- A compilation that reflects the London club's long-running, sonically diverse legacy.
- Since October 21st, 1999, fabric has endured as London's best-known clubbing institution. Long before it evolved into the globally celebrated space it is today, the club was an unoccupied cold-storage unit in Smithfield Meat Market, until cofounders Keith Reilly and Cameron Leslie turned it into the 1600-capacity, warehouse-inspired nightclub we know today. fabric created a genre-defining mix CD series, launched a forward-thinking label for original music and has hosted the world's best DJs, some of whom have a special relationship with the club that they have nowhere else. The club's latest venture is another imprint, fabric Originals, focusing on the sounds you're likely to hear at the venue, unmixed and ready for club play. After releases from Eris Drew, Octo Octa, Helena Hauff and DJ Bone, the label dropped its first compilation, which functions just like the club's lineups: a healthy balance between up-and-coming artists and internationally established, cross-pollinating genres and styles.
fabric SELECTS I is adventurous and tastefully curated. Techno enthusiasts have plenty to dive into. Elli Acula's "Pleasure" sprinkles functional 4/4 sounds with some breakbeat spice, instantly adding a more rugged element to the track. Manni Dee's "Heartbreaker" is a speedy four-minute ride, with a storm of kick drums, glitched-out vocals and a bewitching lead striking a careful balance between emotional and searing. Berlin-based producer Quelza offers a slinky tune with "Protein Chords," unfurling with a haunting melody and sparse percussion, while Tommy Four Seven’s "Disrupt" is another chilling number, pairing a huge bassline with sporadic squelchy notes. For a softer, sparkling mood, Italian producer Adiel concocts a cosmic spaced-out trip.
For the electro heads, rising star DJ MELL G delivers a crunchy cut with "Nothing But Filth," bristling with super-crisp snares and vocoder vocals. Colombian artist Verraco contributes an ambient tune, "casi siempre hay mañanato," built with dreamy chords and subtle bird-like noises. Bass-heavy, oddball vibes from Air Max '97 on "Testrip" warble with breaks and woody percussion, perfect for a dank basement rave or, maybe just fabric's cavernous Room 1. These more unconventional sounds show that the club's signature night isn't necessarily just about 4/4 dance music. For the last two decades, fabric has overcome a series of regulatory and economic challenges, even surviving the pandemic, and fabric SELECTS I is an excellent example of the club’s forward-thinking ambitious approach.
Tracklist01. Verraco - casi siempre hay mañana
02. Bambounou - In Depth Beauty Routine
03. Adiel - Outer Space
04. Elli Acula - Pleasure
05. Quelza - Proteins Chords
06. Tommy Four Seven - Disrupt
07. Manni Dee - Heartbreaker
08. Air Max '97 - Testrip
09. DJ MELL G - Nothing But Filth
10. Deena Abdelwahed - Dirisha
11. Marcel Fengler - Katana
12. .VRIL - Moon Tax