River Phoenix didn’t OD outside on the pavement but you can be sure that the experience that Arcade and The Assembly put together this Friday was equally as newsworthy. Despite the strange mix of people, Re-Visit the Viper Room, as a first collaboration for the two parties involved, was a huge success. When I arrived the queue was already around the block and I must admit it became immediately apparent to me that the guys from Arcade and Discotheque don’t fuck around.

Admittedly the crowd was a little strange, a veritable mishmash of all sorts. I saw collared shirts and skinny jeans, shorts and slops, peaked caps and fedoras, long hair, short hair, no hair, fuck, it was like being in Margate over the December holidays at times. But none the less it pleased me to see that The Assembly have made their venue accessible to people from all walks of life. It did however create an air of hostility that was strange for a venue that, for the most part, exudes a sense of calm surrender most of the time. I have it on good authority though that this was not their intention; it is simply the nature of the beast.

This, however, didn’t detract from the wicked line up with Bruce Willis and P.H Fat headlining the show. I sometimes wonder if they are putting something in the water in Hout Bay where the large majority of these talented guys are from. Tyron Kuypers aka Bruce Willis and co-owner of Arcade, always brings a driving, sexy sound to the dance floor; and Disco, Mike and Naartjie of P.H.Fat never fail to get the crowd into a seething frenzy. ‘Put your hands up in the air and wave ‘em around like you got a pair’ was the order of the evening.

Danna and Tyron started Arcade roughly three years ago with one concept in mind: let’s make the party experience an interactive and all encompassing one. Special attention is paid to decor and this party was no exception. I personally haven’t had the good fortune to find myself in West Hollywood where the original Viper Room is located but from what I have read and seen, I imagine it was re-created quite effectively.

The energy was tangible, particularly when Mark aka Niskerone began to spin a killer set in true Cape Town drum and bass style in the early hours of the morning immediately after Bruce Willis wrapped up his unbelievably sick, driving combination electro set. This was interesting to me as it’s not often that you see these two musical cousins co-existing together in melodic and often intensely jarring harmony under one roof. Mark (Niskerone), who has been a staple figure on the Cape Town drum and bass circuit for years now, has the kind of insane energy that most would kill for. It’s definitely something you are born with and he was born with it in abundance.

PH.Fat, as always, was impressive. With their insatiable appetite for crazy, I was reminded of early Cyprus Hill and the sickly stimulating lyrical lullabies of early pioneering South African rap artists like Waddy Jones, now Ninja from Die Antwoord. Elgordo and Kid 84 also put on stellar performances that readied the crowd for the headliners. Mention must go to these two ridiculously talented artists as their contributions added beautifully to the delicious smelting pot of awesome that was Arcade in association with Discotheque.

All in all Re-Visit the Viper Room was a novel experience that left me feeling full and satisfied. I eagerly anticipate the next filthy instalment from the maverick-like minds of all the collaborators involved. I think it was Pendulum who asked the question in one of their tracks: “Is this bass really strong enough?” My response is, yes sir, it most certainly was! Arcade and Discotheque are going places and they are taking us on the journey with them. Star-studded super celebrities of yesteryear, eat your heart out. The Assembly is South Africa’s answer to the immortal call of The Viper Room.

MH (Photo's curtisy of www.we-are-awsome.com)