Heard It Here First

The Gradient Perspective, Closed Sessions and Para Presents have established themselves as some of the most prolific producers of bass-music events in the DMV, their Wednesday Night shows at Flash bring in amazing acts from up-and-coming locals to international touring artists. The show on Wednesday, October 26th, featuring headliners IMANU and Nikki Nair, as well as local support from Inspect3r, G-Type Star, and Ramblur, was a fantastic night of music that covered a broad range of sounds.

Para Presents brought out more of their artists to do a takeover on the roof and served to provide even more variety to an already stacked evening, as a celebration of their newly released Paranormal Sounds Vol 1 that dropped on Halloween. Getting to hear such a diverse collection of artists on the incredible Funktion One system that powers the main dance floor of Flash is always a treat. This is your reminder never to miss a Flash Wednesday night bass event in DC!

Local producer Ramblur got the night started off with a groovy and upbeat set. The energy was bouncy with the interplay between house, breaks, and garage, it was very fun and clubby with a good amount of two-step thrown in there. Notably, this included Ramblur’s new track “Breakfast Bop” with Shreztah that dropped off of Para Presents own label on their aforementioned debut compilation.

Inspect3r provides a tour through various genres warming up the room with a collection of crowd-pleasing favorites and new songs. His set showcased the power of removing expectations by playing an open format. The tempo was no constraint for this talented DJ as he worked across various genres from House to Neuro drum and bass. 

Another great local act, G-Type Star, cut their teeth on the Funktion One system that night as well. With a focus on precise drum and bass with the occasional foray into halftime, their forward-thinking selections drew the crowd in. They had a lot of unreleased music to play out making their set provide an enticing sneak peek into future releases.

Nikki Nair did not waste time before laying down dance floor heater after heater. From beginning to end, Nikki Nair delivered on playing the raw club and bass music he is known for. His set was just as diverse as the rest, covering sounds from Jersey Club to Juke. The mood in the room was pure elation, not a still body for the duration of his performance.

IMANU balanced out the raw and unpredictable set before by playing his distinct style of fast and precise music. Anytime I listen to IMANU, my brain purrs like it’s hearing ASMR, and that experience was heightened being so immersed in rich bass and layers of intricate rhythms. Hearing his remix of “Berry Patch” by Machinedrum and Holly was a highlight of the evening. It’s crystal clear this young producer has a MASSIVE future ahead.

Clearly, it was an amazing night curated by The Gradient Perspective, Closed Sessions and Para Presents. These production groups simply do not miss. Lineups like this that expertly challenge your expectations as a listener and dancer are a luxury and seem to be the experience they intend to provide at their events. Don’t take my word for it, the next opportunity to catch a show at Flash is a proper Wakaan Wednesday, November 16, featuring Buku, G-Rex, and support from Haritage, Austeria, and Masta Plan.

Plan on heading to DC for a show at Flash any time soon? Let us know in the comments!

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