Under normal circumstances, I would have bailed on Saturday night's party at the Tonic. Between New Order, a party, and a Yankee game, I was completely exhausted by the time Saturday night rolled around. But it was Mini-Mutek NYC, a night marked on my calendar right from the day I first heard about it. The Montreal massive were taking over both floors of the Tonic, and it couldn't be missed - especially not with Akufen playing. So down to the Tonic I went, and it ended up being a fun night - but not one without its faults. I got there to discover that Akufen wasn't on until 2:30 AM - brutal in my exhausted state - and Crackhaus wasn't going on until a half hour later downstairs, during Akufen's set. I was hoping for Deadbeat, Crackhaus, and Akufen to play back-to-back-to-back in Tonic's spacious upstairs space, but it wasn't to be.

That said, Deadbeat owned Subtonic. It was a bit too crowded down there but his digital dub set was fantastic, one of the danciest I've ever heard. (And he gets pretty into it himself.) He was playing mainly selections from his new one New World Observer, lots of DEEP bass grooves and intricate rhythms drenched in echo. It was good enough that I second guessed my move upstairs midway through to get some air and a taste of Vincent Lemieux's set, which sort of bored me. Lemieux's songs just didn't have much going on, and weren't banging enough to pull off being minimal. Perhaps I would've been more into it if I'd had more energy to dance.

I liked Hearthrob's minimal techno set afterwards much more, but at that point I was more interested in staying awake for Akufen. Alas he only played a DJ set, but I still enjoyed it thoroughly. He was spinning clicky microhouse, a bit like his own stuff (but not as sample-crazy) and the tunes on his Fabric 17 mix (but harder). It was rooted in the Perlon brand of microhouse, like what Sammy Dee spins, except there were more basslines to grab onto. The crowd definitely seemed into it. I wish I had been at 100% - I'm sure I would've lasted for more than half of his set, and I probably would've heard some of Crackhaus as well. But hopefully they'll back again soon with the rest of the Montreal crew - we're not that far away!

In case you missed these the first time, try out:

Akufen - "Deck the House" (MP3)
Deadbeat - "N'Importe Quoi" (MP3)
Crackhaus - "40oz Funk" (MP3)