Review: SW4, Clapham Common (From Streatham Guardian)

Review: SW4, Clapham Common

3:03pm Thursday 30th August 2012 in Freetime

Although heavy rain meant Creamfields weekend had to succumb to Mother Nature, the sun shone down on revellers at SW4 festival taking place in Clapham Common on August 26.

The dance festival has gone from strength to strength and this year pulled in enough big name DJ’s to shake a glow stick at, with the likes of Seth Troxler, Skrillex and 2 Many DJ’s showcasing all the best of the genre.

Clapham Common is awash with different tents and it’s a novelty to be at a dance music festival in the middle of London instead of a large field in the middle of nowhere.

Perhaps the biggest name of the day was hip-hop pioneers Public Enemy, playing their only UK summer festival date this year. Despite getting on a bit these days they are far more energetic than some of the youngsters, with Flava Flav egging on the crowds wearing his trademark clock.

They played a surprisingly early slot at 2pm, and probably would have been more suited to concluding the festival. However, it meant the arena became filled pretty early on and creating an intense atmosphere in the blazing sun of Paralympics anthem Harder Than You Think.

Over in the Together tent a plethora of electro DJs took to the stage, including the likes of Green Velvet, Simian Mobile Disco and Eric Prydz. Erol Alklan played a range of tempos allowing fans here not just for the dance music to soak up the atmosphere, with everyone busting out some interesting dance moves during his reworking of Metronomy’s ‘The Bay’.

House fans were blessed with a set by Maya Jane Coles who has been thrust into the spotlight this year. She was followed by heavyweights Pete Tong and headliner Seth Troxler, regular SW4 performers.

As the day progressed the main stage was occupied by Crookers, DJ Fresh and an exclusive set by Diplo. The American DJ and producer played a smorgasboard of dance and drum and bass hits, keeping the crowd in a untempo mood. He was followed by Skream & Benga, playing their bass heavy tracks.

Skrillex rounded off the day with a futuristic show made up of lasers and a space-ship like set on stage. Fire, fireworks and pyrotechnics all came together as he dipped into the likes of Fatman Scoop, as well as hits Bangarang and Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.

Altogether it was a pretty awesome way to spend a bank holiday weekend, although it was a shame it had to finish so early with the fun and games having to come to an end at 10pm. (Best not wind up the neighbours too much so we can come back next year.)

Nevertheless there was a  sound choice of aftershow parties for those wanting to carry on partying, so it was not too much of a problem. I can only wait to see how the SW4 festival organisers will top this off next year.