Live Review: XXYYXX, Wave Racer, Basenji

Basenji began the night with world music tones mixed with bass so deep that it would surpass the ocean. Hip hop remixes of Kendrick Lamar and Frank Ocean set the scene, and skittish beats took this support to the next level.
The confidence oozed out of Wave Racer as he flicked his wrist to produce spine-tingling bass and whirling synth, creating a hurricane within the crowd. He seemed forthright in his aesthetic and the combination of hip hop and electro went together like peas and carrots. Not to mention, the splicing of '90s-influenced synth made for a happy set.
XXYYXX greeted the extremely pumped-up throng and threw himself into the soft acoustic guitar tones of Closer from his self-titled album. The atmosphere adjusted and he eased the revelers into his explosive set. Teeth began chattering at the sheer magnitude of the bass, while dark beats kept the house atmospheric. Minimal electro beats were mixed with R&B as pretty percussion would tinkle from time to time to break up the depth of the bass. East London-style drum and bass pounded throughout The Standard, combined with R&B, hip hop and minimal electro. This pastiche of sounds that XXYYXX used so well soon became a genre of its own. He even went so far as to sample Mary J Blige's Family Affair, turning it into a thrashing dancefloor mix, complete with crazed lighting and billowing smoke.
About You appeared to be the most coveted track of the evening. It was filled with chiming percussion, smoother than smooth beats and wrenching synth. The crowd sang along as the tone relaxed and bass rumbled throughout the venue like thunder. Sweet vocals peppered the track as the climactic bass filled the room and created an atmosphere of minimal magic. XXYYXX's dedication and impeccable timing was enough to turn a skeptic into a true fan, although The Standard that night seemed to be void of skeptics.