After their much talked about birthday parties had to be moved to Cream's former home, Nation, due to the excessive demand for tickets, it's rare to see a Chibuku night being held anywhere smaller than their current home at the Liverpool Barfly. So, tonight's episode at the club’s usual after-party venue of The Magnet is somewhat of an extra special affair. The glittery disco balls were polished, candles lit and air conditioning promised for the room that is known to get a little sweaty when the disco heat kicks in. And let's face it, in the midst of a national heat wave, an essential move.

Dispelling the myth that Liverpool’s clubbing scene dies when the students disappear for the summer, a lively Chibuku crowd was on top form. Friendly, chatty and up for a good night, DJ Touché was given a warm reception as he launched his set with Justice vs. Simian’s 'We Are Your Friends'. Maintaining the house vibe that resident Tane set before him, Touché bridged the gap between dance and indie by dropping remixes of The Futureheads' 'Skip To The End', The Raconteurs' 'Steady As She Goes' and Bloc Party’s 'Banquet' to an audience that were more than happy to bust moves to a little familiarity.

Despite the intimate setting and retro chic décor of The Magnet retaining a cool edge, the air conditioning failed to reach clubbers at the front, forcing some to seek solace in the slightly fresher bar area. However, they were soon lured back onto the dancefloor with Touche’s last tune 'Ooh La La' - his 1998 hit as part of The Wiseguys. Leaving a pumped up crowd chanting for more, an equally excited Touché and flunky exited the DJ booth to slaps on the back and a few more followers.

With Touche's summer schedule taking him from Ibiza clubs (Amnesia and Eden) to the big UK dance festivals (Global Gathering, Creamfields), his style is a versatile one and reminiscent of his last appearance at Chibuku back in March 2005. Although the tunes have moved forward, his house centred style has remained the same, making it quite hard to believe that this DJ's roots lie in the hip-hop scene. Touché is as eclectic as the club night itself, which made him the perfect Chibuku guest.

Text: Lauren Tones