Review: Love International, Prospect – ‘Early summer jubilation at 130BPM’

As we meander into May, what recipe is more resplendent than rosy cheeks, raised hands, and raucous laughter?

Events like this remind me of those Motion day parties of yesteryear. As that staple venue faces an uncertain future a mere stone’s throw away, no such qualms face the Prospect Building — a spot serving up brilliant bills and seemingly going from strength to strength.

Dave Harvey and Ellie Stokes (B2B), as well as Chez De Milo, do a splendid job setting the pace for an accumulating crowd, with a few especially enthusiastic dancers stepping up while countless others catch up around the place.

We’re here for the Love International 10 Year Club Tour. As an event brand with a label-like identity, many of Love International’s curations draw on the euphoria and sun-soaked spirit of Balearic beat — less a genre than an attitude towards dance music. No beach? No bother. This lineup turns out an impressive array of breezy melodies and off-kilter funk.

A day of sun-kissed Balearic beats got Bristol moving

In earnest, it’s Crazy P that get the party started. The voice of Danielle Moore features at intervals; her energy and vocal prowess characterise the group’s distinctive groove, and her tragic passing last year brings a tint of sadness to a set of splendid, soulful house.

Sparingly, but with great aplomb, James Baron and Chris Todd phase in a few big hits, as well as touching turns and funky rhythms from their latest record — Any Signs of Love.

Crazy P’s excellent set is bittersweet as the voice of their late singer Danielle Moore shines through at points

Next up, Midland’s steadfast set keeps the crowd two-stepping with deep bass, backbeat, and a few jovial highlights that coincide with the shifting of clouds to reveal the sun.

For the sake of contrast, I take a few minutes out from the bustle to check the Snooker World Championship final score. How many fellow ravers have a soft spot for the felt? That’s a huge tangent.

Midland kept the groove going as the sun made an appearance

Each of the day’s acts brings their own brand of talent to the mix, but as something of a house novice it’s a little tricky to differentiate between the musical sensibilities.

In the early evening slot, Shanti Celeste brings more merriment to the steady stream of 130-BPM. There are skippy, percussive turns that give rise to jovial whistles and some classics for good measure.

Music Sounds Better With You prompts immediate joy, and finishing with Tim Deluxe’s It Just Won’t Do (Club Mix) exemplifies her penchant for dreamy, bright turns.

Shanti Celeste throws in some classics to please the early evening crowd

And Palms Trax sees things out with a bouncy blend of melodic house, disco and retro-tinged synths. It’s a fittingly fun conclusion to a top day out.

Following Saturday’s appearance from Gentleman’s Dub Club and other energetic live acts, this feels more like a weekend wind-down than a statement event.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. A groovy session of tight artists in a well-organised space is always a joy. And the whole shebang is sonically sharp — no mean feat given the expanse.

Palms Trax close out a dreamy day with a set of melodic house and disco

If Love International is a beacon for sun-drenched sounds, this club tour stop proves the ethos travels just fine without the Adriatic backdrop.

As Bristol edges towards full-blown summer, you’d be wise to check out upcoming lineups and grab a ticket — these all-dayers at the Prospect Building offer up a bonanza of sound, and are set to get even better.

All images: Samuel Fletcher

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