Barcelona’s Clasicos Del Ruido has paid homage to a monthly event that has brought a wealth of talent to the Spanish capital, Femur V1.
I’ve mentioned of a club night I frequent here in Madrid more than once in the musical musings: Femur. The man behind it, Arch (or Aitor), shares a strikingly similar taste to myself; his joy at the Skanfrom mix done a couple of years back being fair evidence of our intertwined appreciation.
I’d quizzed Aitor a few times as to why he hadn’t started up an imprint, and his response is similar to what my own would be. Time. Money. Artists. Transport. Accommodation for ’em (records that is, not artists.) But the electronic activity around by Nuevos Ministerios has not gone unnoticed. Barcelona’s Clasicos Del Ruido has paid homage to a monthly event that has brought a wealth of talent to the Spanish capital, Femur V1.
The 12” is occupied by those who have taken stage in the dingy darkness of Specka, the host venue; well all but one. Inaugurating the collection is Hyboid, a favorite of a late Madrid evening. The Astro Chicken boss never darkened the booth but he undoubtedly lit up speakers and faces with his infectious brand of electro pop. The befittingly titled “Utopia” is video game tinted machine music. Chords cascade, vocoder lyrics hum as beats slice. Kid Machine follows with his own unmistakable style. Bars are big and bold with percussion being used to support sky sailing synthwork.
In Aeternam Vale changes the tone. The French wave veteran turns in a minimal techno session, a slow burning stripped piece of mechanics. Hesperius Draco (Alessandro Parisi), who I had the pleasure to warm up DJ for at Femur back in November last year, closes the 12”. A hugely atmospheric piece is the offering. Cinematic and epic the Italian serves up an atomic brimming with juddering chords and palpable energy.
And interestingly, the 12” marks the end. Aitor has decided to hang up his headphones. The last night of Femur is this Friday. I’d some boss nights there, heard some savage music, managed to mangle mix some records together and met some great people. With a heavy heart, I’ll be going and dancing me wee socks off. But I know that this won’t be the end. I’ve an inkling that this first vinyl step might lead to bigger things. Who knows. We’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, Femur V1 is a full flavored taste of the fun that was had over the past five years. Thanks Arch.
Femur V1 is available on Clasicos Del Ruido.
