Pendulum Live @Breaking Ground Review

The rave arches (aka seOne) played host on Saturday to Breaking Ground's huge follow-up to their successful Breakspoll mash up. Strolling into the legendary venue there was an excited buzz about the ravers reflecting the star-studded line-up. The headliner of headliners, Aussie world-conquerers Pendulum, played only their second gig as a live band. Complete with extravagant stadium-rock-star lighting, the band embarked on a journey through the tunes that have simultaneously beat down dancefloors and raised up levels in both Drum 'n' Bass and Breakbeat.

They were undoubtedly impressive in conjuring their trademark sound on a live stage - their distinctive use of licks transferred well to guitars. This gave a stripped-down rock element to Pendulum that made a suitable impact, similar to their jaw-dropping production. The band were energetic and tight, with the use of live samples exemplary (as you might expect). Slam and breakbeat anthem Fasten Your Seatbelt tore the roof off the packed main room.

For all its technical tightness, however, Pendulum Live was slightly underwhelming. Some of the big tunes came across sparse and slower, which is an injustice to the complexity of their production. This may be symptomatic of transferring their work from studio to live, but is an area I am sure will improve as the band develops. A lack of rear speakers also detracted from the experience, which would no doubt be heavier if it felt like the Pendulum soundscapes were attacking from all around (e.g. Fabric). Perhaps Im just being fickle.

Regardless of the minors, Pendulum Live still smacked it and I am confident that this project will grow to become the most significant landmark in recent DnB history. By blurring the boundaries between producer and band, raves and gigs, brocking and moshing, they are set to open the sound to people who never previously regarded DnB outside of its underground traditions. Pendulum, Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury... anyone?

But that wasn't enough for the bass hungry ravers. Deekline and Wizard played a typically energetic and bouncing set, which teetered towards predictable. Inexplicably managed to miss Stanton Warriors, Rennie Pilgrim and a Breaks appearance by Chase & Status ("they're so hot right now"). Meanwhile Breakfastaz rolled out a storming set full of vocal-led twisted basslines to keep Room Two jumping.

Drum 'n' Bass man of the moment, DJ Friction, graced the arches with a rare Breaks set for the last round mash up to close proceedings. Excited by the prospect of the best DJ around - f*** Mixmag's Top 100 - boxing outside of his ring, I must admit feeling slightly disappointed with his selection of stomping, techno-influenced Breaks.

Things resumed their pace with Friction drawing for the Drum 'n' Bass in the second half, rolling out a heavy mix full of anthems, fresh cuts and, of course, tearing double drops. The set was a mixed bag, but ultimately the crowd was loving it so who cares? In trademark style Friction slammed on an impossible number of tunes in the last 10 minutes, including Signal, Planet Dust, various VIP remixes and several hair-raising double drops.

Another hugely successful, pure vibes event from the Breaking Ground crew. Hooray!

Large ups to the large family who came together for an increasingly rare large one: Snappa, Low', Hustla, Nats, Joker, Skyla, Nipper, Hey Andy, Firefly, Inter, Version, Yas, Trademark, Eli and all their crew x