Reviewed: Junction 2 Launch Party

Junction 2 has cemented it’s place in our hearts as one of the UK’s best techno festivals. But before this year’s edition, there was the launch party at East London’s Tobacco Dock to give us a taste of what we can expect from this year’s festival.

Âme ends up holding down the fort, as Rødhäd is running late. But when the Berliner shows, it’s to a big cheer. As the B2B starts, Rødhäd’s darker techno sound quickly seeps into the mix and the pair gets the crowd moving early on in the day.

Over in the Great Gallery Mind Against bring their trademark atmospheric sound that has made them an Afterlife staple. The duo glide over the controls without a word said between them, curating their selections to a packed great gallery. They weave in ‘Way Out (Khen Remix)’ by Paul Ursin. An hour in and the pair dip into ‘Horizon’ by Dyzen, the swelling subs swallowing the thick crowd as the synth glitters on top.

Dixon follows in the Great Gallery and lays down ‘We Are Children of Acid’ by Acidulant, heavy acid drips bubble over blasting kick drums. He takes a much more eclectic approach, mixing into ‘Yamaha’ by Aleksandir. Morphing basslines reach out through the darkness, as Dixon manoeuvres through the tunes, guiding us. He drops ‘Never Know’ by De Sluwe Vos & Sjamsoedin which is a forthcoming vinyl-only release on Dutch label DGTL, also the ever popular event series. The bassline broods against old school sounding hits and claps, allowing the synths to take centre stage. He draws us in with ‘Solaris’ by Circoloco favourite &ME. This one is a slow burner which you can imagine playing loud as the sun peaks through the windows at DC 10.

Meanwhile, Amelie Lens is tearing the Gallery apart with her unique brand of relentless techno. She drops ‘Fuhen’ by Kuroi from Berlin label GND Records, it’s aggravated synth stabs dancing on calculated cymbal hits. There’s also ‘142’ by Thope which delivers cavernous kicks to the ear drums as Dixon demonstrates why he is often revered as the world’s number one DJ.

Later in the evening Drumcode head honcho Adam Beyer is nuking the car park with techno weapons of mass destruction. He draws into ‘Calliope’ by Bastinov which raises hands into the sight of flashing strobe lights, before the mix takes us under again with its driving kicks.

The only problem Data Transmission had was trying to decide who to see amongst the multitude of talent on show. No doubt we will have the same issue when the festival kicks off later this year, we can’t wait!

There’s still time to get tickets to the 2 day festival in June, just go to here