Dreadzone And Apply The Breaks Live @ The Horn, St Albans (Fri 23rd April 2008)
When I found out that Dreadzone and Apply the Breaks would be unleashing breakbeat hell on my home town, it was compulsory that I should go and see them, and I'm glad that I did! The Horn is a fantastic live music venue, that has featured some amazing live and tribute acts through the years.
I don't know of any other venue that has a breakbeat night on a Monday that is frequently packed to the rafters and sees the like of Dopamine, Atomic Hooligan and Diverted play there to a happy, energetic crowd.
I've personally not seen Dreadzone for years. The last time I saw them was in Kent I think at an old long since closed venue called The Union Bar. They'd written some classic tunes in the 90s including Little Britain and I was looking forward to hearing them make some noise again.
Apply the Breaks Make Some Noise!!!
We got there a little late, and unfortunately missed the first act, having been at another pub pretty much on the other side of town. Anyway we got to The Horn for around 10ish and were in time to see Horn residents' Apply the Breaks hit the decks in an explosion of break beats, hoovers and old school classics.
From what I gather, ATB have been missing a member for the last year due to the fact that one of their DJs has been off looking after a new member to his family. They certainly played an explosive set including the most awesome Cut and Run remix of You Got the Love.
Dreadzone featuring MC Spee
MC Spee has been one of Dreadzone's MCs since 2001, originally being part of Terminalhead. He's a funny, funny man who comes across well. His rhymes and MCing don't sound like he's doing an auction, and really added to the show.
Their set was an explosion of some seriously dubby beats with the big man leaning on his cane, drinking a 1/4 bottle of whiskey whilst MCing over Greg Dread's fine selection of reggae influenced beats. Seeing him DJ reminded me of Charlie Watts from the 'stones providing a solid base for the rest of the group to work from!
The crowd at The Horn were really up for it, and I am not 100% sure they could have crammed any more people into the warm, tiny venue. There was just enough room to get to the bar and most probibly one of the best nights I'd experienced at The Horn in a while.
Dreadzone are touring at the moment and I'd recommend you go an see them... as they really know how to put a set together!
