Better than ever: fabric reopening reviewed

After a protracted battle with Islington Council, fabric reopened its doors this weekend and welcomed a capacity crowd in to enjoy one of the world’s greatest club spaces again. Jubilation had greeted the news of fabric’s return, but a slight sense of trepidation also crept in and hung over fears about potential changes to the iconic institution. Fabric had promised to run at a “gold standard” of operation upon reopening, and how this would translate to a comfortable clubbing experience was a point of concern. Would security be unbearable? Would the unparalleled soundsystem be turned down?

Upon entering the club on Saturday evening, it didn’t take long for all fears to be assuaged. The night panned out as one of our most enjoyable fabric experiences in memory. A feeling of triumphant celebration permeated all corners of the maze-like club, with the atmosphere bubbling at a potent level of euphoria mixed with relief. Projections on the walls gratefully proclaimed #yousavedfabric and all of clubland had played its part in the nightspot’s return. From signing petitions, lobbying councillors, donating sizable sums to the fabric fund, this was a joint victory for the people against the powers. As an excitable Seth Troxler taking to the mic later that night put it, “this is a defeat for Conservatism! We beat the fucking system!”.

The changes were minimal. Room 2’s arches were lit, bathing the dancefloor in a soothing blue glow, and the seating areas were brighter. Most notably, the new security personnel were a vast improvement. They seemed to have been briefed on a mission of care rather than suspicion. Bouncers were occasionally moving through the crowd and checking on people’s wellbeing, but it didn’t feel too intrusive, and they quickly went on their way after ensuring dancers were feeling fine. This approach was a pointed response to the council’s backwards reasons for attempting to shut the club down. Experts have outlined time and again that harm reduction is the only workable response to combating drug related health problems, with the shutting down of alleged drug hotspots having little effect. The reasons for fabric’s temporary closure were well publicised, and an air of respectfulness was palpable among the crowd, with the mindful approach of the security an accepted measure. The staff were there to protect both you and the club’s licence.

As expected, the music was first-rate across the night. Room 2 was a site of banging techno with Ben Sims, Anthony Parasole, Jay Clarke and special guest Daniel Avery all working the crisp new Pioneer system with fist-pumping cuts. Maybe it was the time spent away, but Room 1 sounded better than ever, with Seth Troxler, Craig Richards, Terry Francis and Stephane Ghenacia all in control. The clarity and volume of the sound was perfect, almost giving the impression of wearing high quality headphones connected directly to the mixer wherever you stood.

Fittingly, it was there that Craig Richards and Terry Francis delivered the sets of the night. There’s a popular Tumblr blog dedicated to “things fitting perfectly into other things”, which finds objects that slot together without planned design. There’s something immensely satisfying about such a sight; among the chaos of the world, these things align perfectly. The exact same feeling was generated by seeing Richards and Francis back helming the booth of Room 1. The two DJs have both held residencies at fabric since its inception in 1999, and have grown in stature alongside the club, contributing to its lofty reputation. They’re as much a part of fabric as the brick and mortar of its foundations, and hit the ground running with a deftness that made us feel like fabric had never been away, serving as a powerful reminder of how lucky we are to have such a club in London.

To round off, check out 13 tracks, played by DJs across both rooms, that made the night so special...