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| Razzmatazz |
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Five rooms, one club: not necessarily that good an idea on paper - variety is not always a guarantee of quality. And yet Razzmatazz is a guarantee of quality. Barcelona’s best showcase for live acts and international DJs is always as entertaining as its name suggests.
Razzmatazz doesn’t have particular themed nights so much as a programme co-ordinated around whichever headlining act is playing that night. The regular nights are Thursday and Friday, with occasional openings for other specially organised events and early evening concerts scattered throughout the week. Despite occasional variations, there is normally a pretty clear division of musical styles to particular rooms. Sala 1 - Razz Club - is the biggest in Razzmatazz and is normally given over to a mix of indie, rock and indie-kid friendly electro. It is also the room used for big live acts and you can sometimes see live music here on normal club nights, before the resident djs take over. Of the residents, my favourites are Amable and Luis le Nuit who give you more hits for your cover charge and a better beat to dance to than the others. (Luis’ talents can also be sampled for free in neighbouring Sound .) Guest Djs include big hitters like 2manyDJs mixed in with famous names from the indie scene such as Jarvis, Tommy Ramone, the Rapture DJ, New Order and Belle and Sebastian….
Sala 2, The Loft, is the house and pure electro club. It has become particularly famous over the last couple of years as Miss Kittin’s venue of choice in Spain and her occasional four-hour sets are something to behold. The residents are less of a draw here for me, and it can seem pretty dead until about fourish if there’s no big-name draw. Part of the problem is that the crowds at razzmatazz - or in much of Catalonia - are not famed for their wild dancing and so unless you have a really fantastic DJ - or have taken a whole handful of mind altering substances - the Loft doesn’t always seem that lively. The other salas are sometimes less fixed in their musical orientation. The Pop Bar (Sala 4) often hosts the best in upcoming international indie talent - recent names like Tokyo Police club (soooooo good!) Pidgeon Detectives and Shit Disco are already making names for themselves in ponds across the world. After the concerts finish the pop bar tends to play the logical genre between indie and techno - yes, that’s right - poppy dance music! Lolita (Sala 3) features more alternative electro styles, but has never been noticeably that busy when I’ve been there - which can sometimes be a draw in itself. Rex Room (Sala 5) is last and possibly least as I’ve been to Razzmatazz over twenty times by now and can’t remember what they play there. (Oh dear!)
Razzmatazz is housed in a giant factory space. The clubs are split over three levels and connected by two long external balconies on either side of the main sala. Good or bad depending on your inclination - except for on these balconies - smoking is banned in Razzmatazz. As a non-smoker I love this because I don’t wake up stinking like Dot Cotton but for my friends it’s a little tougher. Lots of people do smoke inside the club but the security guards will throw you out if you are seen; so prioritise! It’s normally pretty dark when I’m there but I’m pretty sure the rooms are all painted black and except for posters advertising future concerts, there’s little more to say about the décor of the club. One thing I do like is the internal balcony above Sala 1 where you can look down on your fellow revellers or the bands in action.
Drinks are small and fairly expensive so do yourself a favour and drink before you go in - check out Bar Pepe opposite for pre-gig/club treats! I don’t really have much impression of the crowd at razzmatazz - it really isn’t the ideal place for socialising. Like me when I go, most people are in their own little groups and except for on the smoking balconies there’s not really anywhere you can talk. Still this means it’s less predatory than most clubs I’ve been to - so - if this is what you are after - it’s more about the music and the experience.
Hear me! I’ve had more great nights out in Razzmatazz than in any other club. They have amazing music - fantastic concerts, world class djs, reliable regulars - they expose great new talent through the constantly varying monthly programme and it’s just so fucking cool I love it.
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Carrer dels Almogàvers, 122, 08018
Poblenou
Bogatell
Marina
Straight
Fri-Sat:
1am-5.30am
Beer:€3.50
Mixed Drink: €7.50
€12 (In Advance)
€15 (On Door)
Electro
Electro-Pop
Indie
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