Modular have done much over here in the UK, especially since Ditch Bar closed, signalling the end of Modular Fridays over two years ago. Welcome, then, is their return to London with a line-up that syncs nicely with our current penchant for all things disco-house related.

Featured amongst original electro-pop queen, Annie, and current darling of all things deep and disco, Tensnake, are gems such as new Modular signings The Swiss, upcoming remiers de jour Mighty Mouse and Parisian aces of lush electronics, Acid Washed. Needless to say, a night worth getting excited about. 

After a slightly forgettable opening band, the night gets moving properly with the debut live set from Acid Washed. Starting out to a disturbingly empty room, the duo proceed to kick out some of the slower, more cosmic cuts from their recent album. Utilising the laptops in their live set up, they mix and blend the set together beautifully as the room fills, building the suspense and tempo through more disco infused pieces leading up to a few of their more dancefloor orientated remixes; by which time they have filled the entire room and everyone’s feet are moving. Coming up straight after was another live set from those new modular boys The Swiss; in the meantime though it was time to hit the bar and check out Mighty Mouse in room 2. 

Unfortunately for the Mighty Mouse duo, Acid Washed seem to have drawn almost the entire venue into Room 1 leaving fewer people in the second room than I might have imagined. However, seemingly unfazed, they merely get on with it, playing a set that seems to comprise mostly of 105bpm disco, locking into a groove and exploiting it. Heading back next door, I am slightly alarmed to find I have already missed the opening track from the Swiss. Not to worry though, as each songs seems to build and improve upon the last until we’re at the penultimate song and anthem for the new disco generation, Bubble Bath. The genre spanning, bubbly disco house instant classic gets the whole room jumping, shouting and singing along to the rather fabulous synth lead that will be in our heads for days.

Up next, Berlin wunder-kid, Tensnake.  Tensnake seems to have progressed from his disco material into his deeper house territory, revealing and revelling in his Berlin roots. After peaking with Coma Cat, the lead track from his last EP, a grooving house monster with a piano lead-line so infectious it practically needs a warning label, it seemed like a good time to head, due to the fact it was now about four in the morning and a friend is feeling less than her best (sadly not related to the party) and fresh air is needed. So off we stroll through the tunnels of London Bridge, ears buzzing and Bubble Bath resounding prominently in our heads.