Review: Lobster Boy Tour at The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth

British DJ Redlight is most well known for his 2014 hit track ‘9TS (90s Baby)’. Since then the house/bass producer has been busy, making numerous tracks that are played in clubs all over the world. ‘Gold Teeth’ and ‘Source 16’ have currently made Redlight one of the best producer’s in the UK, and have helped propel his own Lobster Boy label into the limelight.  At the end of 2015 Redlight released his debut album ‘X Colour’. This, then, seemed like an appropriate time to take his label on a headline tour of the UK, bringing with him a selection of top house/bass producers and DJs.

The first of those was house/bass DJ New York Transit Authority. The British DJ is most known for his track ’95’, and has played alongside a number of big name artists. Most recently, supporting Redlight on the Lobster Boy tour, and playing with My Nu Leng on their headline UK tour. NYTA never fails to impress, showing off his talents as a DJ and producer. His heavy and darker, yet more chilled sound makes his music perfect to dance to, as well as have on in the background. One not to be missed!

Melè is another quality DJ that can’t missed out. With new releases ‘Queens Day’ and ‘Body Thing’ both on Lobster Boy, it seemed like the perfect tome for Melé to play alongside label boss Redlight. Melé creates euphoric, high-octane dance music inspired by his love of Brazilian inspired house, transatlantic hip hop and garage. The DJ started producing at aged 13; and now at 23 has made a name for himself as one of the UK’s best underground music producers. He’s gained a lot of support from top DJs and broadcasters, especially Annie Mac and Monki from BBC Radio 1. Balancing the tricky line between club and commercial, Melé is no stranger to national radio airplay with continued support from BBC Radio 1 Xtra’s MistaJam, David Rodigan and Toddla T to name but a few.

Redlight himself always manages to impress. His talent as a producer always comes across, mixing together his own tracks, as well as popular house and bass tunes. Redlight’s many top class songs are enjoyed by all, with ‘Source 16’ and ‘Get Out My Head’ raising the night’s bar to the highest level. Redlight is another DJ from the city of Bristol, for the most part self-taught, taking influences from a wide range of interests including reggae and hiphop. Redlight has worked with a number of big artists including Mary J. Blige and has recently finished supporting Annie Mac on a run of dates in America. Redlight’s genre-blurring approach to his music sets him apart as one of the UK’s most innovative selectors. A must see in 2016!

London man Mella Dee filled the last hour of the night, not always an easy task on a 4am finish. If you’ve not heard of Mella Dee before, he can be described, and I quote from MixMag, ‘as a music producer who works tirelessly cutting bumpin’, techno-centric trax to wax.’ Mella Dee is most famously known as being one half of Mista Men, the bassline UKG/New Jersey House duo. Mella Dee’s mixing was on-point, and his set was brimming with brisk, hard house-focused jams for those who stuck it out ’til the end. A perfect end to the Lobster Boy tour’s time in Bournemouth.

Venue – 8/10

DJ/Band – 8/10

Music – 8/10

Overall – 8/10