REVIEW: The Arches Presents...The Skreamizm Tour
WORDS: Colin Brownbill

Ever since its announcement, the anticipation surrounding Skream’s arrival in Glasgow was palpable. Strengthened by a support line up which included the likes of Hot Flush head-honcho Scuba, the ridiculous talent of Oneman and Glasgow’s own Jackmaster, this had all the hallmarks of one of the biggest nights of the year. Having been instrumental in dubstep’s early development and a key player in it’s progression to the mainstream, there was no doubt the Skreamizm tour, taking in dates throughout Europe, would be hugely popular. So with the stage set and the hype at boiling point we entered The Arches with high expectations.

Arriving early, it was refreshing to see the main arch already moving to the sound of Jackmaster. Working the floor with some low-end house, garage and bassline, the insatiable energy of the Numbers DJ du jour quickly enticed any vacant feet into the fray. Peaking with Gerd’s essential ‘NY House Track’ (arguably this summer’s biggest unsung anthem), the crowd were fully prepped for the onslaught of Skream. With the silhouette of his perfectly moulded quiff emerging from the smoke and ever-faithful MC, Sgt Pokes hyping the crowd to a state of almost unbearable anticipation, he finally launched into a tirade of devastating sub-bass, encouraging wide-spread skanking and the customary ‘bounce’ Glasgow has become so widely recognised for. For the next two hours the main-arch was his.

Drifting through to the dance arch, it was unfortunately a less enthusiastic scene for Oneman. With the venue only half full at best (surprising considering the weight of the line up), and the obvious attraction of Skream next door, it was clearly proving hard to maintain attention (not helped by a constantly popping speaker-stack which announced itself at every touch of the low-end). With a dwindling crowd, it was up to Scuba to re-ignite the floor.

Truth be told, this is who we had come to see. Responsible for one of our favourite club records of the last ten years with ‘Adrenalin’ and regarded as one of 2012’s ‘must see’ names, we couldn’t me more excited. But only two tracks in and his set was already blighted by a careless techy who derailed a mix to Scuba’s blatant anger and dismay. To say it ruined the set would be over the top, but it didn’t do much to help him find his groove. Putting the incident behind him, we’re pleased to report that the remainder of his set was incredibly executed, dropping in classics such as Dubfire’s pulverising remix of ‘Grindhouse’ and of course the ubiquitous 'Au Seve’ to ecstatic reaction. Climaxing with the aforementioned ‘Adrenalin’ and the more recent ‘NE1BUTU’, he confirmed just why he’s in such high demand right now.

Back in the main arch, Skream and Jackmaster culminated an hour of back to back action with Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ – a fitting ending to a night which, although hindered by some unfortunate issues, got there in the end and delivered.

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