Deft

Art school dropouts are smoking rollies in the corner, loudly discussing brutalist architecture and pretending they aren't freezing. They’re far too cool to actually dance, but this DJ live set slowly chips away at their pretentious armor. The cold, angular arts space has an incredibly strict door policy, fitting for a spot that keeps its venue name off the internet. Hovering around 141.0 BPM, this New Wave set is icy and detached.

The 12A to 4B key progression ensures a dark, post-punk energy arc that feels incredibly cinematic. The mixing style is raw, letting the tracks play out in all their gloomy glory. Scanning this DJ venue tracklist, the crate digging is top-tier for the synth-pop heads. Karen Marks' 'Cold Café' is a brilliant, obscure pull, while RSD's 'Pretty Bright Light' and Chokez add a modern bass weight to the 80s aesthetic.

The journey is deeply atmospheric. An 'Unknown - Unknown' opening track sets the freezing tone, eventually warming up to a peak with Dudu Nahas' 'The Hour'. In a completely mad genre pivot, Freddie Gibbs' 'Weight' serves as an unexpected but brilliant closing track.