Clubs of the week with GR Ant

Henry Cullen aka D.A.V.E The Drummer pioneered ‘London Acid Techno’ of the mid-nineties. Acid techno became hugely popular genre fusing the bubbling energy of acid house with the hard, fast paced beats of techno.

The result was hedonistic excesses with every DJ worth his or her weight in vinyl jumping head first onto the acid techno band wagon. The genre became a permanent fixture in every DJs record box, straddling techno, trance and hi-nrg.

Clubs and warehouse parties exploded with a revival of the acid house experience - heaving dance floors, sweaty bodies and dancing trainers a plenty.

Cullen’s made a decent living with his Hydraulix imprint, which has pounded harder floors for over a decade now. If you are a fan of Apex Twin, Miss DJax, Hardfloor or Chris Liberator then you’ll be well in Saturday night.

However, underground techno aside, do remember The Annexe is part of the Liquid Rooms and as such, make an effort. Scenester trainers or at least a clean pair will suffice - don’t forget to smile at the bouncers and bring ID even if you sport beardy chops with flecks of Gray.

Remember, the bouncers are notoriously tight and this is my only complaint. So walk tall - don’t swagger, and try a straight line... well at least until you get inside to warbling wobble of London Acid Techno.

Saturday, 12th Jan, the Annexe, Cowgate, 10.30pm – 3am, £5

ALL THE OTHERS:

BROKE – REFRESHERS PARTY

Edinburgh’s biggest Student club night returns with the usual blend of cheddar and commercial dance courtesy of DJ trio - Johnny Frenetic, the Mixmaster Twins and Gus Bain. If you are looking for a big party with all the trimmings – foam, lazers, UV, etc… this is your party haven.

Friday, 11th Jan, Broke, West Tollcross, 22:00pm - 03:00am, £2

XY – REFRESHERS WEEK PART1

Stu Todd, David Thomas, Jaylaxx are joined by DJ Mallorca Craig who will be presenting his Disco Nation tour 2K13. A little deeper than the what other student club nights offer, XY successfully dips its toes into the underground while maintaining a student vibe.

Friday, 11th Jan, Cabaret Voltaire, Blair St, 11pm – 3am, £5

MUSIKA – RESIDENTS PARTY (Free before 11.15pm)

Edinburgh’s most successful underground club night takes a break from superstar DJs easing its crowd back into 2013 with their annual resident’s party. Featuring Derek Martin, Laurie Neil, Kirk Douglas, Jamie McKenzie and Stewart Clason.

Saturday, 12th Jan, Liquid rooms, Victoria St, 9pm – 3am, £6/10

CLUB PARADISO

Craig Wilson and Alex Farrier play out a barrage of commercial dance anthems, expect David Guetta, Tiesto and Swedish House Mafia. DANSCO & BEEF play urban grooves all night long in the VIP area’s, which are hosted by the sexy pin up Paradiso girls. With extended dance floors and a special VIP cocktail menu, the luxury of paradise comes to City. There are lazers, smoke, paradise décor, live percussion and sax for a big party atmosphere.

Saturday, 12th Jan, City Nightclub, Market St, 10pm – 3am, £5 – 10

URBAN TAKEOVER

Hip hop, afrobeat and old school courtesy of Urban DJs (usually seen at Sportsters Friday club) crank up the heat at one of the best venues to shake your booty on a Saturday night.

Saturday, 12th Jan, Castle Clvb, Queensferry Lane, 10.30pm – 3am, £5/7

THINK TWICE

Edinburgh’s house and soul brother Craig Smith (6th Borough Project / Soul Renegades) is joined by Ross Hutchison (Cyberjamz Radio) in the main room while the funky sounds of Babs Flow (i-boogie/Groove Theory) take a groovier route in room two. For house and soul connoisseurs, you won’t be disappointed.

Saturday, 12th Jan, Cab Vol, Blair St, 11pm – 3am, £6