The mass distribution of pizza vouchers, the extra vomit in doorways, the overcrowding of buses, the gradual wearing of extra laters and the hypnotic thump of massive choons; just a few giveaway signs that yes, summer is over, and the students are back, with Manchester once again stepping up it’s club game for the season to appeal to the educational masses and beyond. With new club Hidden now not so er, hidden, there’s a strong variety of parties to savour, alongside the looming return of Warehouse Project. Buckle up!
Soup Kitchen have been consistently partying all summer, but of course, they’re not slowing down for September. Scottish rave elders Slam are still hot on point, and return to play for Rhythm Theory after a rambuctious 2014 visit that saw more than a few tops off for a finale of Levon Vicent’s classic ‘Man or Mistress’. Thursday 10th sees the debut of Body Clock, a new monthly techno haven debuting with an impressive lineup. Factory Floor’s Gabe Gurnsey showcases his solo material live, alongside raw and pummelling stuff from Shift Work and a concluding set from Bleaching Agent, a techno artist just as uncompromising as his name.
You won’t have to look far in the city to find somebody eagerly anticipating Friday 11th September, when Todd Terje returns to Manchester for a full live show with his band, The Olsens, taking place in the grandiose and unique surroundings of Manchester Cathedral. The venue has seen plenty of performances in the past, ranging from Elbow to Grizzly Bear, but very little cosmic disco up until this point, it must be said. After the crowd have been thoroughly Norsed, promoters Freeze are continuing the party at nearby Hidden, where associates Lindstrom and Prins Thomas will be playing live and DJing respectively, with local house fixtures Love Dose occupying the second room. Hidden also hosts an exciting live project on the following evening, September 12th, when Magic Mountain High, the side project of Move D and Juju & Jordash, take to the stage for an improvisational and potentially inspirational live jam.
Saturday 19th sees the return of High Hoops at Islington Mill, hosting another all day party focused on a glut of local selectors such as Joy Social, HiKu and Jack McKeith, but also Beste Modus founder Cinthie, a legend on the Berlin house scene. Afterwards, you’re welcome to pile over to Kraak for their final every party, courtesy of bonkers house and techno label Natural Sciences. Promising dopamine draining fun, they’re joined by Lobster Theremin founder Asquith, Wet Play mad man Ste Spandex, plus Space Afrika, playing live.
Techno fiends can certainly take it harder the following weekend too, when genuine legend and innovator Surgeon drops by Joshua Brooks on Friday 25th to do his uncompromising business on the decks, while similarly banging but somewhat more sensual sounds come courtesy of promoters The Whispering Digital. They’re proud to present Hyperdub charmer Cooly G, specialising in deep house, warm dubs and classic UK funky.