- In France today, Lyon is second only to Paris when it comes to underground dance music. The country has long promoted a policy of centralization, making it harder for local scenes to find a lasting foothold outside of the capital. However, the steady progression of techno culture within the mainstream has allowed for innovative regional promoters and clubs to emerge, boosting provincial nightlife. Lyon's Le Sucre is a shining case in point: over the past few years it's proven itself as one of France's most forward-thinking and consistent institutions.
DV1 is a more low-key, intimate alternative to Le Sucre, located a stone's throw away from the river Rhône, in one of the city's most lively neighborhoods. In a bid to celebrate its 15th anniversary in style, the club put together an all-star bender, running from last Thursday through Saturday night. In line to close the mini-festival, following performances earlier in the week from Sigha and French electro duo Sound Pellegrino Thermal Team (AKA Orgasmic & Teki Latex), was Detroit's DJ Stingray.
Best known for his affiliations with Drexciya and Urban Tribe, Stingray embodies the darker, trippier side of Motor City electronics. In Angus Finlayson's review of his most recent EP, Communications System, he says Stringray's techno sounds "like the emergency systems of a space station whirring into life." The same could be said of his set at DV1.
Playing all vinyl, Stingray impeccably wove together old-school electro bangers and pacey, bass-heavy techno, throwing in the occasional bit of leftfield acid from Dopplerefekt, or hard-hitting house from DJ Bone. Perhaps even more impressive than the tracks he played, though, was the intensity with which he played them. Just before he wrapped up for the night, Stingray came out from behind the decks and started giving out signed copies of Communications System to a few die-hard fans in the front row—a touching gesture from one of the scene's great performers.