Club of the week: Departure Lounge @ The Caves, Niddry Street South

DEPARTURE Lounge was launched in July 2003 by three friends to "provide an original, friendly and unique space for open-minded souls to enjoy a mix of music that can't be found anywhere else". They succeeded and that concept now sees Departure Lounge pull in musical artists that you won't see anywhere else in town. For example, Simon Green, otherwise known as Bonobo, one of the down-tempo pioneers, played there a couple of months ago and mixed up a flurry of funk.

Many club nights claim to be all about the music but the DL crew have lived up to their ethos, fusing live musicians and DJs to offer an explosion of sound that pushes the boundaries and leaves it pretty hard to nail the night down to just one genre. Collaborations include African rhythms and electronica with live percussive elements. Cammy is the resident percussion man who throws a little organic flavour and excitement into the mix.

DL is an alternative to the big commercial clubs and supplies an innovative off-the-wall mix that ensures it is always heaving. Located on Niddry Street South, a cobblestone alley just off the Cowgate, The Caves is the perfect venue for this artisan production. Once inside you'll be sucked into the darkness and the festival vibe. Stone walls and alcoves help add to the magic and add an organic feel to the two-level, tomb-like space. Visually stunning, the Departure Lounge logo is projected on to the stone walls gold on red, bold and effective.

Tonight, catch UK hip-pop legend Parker, whose dance floor funk and epic soul has him placed in the record boxes of the likes of DJ Yoda and Massive Attack. He'll be joined by Paper Tiger Ft. Sabira Jade, guaranteeing a musical trip worth checking out.

Departure Lounge @ The Caves, Niddry Street South, tonight, 10.30pm-3am, 6 adv/8 door, 0131-557 8989