Shortly after I walked inside San Francisco’s Mezzanine last night Booka Shade‘s newest single “Wildest Thing” was thumping over the speakers. To my surprise the venue was packed – people were wall to wall, dancing to Booka Shade’s infectious brand of Minimal House music. In hindsight I shouldn’t have been surprised that there were so many people there or that it was hot and sweaty just like the beats coming across the sound system. Booka Shade, the Berlin-based House/Techno/Minimal duo who need little introduction, have been doing this for years. And if there’s anything I’ve learned since moving to San Francisco, it’s that people here know their electronic music.
“Wildest Thing” is a fantastic House song with a driving beat and chopped-and-screwed vocal hook, but it doesn’t necessarily stray away from Booka Shade’s mesmerizing sound. The newest addition to Booka Shade’s massive library is deep, it’s dark, and holy shit does it destroy the dance floor. When the beat of “Wildest Thing” properly dropped in last night, there were roars of enjoyment coming from the crowd. The crowd, by the way, definitely skewed older but it was nice to see that Booka Shade continues to attract younger folks as well, as the duo certainly are one of the veterans and pioneers in the House music world.
Booka Shade’s live show is a combination of laptop DJ set and live drums, making it something truly unique in a saturated world of dance music DJs. The duo cycled through many of their hits, including their “Body Language” interpretation (see below), all the while keeping fans happy and dancing – a true peak hour set. At one point I needed to step outside to get some air and when I immersed myself in the outdoor smoking section I was entered into discussions about how Booka Shade’s shows and sounds have changed over a decade. While I don’t consider myself a veteran of Booka Shade’s shows, I can’t say that much has changed, but it’s great to see that they appeal with both older and younger fans alike.
“Wildest Thing” is out now on Beatport with a rare 118BPM remix that slows things down a bit for more of that minimal vibe.
PURCHASE “WILDEST THING” ON BEATPORT
Booka Shade Tour Dates
August 3 -Windtalkers Night At Vista Club, Ibiza, Spain
August 8 – Lovefest, Belgrade, Serbia
August 28 – Mezzanine, San Francisco, US
August 29 – Beta, Denver, US
September 4 – SAT, Montreal, Canada
September 5 – North Coast Music Festival, Chicago, US
September 6 – Nocturnal Wonderland, San Bernardino, US
September 11 – HEART, Ibiza, Spain
September 12 – Holi Festival Of Colours, London, UK
September 13 – Holi Festival Of Colours, London, UK