End of an Era

Sadly all good things have to come to an end and on Sunday everyone’s favourite Tokyo hangout finally closed it’s doors for the very last time. Far too many big nights have ended up chilling out in what had become my second home in the city.

A lot of friends of the venue enjoyed one last night, along with food, drink and tunes. There might have even been some drawing on the walls…

Thanks to Masaya and all the Pikeys crew for all the memories and the best of luck for your new venture, a review of which is in the works…

Bumping Shoulders

This weekend saw the first Bump party come to Fai in Aoyama. I’ve been to Fai a few times and really like the venue. The atmosphere is relaxed yet classy, with friendly staff and reasonable bar prices. One thing I really like is that due to the layout, the main rom never feels empty, even if it is less than full and yet is spacious enough to hold a sizable crowd.

The upstairs bar is also nice and cozy, though for some reason was really hot, probably due to someone turning down the air conditioning. The ‘VIP’ room is more than a little spartan but is unique in being quiet enough to actually hold a conversation in, something some other venues could learn from.

Probably the only complaint would be the savage lack of toilets which is made worse by the awful location (you have to squeeze past the bar and into a corridor so narrow both bathroom doors can’t be open at one time), suffice it to say there is always a queue for both men and women…

One thing Fai does have, at least in the main room is a solid sound system, which was put to good use keeping a lively crowd shaking it well into the morning. The ample power on offer was fully used by DJs AronT with his special blend of cathcy housey tunes, Russell Malon with a hard bass driven set and Yonosuke who closed out the night with a house set which was both dancable and ambient at the same time, quite delicious…

I’m pretty sure we’ll be at the next Bump, I’ll be sure to let you know when it will be and how to go about getting discounts on entry…

Pictures including a rare self portrait are over here.

Defected in the House

I wasn’t expecting much from this night on my way in, not being the biggest fan of house music (or for that matter Air as a club venue), however I was very pleasantly surprised. I had a great time to the funky sounds in the bar and Yass playing his blend of pseudo retro house in the main room.

Pictures are available over here

Pitchtuner

Usually a three piece Pitchtuner have brought their rock tinged electro music to Japan from the cooler climes of Germany minus their regular drummer. Sporting a very “European” sound akin to recent Soulwax, Miki and Hannes played a 30 min set on guitars and Synthesisers to a rapt audience at Shibuya Nest.

Pitchtuner play tomorrow night in Osaka at Bears and come highly recommended.