Ibiza's ANTS invade London for sell-out show

The uber cool ANTS project mounted a full-scale invasion of UK clubland, with a thumping event at London's Electric Brixton, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

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Black webbing and a huge see-through egg sac hung from the ceiling of the former theatre as ant-like clubbers swayed and bounced below to tough beats enveloped in monochrome lights and smoke.

The black and white colour scheme was everywhere and created an otherworldly experience, where you forgot colours existed and became engrossed in the rhythmic soundtrack.

Such production values have become a feature of the Ibiza-born ANTS colony and nothing looks capable of stopping this house music powerhouse from conquering the UK.

Fantastic bleeding-edge tracks rumbled out of the speakers and enraptured the sell-out crowd at this iconic venue.

DJs on the bill included US star Lauren Lane, who played a perfectly-pitched early set, ANTS resident Andrea Oliva, Noir and Waze & Odyssey, whose peak time performance whipped up the crowd.

The show was the first ANTS gig in the UK after successful stints in Ibiza in the summer and shows in Miami and at Snowbombing.

If you missed it, fear not because on the strength of this event, something tells me the capital has not seen the end of the ANTS.

 

Chemical Brothers, Chase & Status, Above & Beyond and Gorgon City all confirmed for SW4 2016

Headliners and supporting acts have been announced for London’s long-running SW4 festival, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

The event, on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 August, will see the cream of global dance music descend on Clapham Common once more.

Chase & Status, will be performing alongside deep house stars Gorgon City and MK and D ’n’ B chart-botherer Rudimental appearing on the Saturday.

There will be four arenas on the first day, called ‘Welcome to Gorgon City, ‘Together’, ‘RAM’ and ‘SW4 Live’.

The Sunday also sees an eclectic mix with massive headliners the Chemical Brothers, trancers Above & Beyond and Cirez D, Paul Kalkbrenner Sven Vath and Sasha.

The festival is set to be bigger than eve with enormous arenas and stages. 

A spokesman said: “From solo performances to full touring bands, each and every performer will bring Clapham Common to life in a London festival exclusive. Immersed in astounding production to create a breath-taking experience, the gigantic stage will add a new dimension to SW4.”

• ·        For more information and tickets click here 

Buy my comedy book ‘Hacks – a sit-com about local journalism: Pilot Episode’ about local journalism in the UK

By TopReview4U editor Paul Christian

I’m not one to blow my own trumpet and certainly can’t review my own book and retain any credibility.

But I’d like readers to know that my book ‘Hacks – a sit-com about local journalism: Pilot Episode’ is now available in paperback and Kindle formats.

Originally intended as a synopsis for a sit-com, but written in prose, rather than script format, the book reflects on and amplifies my real experiences working in local newspapers in the UK.

The book itself is not for the faint-hearted and is strictly adults-only.

I also wouldn’t like to say what parts were real and what was imagined.

Suffice to say a kernel of truth punctuates every encounter or misadventure.

I hope you enjoy it.

To buy on paperback, click here 

Or to buy on Kindle, click here 

Luxury Jadu Tea review

Beautiful packaging and enticing little envelopes filled with scented potions are the order of the day with the fantastic Jadu Tea. 

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My first taste of the delicious Mademoiselle Grey (Jadu’s unique take on Earl Grey) was very much with the eye, as the dizzying array of leaves, citrus, petals and whatnot peered back at me from the pyramid mesh pouch.

Eager to make the most of this intriguing infusion I made sure to follow the instructions set out by award-winning luxury gift tea company Jadu.  

They involved using 200ml of water (so out came the measuring jug) and infusing the tea for three minutes.

What followed was an incredibly-refreshing and balanced beverage.

Relaxing, yet invigorating in equal measure.

The same can be said of the triumphant China green, which was smooth and balanced and easier to drink than any other green tea I’ve tried.

Both the China green and Mademoiselle Grey were awarded gongs in last year’s Great Taste Awards – a discovery which came as no surprise to me whatsoever. 

Also available is an English breakfast tea, which again was enlivening and balanced, and loose leaf white mango lime.

When it comes to tea London-based Jadu has it all. 

•   For more information click here