Review: Shak Out, Lakota

I hadn’t realised how long it’s been since I went to Lakota until I walked in. Suddenly there were walls where none had been before, a one way system that injected some much needed order to the proceedings (if not a little confusing to begin with) and low and behold 2 new rooms round the back of the smoking area. Welcome to Shak Out. Now, these alterations may not be new to those who frequent but for me wandering around with no clue what was coming around the corner, I actually squealed with joy when I embarked on the new Room 2 and walked straight into the Hold Tight Records room which literally blew me away. The soundsystem was pure filth, stacked high on either side with Parly B shelling out some madness. That was the room with the vibes – hands down.

A friend of mine came with me from Carlisle, first night out in Bristol – I got her to give a first timers account of Lakota…

Bristol. You hear about this place being the hub of independent and underground music. Whether you’re at a heavy house rave to a reggae dub jam, Bristol has the potential to give you the cracking night out that you’re after. Lakota has been around for years and it’s clear to see by 11pm that the venue is a popular spot for music lovers across the city. The decor and atmosphere impressed me – including a little dub and reggae section hidden round the back of the club. Whether you want grime and r&b to dub and reggae, Lakota will serve you the music you like surrounded by clubbers with the same mindset. Last night Lakota hosted Mr Party Hard himself, English singer Donae’o. The venue was rammed with fans eager to see the rapper drop the likes of Devil in a Blue Dress, Party Hard and his latest track featuring JME and Dizzee Rascal – Black. Interacting with the crowd and wishing birthday wishes to people, Donae’o delivered a top class performance which left fans chanting word for word his tracks. Taking his stage presence in his stride, Donae’o’s set was a hit. Wherever you go in Bristol you can dance, dress and act how you like with zero qualms – I will most definitely come back.

I thought Lakota would be a good introduction to the variety of music you can be exposed to in one night and I think that’s what Shak Out did well. There was a good mix of people and ages, I didn’t feel ancient until people started throwing around inflatable animals…then sadly I was transported to an SU bar for 15 minutes but in terms of variety of music, it was good. In fact, when we arrived and heard Room 1 DJ playing some casual Toploader, Dancing in the Moonlight (Why? Nobody knew) I was forced to think maybe the variety had gone a bit too wide for a night named Shak Out. However like most, we left and returned a couple of hours later for Donae’o who succeeded expectations with a set that did not waver in energy for the duration. Nicely done Shak Out, we’ll be seeing you again.