Catshanghai

We went to this Freaklub party at Club Logo in Xingfu Lu after bumping into Sebastian Tootekool at Ikea who described it as a cross between a live show and a DJ set. Read this link. Freaklub is a weekly techno night run by Tootekool at Club Logo.

I’ve always had a good time at this venue where the old Tang Hui used to be and it is where I met Jenny. Club Logo looks pretty similar to the old Tang Hui except the bar area is less cluttered and the lounge has a computer, table football and lots of couches, but no hippy cushions. If anything, I like Logo better than the old place because it is relaxed and not too crowded. It is a little bit out of the way so the people go there to enjoy the music and the slightly underground vibe. The patrons are mainly casual European twenty-somethings, but I bumped into a colleague who’s even older than me and didn’t look at all out of place. A bottle of beer only costs 20 RMB and it didn’t cost anything to go to this party. I’m going to stick my neck out and say it’s my favourite club in Shanghai.

Techno can be really good if it is not too cool, has some passion and draws from other influences. Otherwise, it is bit like a cake that looks very nice, but is just tasteless cream and air when you bite into it.

Bontempi 5 have a different vision. They are a group of DJs from Switzerland who play a mixture of techno, house, tribal beats and nu-jazz. Their music is very enjoyable, eclectic, passionate and energetic. We got there after 12:30 when Jose the saxophonist started tooting along. It took him a while to get into a groove, but then his playing made the music more alive, colourful and hypnotic. The visuals were great too. We left very happy at 3.30. Well done for setting this up Tootekool.

Bontempi 5 will play another free set at Club Logo next week. I suggest you check it out.

Venue: Club Logo, 13 Xingfu Lu (near Fahuazhen Lu)
幸福路13号 近法华镇路
Telephone: 6281-5646