100 97
JAPAN’Spioneering engagement with electronic music, something that has spurred some of the most sensory-exploding clubs in the world, is hardly surprising for a country so obsessed with technology. But that’s not to suggest the core principles of clubland have been abandoned, that sonic substance has succumbed to style in a blazing hail of retina-scolding gimmickry. Ageha is proof of it. The lighting is impressive, sure. The décor; ultra-classy. And its 36-speaker-strong soundsystem designed by Timbre Tech is beyond powerful. There’s even a secret pool and jacuzzi for VIPs. But most distinctive of all is this club’s unerring dedication to programming gold-standard line-ups that combine high-end worldbeaters with underground kings, while curating a stock of homegrown talent. Sander Kleinenberg, Azari & III and Sascha Dive did the business in recent weeks.
96 95 038
SPARTACUS CLUB AIX EN PROVENCE, FRANCE
CAPACITY: 1500
spartacus-club.com
THEREis only one Spartacus, as far as the trendy ravers of Provence are concerned. Playing host to the likes of Stephan Bodzin, Extrawelt and Maceo Plex in recent months, the main action takes place in a single dark room decked from head-to-toe with a regal, ancient Greek theme. Royal red velvet curtains adorn the walls and replica statues of Classic figures are dotted about, but the only electronic sounds on offer here are of the most forward-thinking variety.
www.djmag.com 41
PLAN B LONDON, ENGLAND
CAPACITY: 600
plan-brixton.co.uk
06
ITmight take something special to coax the scenesters of Shoreditch out of their comfort zone these days, but Brixton’s Plan B is certainly that. Especially since re-opening with a space-morphing Funktion One soundsystem and 24-hour license in 2009, it’s got uber-cool clubbers flocking south of the river every weekend. Consistently bringing the most revered names in house and techno — the likes of Kerri Chandler, Soul Clap and Jimpster — alongside the gritty starlets of UK bass music — Icicle, Joy O and Ben UFO — its sparse jet-black interior serves as a minimal backdrop that allows the music to do the talking. For an excuse to visit South London, Plan B is one you need.
PREFERRINGto remain conspicuous in favour of the clandestine climes of some backstreet venues, Beirut’s Skybar is the opulent clubbing gem of the Middle East, a towering inferno of popping fireworks at the summit of a Lebanese skyscraper. Opening in 2003 at the top of the Palm Beach Hotel and since moving to BIEL (Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Centre), the outdoor venue wears its glitzy garms with pride, its lavish interior and decadent pyrotechnics as gigantic as the names taking to the stage each night. Estelle, Busta Rhymes and Taio Cruz played during 2011, before Tinie Tempah closed its four-month season in November, so you get the picture.
99
PLAYHOUSE LOS ANGELES, CAL, USA
CAPACITY: 1500
playhousenightclub.com
NEW ENTRY
PITCHED slap-bang in the middle of the rushing commotion of Hollywood Boulevard, Playhouse has happily embraced the tidal wave of dance music currently crashing over the US, hence its appearance as a new entry in this year’s poll. Inviting only the biggest names in underground electronic music to the funkily-clad interior of one of LA’s leading clubs, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Arty and Riva Starr played in March alone to coax list & bottle celebrities and serious “EDM” fans in equal measure, inviting LA’s newfound raving elite to tread the brass-marble stars of The Boulevard when the club kicks out at 3am, a little worse for wear.
AGEHA TOKYO, JAPAN
CAPACITY: 2241
ageha.com
41 98
OCTAGON SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
CAPACITY: 1000
facebook.com/octagon
NEW ENTRY
NO shock that such a close neighbour to Japan, South Korea, has a penchant for pushing the technological boundaries of clubland. What may be surprising, though, is how long it’s taken for it to materialise. While Japan’s Womb has been bringing the beats for over a decade, most of Seoul’s high-end churches of dance are still in their early days. Octagon is one of ‘em. Opening in November 2011 with a gourmet kitchen, swimming pool and soft-top sports car on show underneath one of Gangnam’s most opulent hotels, Octagon already rivals even the world’s most established superclubs; its thumping Funktion One soundsystem and giant LED screens host to only the noisiest names in music. Think DJs like Headhunter, Designer Drugs and Micky Slim in an ultra-sleek dark room; basically a more compact, pristine sibling to London’s Fabric, with a bigger soundtrack.
SKYBAR BEIRUT, LEBANON
CAPACITY: 2,500
sky-bar.com
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