Getting Euphoric at Zoophoria: A Recap of the magic unleashed by Bristol Zoo Records.
- Libby Smith
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Words and Images by Libby Smith
I want to start this review off by saying:
Bristol Zoo Records knows how to throw a party!
I entered the Exchange with little idea on what to expect, and left feeling nothing other than fulfilment and joy - having had a truly wonderful night fully immersed in jungle, hardcore and live instrumental chaos.
First impressions are absolutely everything, and when you start off the event with Gaba Ganoush and The Mixed Dips covering Breathe by The Prodigy, amongst other iconic tunes, you know you're in for an unforgettable night. The vibrant energy instantly filled the room, whilst the group seamlessly fused relentless 90's rave classics with a drag-fuelled fiery stage presence - and even a few accordion solos! DJ and drag performer Gaba Ganoush alone has made a substantial name for themselves over the past few years, sharing their talents with the likes of Boomtown, Balter, Shambala and more. Now fronting the ensemble alongside close friends, Sophie, Tom and Mark, the group have come together to create something special, each having their own role on synths, drums, vocals, trumpets and the accordion.
Being captivated from the first hour, I honestly wasn't sure how the acts ahead were going to compare - but then Vio.let took to the stage. Both a DJ and songwriter, Vio.let is a pioneer of her own path, creating a beautifully unique combination of music that the scene needs more of.
The crowd grew as the sounds of classic drum and bass poured into the room, with blends of halftime and colour bass mixed in for good measure. Enthralling Poi performers helped to decorate the stage, leaving everyone fully engrossed in not only the sounds, but the visuals too, and if that wasn't enough, the violin then came into the mix.
Being blown away by sets is very few and far between these days, yet this was one I won't forget. The euphoric DnB laced with the live violin performance made me feel as though I was actually levitating, and I wasn't the only one. The entire room was in a trance, swaying from side to side to the unimaginable talent that flowed from Vio.let. If you see her on a line-up in the future, witnessing this insane talent is a must!
The night wouldn't have been complete without the Bristol Zoo Crew themselves, so I headed down to the basement room to catch their takeover, which was pure carnage. The room morphed into one big beautifully feral free party - courtesy of residents and founders El-Ze, Locuss, Marlaceous, and Zesky.
The energy was off the charts, the bootlegs were flowing, and the room filled with smiling faces and bouncing heads as hardcore and old-skool rhythms blasted through the speakers. Nobody took themselves too seriously, it was all about just letting loose, having fun and getting silly - something that Bristol Zoo Records executed perfectly.
To seal off my night, I caught Jungle and UKG champion, Sempra, dominating the main room. After all the exceptional talent I had witnessed throughout the night, Sempra was the cherry on top, shelling a hefty set of explorative jungle that rattled the venue. The London based DJ has carved his name in the UK rave scene over the past few years, known for his diverse and eclectic sound which has led to him playing all across the country, getting radio features and working with multiple labels. Thanks to Sempra, I spent the last hour of my night non-stop moving in a sea of electric energy, blissfully basking in the sounds of hardcore jungle.
The entire night was monumental from the first set to the end, and although I unfortunately missed the final hour, which belonged to Brighton collective, Ground Floor, I was truly blown away by the huge array of talent, genres and performances that kept the night fresh - something that I haven't stopped talking about since Friday. This was my first Bristol Zoo Records experience, and it certainly won't be my last! So if you like the sound of what you've read, I urge you to check out future Zoophoria and Bristol Zoo events, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
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