Review: City Limits Presents Suddenly Funk with Horse Meat Disco

Following the recent success of disco and funk nights in Bournemouth like Ben Pearce’s ‘Sextape Series’ at Eden and The Winchester’s semi regular funk night – we were not surprised to see an event at the Old Fire Station. It would seem the next logical step; bigger capacity, better sound system and a solid reputation. Perfect to host disco legends Horse Meat Disco.

However, this year we’ve had an influx of new event companies springing up in the town so competition is fierce and many appear to struggle to attract the crowds they deserve – meaning the team behind Suddenly Funk had a lot of work to make it stand out.

A lot of work had clearly been put in to making the Old Fire Station appear different to the regulars – bright decorations littered the place making it feel refreshed and certainly reflected the funky nature of the night. The lighting was probably the biggest change though – clearly a deliberate idea – making it feel a lot more sociable, opposed to ominously squinting from the side-lines in attempt to finding someone you know. Old Fire Station’s outstanding sound system is really what made this night stand out from a lot of the other similar events in other venues. Paired with some outstanding music – it really improved the atmosphere.

Headlining the event was Horse Meat Disco – describing themselves as a “quartet of DJ’s each mixing their own individual blend of disco juice with all manner of dancefloor fillers.” They certainly lived up to the hype. The boys played a refreshing set, mostly avoiding the over played eighties classic we often hear at disco and funk nights and putting their own spin on both modern and classic tracks with varying tempos.

In support were local boys Loose Collar – playing immediately after Horse Meat Disco. Interestingly, they managed to continue to carry the thinning crowd until close with a varied set that felt different but in sync with Horse Meat’s set. A good set considering they followed some of the biggest names in disco.

The relaxed atmosphere of the night, with people getting on stage behind the decks and people chatting towards the side lines – whilst still enjoying the music meant it really was an outstanding event. It’s a shame that it didn’t sell out, as towards the end the crowd thinned perhaps a little too much, but for a first night from the boys behind it – they certainly nailed it. Even little touches like the fabric wristbands add something.

We hope the guys at City Limits carry on bringing this type of night – providing a fresh and revitalising night to Bournemouth’s, at times, stale club scene.

You can see Loose Collar playing at The Winchester on 05/11. Event info here.

Venue – 7/10

DJ/Band – 9/10

Music – 8/10

Overall – 8/10

By Charlie Mott