Sheffield’s regular sound system night Roots, brought their jungle, dub and drum and bass flavoured carnage to Yellow Arch Studios, and yet again managed to blow the roof off, handing out good sounds, good vibes and good times.
Walking through the courtyard and into Yellow Arch, it’s clear why this is a favourite venue for Roots. With armchairs and potted plants spread throughout the venue, it’s hard to discern whether you’re in for an 11 till 5 jungle night, or a chilled out one with your mates. This all changes stepping into the main room, where it is difficult not to be taken aback by the insanely bass heavy speakers from Sinai Sounds. Roots was one of the few nights I’ve been to where there were actually fewer people at the front, probably due to the bass from Chief Pukka Selector’s, Akid, Adam Prescott, Bladerunner and Kid Lib blasting the crowd back. This was in fact good news, finding a good spot to get skanking whilst enjoying the ever so enjoyable (yet slightly tinnitus inducing) bass.
After a couple of red stripes I headed outside, and was surprised to find old school drum and bass pumping out in the busy outer courtyard area. As humorous as it was watching people attempting (and failing) to roll a cigarette in the midst of the bustling crowd, once again I made my way to the front to enjoy the musical stylings of Mind UK, Andy H, Displace Crew and Grimaz; all supplying those well known and loved old school drum and bass vibes. The Roots crowd are generally very friendly, and it’s very easy to make friends in the sea of smiling faces that surround you, with countless catch ups with friendly strangers from previous events.
The last gem in the Roots crown was the upstairs room, playing heavy dubstep and bassline tunes all night long. It really is very difficult to have a bad time with bassline on, and just a few moments in that room could tell you that; drinks clumsily, yet nonchalantly being spilt only to be responded to with a quick shrug of the shoulders and a cheeky grin as once another tune is put on. Pure dance music nirvana.
I really have to praise Roots, for holding consistently good nights, bringing everything to the table that you could want from a night out, with fat beats, good people and an incredible atmosphere. Roots at Yellow Arch is a winning combination!
Words: Will Daly.
