By Finnen Dart
23,000 ravers cram into the sold-out walls of the Co-Op, Manchester’s newest gig venue, to witness drum and bass powerhouse Chase and Status and the night certainly wasn’t left with mixed emotions.
The London outfit has been carrying the torch for the drum and bass scene since their breakthrough album More Than Alot in 2008 and has only been going from strength to strength since. Their newest release 2 RUFF VOL.1 is arguably their most successful work yet stacked with singles ‘Baddadan’ and ‘Liquor and Cigarettes’, which have already become live staples with the duo going on to win producer of the year at the 2024 BRIT Awards. Thus, Chase and Status now set their sights on the biggest tour they have attempted in 12 years.
There is a certain aura in the air from the moment the act takes to the stage. A homecoming gig of sorts (the duo originally met in Manchester at University), the set feels like a collection of ‘best of’ tracks they have composed over the years.
The opening song ‘Selecta’ takes the roof off the arena of avid ravers. As the beat drops and the bass breaks through the speakers, a once dark arena becomes illuminated through extensive use of pyrotechnics. As someone unfamiliar with this type of music or scene, I had no idea what to expect when I ambled in through the doors on a normal Thursday evening but as openings go, that might be one of the most mind-blowing… my jaw is on the floor.
Boasting massive tracks like ‘Blind Faith’, ‘Time’ and ‘Take Me Away’ at their disposal – which are all given stunning renditions throughout the night – Manchester truly feels like a party. Partner that with a plethora of special guest appearances throughout the night from the likes of IDAH, Clementine Douglas, and Liam Bailey to name a few, Chase and Status’ performance reaches the next level. A highlight of these was ‘Liquor and Cigarettes’, which saw rapper Arrdee take the limelight leaving the crowd in ecstasy.
Despite being an electronic act, Chase and Status’s use of live acoustics and drums throughout their set is refreshing. The acoustic guitar during the ethereal ‘End Credits’ leaves the crowd in bliss, and the most euphoric song of the night meets my expectations.
The set showcases the best of the drum and bass genre, ending with the downright filthy ‘Program’, with a bass that is enough to rupture someone’s eardrums. But I don’t think anyone in the crowd is worried about that. It simply takes the roof even further off and closes the book on a night to remember.
Chase and Status prove why they are the best drum and bass act on this night in Manchester, the showmanship the duo demonstrates is exceptional and the chemistry with all the guest appearances is real. As the duo continue the rest of their UK tour you begin to wonder if they can fill somewhere bigger than arenas, but with a headline appearance at Creamfields this summer already on their bill… it seems Chase and Status are already one step ahead.
