Flawless: jamie xx's "The Floor" review

Venue MOT hosts producer Jamie xx and his guests for 10 thumping nights in a row.

Jamie announced his residency by recounting that he had always dreamed of opening his own club and that now he could make that a reality. The venue choice, a warehouse with a 300-people capacity, and his latest track, club banger ‘Baddy on the Floor’, suggested that it was a new stage in his musical career - a shift from the atmospheric nature of his debut album In Colour. 

The venue was tiny and the tickets sold out in minutes. It was cramped- I don’t think I’ve ever sweated as much as I did when I went. The sound was booming (thank god for earplugs). Nonetheless, it was beautiful. Everything felt dialed up to the max and it was impossible not to get lost in the music. 

Guests ranged from big names such as Daphni (of Caribou fame) and Charli XCX (of UCL fame) to up and coming artists like John Glacier and Two Shell. Their styles varied just as widely, showcasing London’s diverse scene, and on top of goers only being able to find out the setlist on the night, it was a great way to be introduced to new music.

However the star of the show was of course Jamie xx himself. While his guests played he roamed the venue, on occasion joining the crowd. As he came on, a huge cheer erupted that would be echoed during his sets as stamps of approval. 

His selection was eclectic and developed throughout each night. The length of my Shazam list (open while writing this) speaks volumes to that. I never thought I’d hear a Nina Simone track coming through the speakers of a crowded Bermondsey club, but now I can’t stop listening to it in an attempt to file any residue dopamine into my bloodstream one last time (‘Funkier than a Mosquito’s Tweeter’ for those interested).

A highlight for me was Jamie finishing the fifth night off with Light of the World’s ‘London Town’- a lovely jazzy ode to London and its nightlife. Or at least him trying to do so. He ejected his USB and started thanking the crowd, but they were hearing none of it. Chants of ‘Baddy on the Floor’ grew louder and louder, and eventually Jamie  succumbed to the pressure. 

There aren’t words to describe just how crazy that last dance was. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a crowd put so much enthusiasm into one song. I watch it back from time to time, consistently with a big cheesy grin on my face. Although not intended, it was the perfect way to end the night- on the highest of highs. 

‘The Floor’ felt like an interplay in ‘eras’ for Jamie, akin to the transitions noticed between tracks. He would range from playing songs and mixing in elements from In Colour to playing every song from his upcoming album, In Waves, over the course of the ten nights.

It was thus a celebratory farewell to the old and an exciting preview into the future. The crossfader edges along with each new single that comes out, and we are now ever closer to the next project release.