Review: Just A Little Carnival w/DJ Yoda & DJ Format
Just A Little Carnival
DJ Yoda
DJ Format
Reggae Roast, Re:Wind, Disko Stew, Gin ‘n’ Juice, Just A Little DJs
The Faversham
Saturday 26th May
With exams over (for most) and a solid week of blue skies and sunshine, what could be a more appropriate way to celebrate than with an all day & night carnival at The Faversham? With two of the most established and accomplished DJs in the UK, Yoda and Format, and an eclectic mix of the best local talents, the music was more than taken care of. But music was not all that Just A Little Carnival had to offer. There were dancers, live graffiti, food stalls and the entire venue was decorated elaborately, with the finest attention to detail.
Graffiti artists adding the finishing touches to their work
First headliner DJ Format brought more than just a DJ set. He had an array of hardware with him including synthesizers, drum pads and of course a pair of turntables with a selection of vinyl to mix and scratch with. With the help of a friend he delivered an impressive set, which included plenty of live improvisation as well as live visualizations. Edited versions of classics such as Ill Culinary Behaviour got the crowd moving, who were surprisingly full of energy given the high temperatures. His performance was truly unique and was one the most exciting hip-hop sets I’ve ever witnessed.
Out of this world: Format and his co-astronaut in the cockpit
Not so much can be said for Yoda, who’s set was somewhat predictable (if not worse than predicted) and uninspiring. His mash-up style which included tracks such as Nirvana’s Smell’s Like Teen Spirit felt dated and cringe-worthy. To make matters worse the fire alarm went off fifteen minutes into his set, to which he left the DJ booth, only to return ten minutes later to a somewhat (willingly) evacuated dance-floor. I can’t say that I stayed for the rest of his set, but the room seemed to fill up again and the crowd seemed to be enjoying it a bit more, so maybe he upped his game and realised that he wasn’t playing at a fifteenth birthday party. Although I did hear some dodgy dub-step wobbles coming through the walls, so I can’t be sure.
Rats in the Kitchen tent: The outdoor marquee where acts such as reggae roast played under the glaring sun
Local establishments Re:Wind and Gin ‘n’ Juice were on top form as always, however it was Disko Stew who really stole the show. Playing twice, firstly in the main room, followed by a closing set in the Gimp room, they treated the crowds to a great selection of rare disco, funk and house, delivered via their strictly vinyl policy. Meanwhile, Re:Wind played their selection of classic UK Garage in room two, which played host to the mighty Brotherhood Soundsystem, which was incredibly loud and bass-heavy. As enjoyable as it was, having the floor rattle West Indian Centre style, it was actually painful on my ears at times, so without sounding like too much of an old man, maybe turn it down a tad next time.
Not just a rave: A break dancer shows off his skills to an appreciative audience
Resident DJs and organizers Just a Little DJs closed the main room with an eclectic mix of party tunes to see off the evening in style. As well as the great music on offer, the live graffiti and dancers added a unique touch to the event, making it stand out from the growing cluster of terrace parties in Leeds. Also the variation in style of music, giving something for everyone, was a breath of fresh air, seeing as the vast majority of all-day parties in Leeds have a strong focus on House and Techno. It was a great party all round, and I look forward to next year!
words: Dominic Freeman
photos: IGRPhoto.co.uk All Rights Reserved
