4am Kru are a London duo celebrated for their ’90s-inspired jungle sound. They move effortlessly between the classic rave, festival scene, and modern production, carving out their place in the rising “nu-jungle” wave.
When 4am Kru finally entered the stage, the crowd was ready to receive them.
Their supporting acts worked tirelessly to build up the anticipation, with a sound that complemented the London-based performer’s respect for both jungle and drum and bass.
Their infamous alarm clock logo buzzed across the screens, and strobe lights fell upon the crowd.
Even in Cardiff’s rainy February, they somehow brought with them the excitement and nostalgia of music festivals in summer.
Beyond music, their stage presence is unmatched, Stu and Howie catalyse a positive feedback loop, jumping around the stage and bringing new energy to the industrial and raw space of Cardiff Depot. If you stand near the front, you’ll be able to see the subbase being created. SPD drum pads of a tyre-like texture are being hit, creating a snap which the whole crowd can feel.
At a time where it sometimes feels like everybody is a DJ, this level of interactivity in performance feels refreshing. Combined with live mixing and layered stems, the set felt dynamic and human, closer to a live show than the more static DJ sets many have come to expect.
The set felt dynamic and human, closer to a live show
The crowd reflected the duo’s wide reach.
Older ravers mixed easily with younger audiences, with plenty of space at the back (by the bar) for those less keen on dense crowds.
Despite the project only emerging in 2020, the atmosphere felt welcoming rather than exclusive, with reactions that didn’t rely on deep knowledge of rave culture to be enjoyed.
The main drawback of the night was the later-than-expected start to the headline set, which meant a longer wait for those arriving with the cheaper last entry 23:30 tickets (rather than the anytime).
That said, the extended build-up gave the evening a gradual sense of momentum, and many in the crowd used the time to settle into the space before the room filled out.
Cardiff Depot’s layout helped maintain a relaxed atmosphere, with room near the bar and towards the back for those wanting a bit of breathing space while still staying connected to the energy of the performance. 4am Kru performed incredibly and are absolutely worth a see.