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Tuesday 9 February 2010

Peng Sound – Bringing a better vibe to Bristol

The city of Bristol is famous for producing some of the best sounds of the past twenty years, often being the centre for some of the most forward thinking artists – Tricky, Massive Attack, Roni Size to name but a few. Fast forward to 2010 and, instead of the usual names burning the ears of eager club goers, it’s the underground bass scene that’s been causing a stir on the streets of this city. Basement 45, The Black Swan, Timbuk2 all showcasing the best of Bristol; with artists such as Appleblim, Forsaken, Pinch, Peverelist and Jakes playing every weekend to likeminded people all ready to consume and digest bites of Bristol beats.

It was with this in mind and drawing on his own passion for the underground scene that Daniel Davies, also known as Ossia, decided to set up Peng Sound – a once monthly night, set to the backdrop of Stokes Croft in the small, but special, Take Five Café. Whilst not wanting to compete with the array of successful nights already taking place, he aimed to produce something slightly different for the vast number of music lovers desperate for unconventional venues and a house party vibe. It’s a night that knows no bounds, boasting an array of forward thinking and reminiscent bass and roots music – music that Dan feels is often looked upon as unconventional for the dance floor.

The name Peng Sound comes from the sound made in Jamaican dancehalls as a salute to big tunes; a perfect label for a night making big waves in the Bristol scene. With decorations of endless balloons, UV lights, lasers and a very reasonable entry price of £3, Peng Sound is the answer Stokes Croft has been crying out for. Its debut took place on October 10th, with the likes of Positive Vibration and Dubba taking to the decks; the second instalment came on November 20th; sets coming from Dub Boy, Julio Bashmore and Neek. However, it’s not just the decks securing a crowd on the dance floor; Dan also wanted to bring a live aspect to the table, adding positive vibe MC’s called Intalek to keep the crowd’s spirits flying high. This was taken care of by Dubkasm, the headliners of Peng Sound’s third and most successful night to date. The guys brought with them live sax, melodica and the infamous dub sirens to keep the crowds hungry for more; support came from Ossia, Silly Tang and Oli B.

What makes Peng Sound so special is the atmosphere – every one there is out to have a great night for the right reasons; for drink, dance and dub. Think of it as your own personal party, with lashings of great music and great people. Leigh Dennis, a.k.a. Leewok praises the laid back crowd, preferring to play his set at Peng Sound rather than at any other bass night. Regular attendee Jacob Martin, a.k.a. Hodge, explains it as ‘a night unlike any other; it’s like the ultimate house party, showcasing Bristol’s bass culture where it’s all about having a good time'. And it’s not just the bass lovers that are catered for. Peng Sound is a night that knows no musical bounds where you can expect to hear as many rhythms and tempos as your musical taste buds can handle.

The next Peng Sound will be taking place in March, with its date, line-up and location being kept well under wraps; be sure to check out Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft for flyers – you really won’t want to miss it. As local underground talent and established artists come together to mash up the dance, you’ll be welcomed with open arms, sultry beats and bass lovers galore.

By Sammy Maine

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