Koko

Nights out at the Koko have become a mixed bag- upon it's regeneration and opening club night, Club NME, the music was a mix of mainstream indie chart music and a few underground songs for the more discerning Indie/Rock kid; however, flash forward a few years, my last Club NME night meant throwing shapes to songs that were barely recognizable and fishily had more of a techno/trance vibe to them.

With weariness, I returned to Koko, but for their monthly club night "Buttoned down disco"- a strictly invite only night (with invites being download-able from their website http://www.buttoneddowndisco.com) which was being billed as "balloon filled, with free badges and ace drink deals from early on in the night." Invites in hand, me and 4 friends arrived at Koko at 10p.m- an early arrival is a must, if you want to avoid the half hour long queues to get inside the venue and to use the cloakroom!

The venue alone, with it's red opulent appearance and giant mirror ball makes for a memorable night out, add to that the danceable songs- that weren't too vague or underground- and a dance floor big enough to fit a thousand of your fellow clubbing peeps, with breathing space, it all built up to be a good night. Notable songs which gave a feel for the night included "Ready for the floor" (Hot Chip), "Around the world" (Daft Punk), "Sweet Dream" (Eurythmics) and an interesting cover of "That's not my name" by Dizzee Rascal- thought it should be noted that the DJ of the night didn't take too kindly to song requests and, despite her best efforts, ignored my friend's request for a song by MGMT.

Putting aside the music, the bar was a fight and a half to get to (as usual), but at least you get what you pay for in terms of the drink- no watered down Jack Daniels in my orders of JD and coke- horribly, the girls toilets, became particularly unpleasant to visit as the night went on but the general feelings of having a great night out, dancing to a great mix of music (old skool, Indie and current hits), with a friendly crowd and no power hungry bouncers, made for a night that I now know to return to at Koko.

The next "Buttoned down disco" hits the Koko for an Easter special on April the 11th- make sure you get your invites if you wanna attend!

Sarah's profile     Other reviews by Sarah     Places Sarah likes    

I was in Koko last night. Me and friend seperately had the same experience with two different bar staff - they tried to pretend they'd given us change when they hadn't. Obviously thought we'd be too drunk to notice.
Tried to complain but the manager was smirking and obviously in on it.
Absolutely fucking outrageous.

Richard's profile     Other reviews by Richard     Places Richard likes    

Is this the place that used to hold 'Clock Work Orange'?

Barry's profile     Other reviews by Barry     Places Barry likes    

Its the day after, my ears have finally stopped ringing, my throat is still hoarse from screaming and my chest, arms, feet and knees are nackered from a little too much enthusiasm in the mosh pit. My wallet also suffered as I missed the last train back from paddington, costing me a hefty taxi fair and uncountable acrimony from the missus....but by heaven it was worth it...The sound level were perhaps a little awry to start with - overpowering what is quite a compact space - but the music hall multi-layered arrangement with balcony boxes on either side fitted the theatrics perfectly. The crowd were a wide mix, old punks, college kids, gay, straight, not telling. Initially as I stood a bit back from the stage, I was concerned that it was all going to be a little too ordered, with people standing quietly, politely tapping their toes (hey if you want to do this thats fine - apologies if I bounced across your field of view).Once the lights (finally!) went down and the musicians took their places.. and.. and.. here she is.YYYYYYEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS!The rest gets a little hazy...She looked stunning - crooning through mantaray ballads, twirling parasols as hong kong garden powered the floor, briefly a ballerina for 'Christine'. Most of the time - all slinky rhythyms and high kicks in that wicked glove of a cat-suit.After ?dancing? till I could barely stand the interval in the middle would have made a good point to rehydrate, doh.. Cos then she was back with a vengeance with more mantaray - spiked with juju. Did I mention Israel? Dear Prudence? These boots? Then at the end, after much stomping and baying a final encore, with the black feathered sioux taking a slow grind through 'into a swan'. Before upping the tempo and leaving me gasping for air in her wake.As the lights go on the missus fights her way through the crowd from the back - we're going to miss the ***** train..Are we, hey-ho...

wicked night