Better than ever: fabric reopening reviewed

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.