Both on the stage and in the stalls, the Tru Thoughts party faithful was out in force for a celebration of all the label has achieved. New blood stood on the same bill as their most celebrated acts – and in a twist of birthday traditions, it was the audience who were given gifts in the form of long-hoped-for collabs.
Longtime signing Will Holland, aka Quantic, held down the deck duties in the main space, loosening up the crowd for Alice Russell and the Hot 8 Brass Band’s set. While it was a shame Quantic, whose most exciting material has seen his electronic compositions performed with live bands, wasn’t joined by an orchestra – and in fact it feels spoilt to even say that – it was a testament to the breadth of his career that he could span genres from funk to d’n’b without needing to stray from his own material. If anyone had forgotten how timeless and numerous his classic hits are, they were put right by the end of his set.
There was a palpable excitement for Alice Russell’s performance. Now an almost full-time mum, although local to Brighton she very rarely plays, however, she restated her position as First Lady of the label in no uncertain terms. Roaring at the front of her group, who played big-band style, she started with big hits like ‘Heartbreaker’ and ran through her set at breakneck speed, taking in rocksteady soul, chain-gang blues and jump-gospel.
The lights dipped for the start of ‘I’d Cry’, which saw Quantic jump on stage with his guitar for one of the collabs we’d all been hoping for. With her backing singer switching to violin, this became an extended downtempo jam where Alice displayed her keen instinct for dramatics. Although we wished it never had to end, before we knew it both this song and her set were drawing to a close with ‘Seven Nation Army’, which, unbelievably, saw the Hot 8 Brass Band horns section stroll out and join her on stage – thus fulfilling the second dream the audience had barely dared to dream about. It’s worth reflecting that this willingness to make exciting collabs happen just for the sake of it is one of the defining characteristics of Tru Thoughts, and one that has garnered their world-class reputation.
While Hot 8 were setting up, J-Felix and Werkha, two of the younger signings on the label, kept things warm back to back in the foyer. Playing records from hip-hop to funky house, they were a reminder that while this night was geared towards older favourites, the label is constantly working on developing and supporting new talent. Down the line, it might be them on the main stage.
Although a little late to the stage, Hot 8 brought all their signature energy and enthusiasm to their closing set. Exemplifying Tru Thoughts’ attitude that brings together live music with club music, they blasted through their songs, covering Al Green, Joy Division, and of course Marvin Gaye. The masters of audience participation, they had the crowd up in the air or down on the ground as requested, and treated us to some of their original material to sweeten the deal.
Of course the night was nostalgic, but it also emphasised innovation, working hard to keep things new for the crowd – many of whom have been with Tru Thoughts since the start of their journey. It was a distinctly personal family affair, and one that proved neither the acts, nor the label themselves, have lost their touch. Happy Birthday to one of Brighton’s best – here’s to 18 more years.
Ben Noble
Website: tru-thoughts.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/truthoughts
Twitter: twitter.com/tru_thoughts
