Preview: Jackhammer with Jeff Mills, Edinburgh Liquid Room

By DAVID FINDLAY
Published on 17/12/2012 14:36

BACK in 1995, techno legend Jeff Mills performed a breathtaking set at Tokyo’s renowned Liquid Room venue. It would later be released as a mix CD and, to this day, is still regarded as one of the finest mixes of the genre.

The good news for the Capital’s techno music fans is that when Mills returns to the Liquid Room on Saturday, 29 December, they won’t have to fly all the way to Japan, as he will be in control of his customary three decks when appearing at Edinburgh’s venue of the same name.

Mills turns 50 next year and can boast three incredible decades as one of the world’s most-respected and best-known DJs. A list of his achievements would fill the entire Evening News website, but he is, of course, the man behind such gems as the Purpose Maker series and countless classics on the Axis label.

Mills has been known to mix up to 70 records an hour, meaning the Edinburgh crowd could theoretically enjoy the pleasure of 200 tracks during his set, which kicks off at midnight, and we can expect a selection of his seminal offerings, such as “The Bells” and “Step to Enchantment”.

Joining Mills for this epic evening are Glasgow-based duo Slam, who have, in the past, been full of praise for the American. Indeed, one half of Slam - Orde Meikle - has gone on record as saying that he believes Mills is the best DJ in the world - and who could argue?

Slam are no slouches when it comes to churning out house and techno of the highest order. Meikle and Stuart McMillan are co-founders of Soma Quality Recordings, a label that continues to release music of the finest standard, beginning in 1991 with “Eterna”. They are set to take to the decks after Mills concludes business, ensuring the techno adventure carries on until 5am.

As if Jeff Mills and Slam were not enough, Ben Sims has been drafted in to kick off proceedings at 10pm. The British DJ and producer has more than 150 remixing credits to his name and has been a respected member of the techno scene for well over 15 years now. As starters come, this is about as good as it gets.

With such a stellar line-up, Mills’ “return” to the Liquid Room will be a night for the ages.

• Jackhammer celebrates 11 years of techno with Jeff Mills, Slam and Ben Sims, at the Liquid Room, Edinburgh, 9C Victoria Street, Edinburgh, on Saturday, 29 December; tickets £15 in advance; 9pm to 5am.