Soulwaxmas London 2011

With snow flakes lapping at the ground on the morning of this years Soulwaxmas, it was hoped that the night's entertainment would be a white one. A gig unlike any other held at South London’s Brixton Academy, Soulwaxmas has run for the past five years, each time more acclaimed and anticipated than the last. The brain child of brothers David and Stephen Dewaele, Soulwaxmas is also held in Paris and the siblings homeland of Belgium. With dance acts Erol Alkan, Paul Chambers, Turbo Wolf and Gesaffelstein playing alongside Soulwax and the Dewaele brothers alter ego 2manydjs, there was plenty to keep your two feet moving until the 3am curfew.

While the other acts were intensely enjoyed as any soundtrack to a night club would be, it was 2manydjs that stole the show in a blasting hour and half set. Known for keeping their setlist of each gig strictly classified, 2manydjs are the kings of remixing dance, indie and rock classics. From the opening buzz Brixton was in the palm of 2manydjs hands, singing along to bass lines and clapping in time to their favourite songs remixed. Amongst the eclectic mix of songs was The Chemical Brothers - Hey Boy Hey Girl, Metronomy - The Bay, Motorhead - Ace of Spades and The Prodigy - Out of Space all making up an incredible set list which spanned the best of alternative music over the past few decades.

Keeping the crowd entertained further were amazing visual affects in the form of redesigned album artworks and a 3-D screen pouring into the front of the five thousand strong crowd at Brixton Academy. Ending their set on The Beatle’s - Christmas Time Is Here Again with a blast on confetti and a light show in red and green, Soulwaxmas was certainly filled of festive frolics.

words: Robyn Lynch