- James Holden has come a long way as a DJ over the past three years. No one has ever questioned his ability in the studio and his label, Border Community, constantly produces some of the most forward thinking tunes available. However, his initial days playing out were dodgy - at best. How things have changed. Last Friday saw James back in New York continuing his quarterly residency with Made Event in New York and supporting his new mix compilation "At The Controls." The past two Holden visits have been held at three venues. First he played at Spirit, then B.E.D., and now Cielo. I always felt Spirit was too large a venue for him, but Cielo fit his sound perfectly.
As soon as I stepped in, James was already on a tear. He has come along way since the days of "Solstice" and all the Silver Planet releases. The speakers were overflowing with sounds that at first listen were a bit awkward, but upon closer inspection were unique and interesting. It could be best described as the feeling one gets the first time they look at a painting by Dali. To the untrained eye it looks random and disjointed, but give it some time and it all makes sense.
The crowd were definitely up for it as well. Cielo is quite an open space with a, pretty much unheard of, smoking patio in the back. Even when the space gets crowded, there are always nooks to catch your breath in, and they never allow too many punters in that you can't move.
Move I did. Mr. Holden's technical ability behind the CDJs has progressed by leaps and bounds over the years. Friday he layered tracks together without having to build up to any major climaxes. He just kept the pace set for a great party in a space that really is not designed for hands in the air anthems.
Overall, the night was really fun. I applaud Made for getting Holden into a club that suited his style (and quite frankly the crowd size that he is able to pull) as well as Cielo. I look forward to his next visit!