This Is Guernsey

By Emily Burden

Hydro did his thing for Dub Sessions – and boy, did he do it well.

AS PROMISED, Hydro appeared courtesy of Dub Sessions on Friday of last week and with what was a versatile and inventive set, he didn’t disappoint.

Yet considering the efforts of those behind Dub Sessions, who never fail to bring something new to the island, the audience left much to be desired for organiser Stuart Mair – and me, if I’m honest.

The younger generation is constantly complaining there is never anything ‘good’ on but now it’s on everyone’s doorstep, people seem to be hiding. The incentive for organisers to put on events like this will fade fast if people don’t support the mission.

Having said that, for a late-February night it was busier than most places.

Supporting Hydro were local DJs and Dub Sessions members Arby, 9mm and Smellz, who all kept to their personal style. Arby has to be noted for his vast learning and 9mm for throwing out some impressive tunes, which warmed up the audience nicely.

Smellz has the added advantage of currently being one of the very few decent female DJs playing and she continues to go from strength to strength, improving visibly on an almost gig-by-gig basis. Friday saw her present some massive tunes.

Pressure (Stuart Mair), with his familiarity of the scene, didn’t disappoint either. Keeping it heavy with the constant rolling beats, he got the crowd moving vigorously.

But the personality of the night was Hydro, who stepped up with his upfront fresh dubs and cultural flavours.

His experience is clear to see and it looked so effortless for him to produce such a dynamic set and nail it.

I think it is fair to say not many have heard such clean tracks.

He captures elements of both old and new D ’n’ B sounds and runs them smoothly together into one set, creating an atmosphere that not many can.

During Hydro’s set we were even treated to 9mm picking up the microphone and MCing, connecting the audience with Hydro and emphasising the mood.

There were also times when Hydro got caught in the music too, dancing like a mad man behind the decks, clearly enjoying himself and getting the crowd going.

If you didn’t make it to the gig, you missed out on something out of the ordinary. During his time spent in continental Europe, Hydro has obviously been exposed to really distinctive tracks and he brings all those essences to his set.

Friday was an eye-opener for me. It was inspiring to hear sounds I hadn’t heard before and was certainly a refreshing change. I just hope these nights get the support they deserve, or it’ll be us losing out.

* If you thought Dub Sessions couldn’t do any better, then think again. It will be presenting massive DJ Klute and Stamina MC on 4 April. More information on that night to come soon.