- To an outsider in Norway's capitol, it can be difficult to comprehend the local's fervour for a night out. On some weekends the city inhabitants leave town for the isolation of their mountain huts, long walks and soft drinks. On holiday weekends, such as the night before May 1st though, the city is awash with international DJs and intoxicated revellers partying hard. This year was no exception, with house music luminary Pepe Bradock gracing the most dedicated 4x4 club in town, heralded UK producer Mosca hooking up with respected underground local players Kids Love Bass and Oyvind Morken at a secretive all-night party representing the pick of the nights.
Bradock is arguably one of the most respected house producers around. The eternally relevant "Deep Burnt" sits proudly in many a selector's bag to this day, but he's no nostalgia act. A mixture of age groups were on full show at Jaeger; dedicated and balding Bradock fans peered eagerly around the edges of the charming backyard terrace while the more energetic and youthful clubbers bounced up and down.
Upon entering the intimate space at the rear of the club, the regular Mandagsklubben (Monday club) DJs were setting a serious tone with piercing tech house that encouraged dangerous dancing from the most uncoordinated participants. The club was busy and buzzing but the vibe was chaotic. Thankfully, after midnight the tipsy members of the audience, oblivious to the music, filtered out from the dance floor as the tone of the music calmed down.
Shortly afterward, Bradock took to the turntables in a caravan-styled DJ booth. He quickly gauged the mood of the room and transformed the vibe into an altogether more friendly one through some light and soulful house tracks. From this moment on, the groove was locked. Old and new fans were delighted as Bradock purposefully moved through classic French house, interspersed vocals, an intense spell of deep and driving '90s techno and more modern tracks. It was a gourmet journey of house music spanning over two decades, served in an open and inviting manner for all in attendance to enjoy. A master at work.