On September 13, 2024, British electronic duo God Colony released their latest EP, North West Tonight. The project brings to life the echoes of Liverpool's forgotten underground rave scene, weaving nostalgia for the 80s raves together with contemporary club sounds. With a focus on blending the past and present, the duo aims to present a sonic journey reflective of their hometown's rich cultural history.
The cover art for the EP features an arch that evokes memories of the former Paradox club, a venue that has since been replaced by a Sports Direct store, symbolizing the loss of cherished nightlife hubs in the region. The track Rhyl Sun Centre serves as a tribute to a now-defunct indoor pool that once catered to many in the community.
In an interview with Dazed, Thomas Gorton, one half of God Colony, elaborated on the inspirations behind the project: "We were thinking about the freedom of that time and wanted to capture that on our own terms." His partner, James Rand, reflected on the changing landscape of Liverpool's club culture, stating, "When we were growing up in Liverpool, nearly every building in the city center seemed to be a nightclub or a venue. Now, that's changed and clubs are shutting constantly... these places aren't taken seriously and knocked down in favor of soulless, cheaply assembled flats with a Waitrose at the bottom. Clubs mesh people together, and blocks of flats often do the exact opposite."
Musically, North West Tonight is designed to exude a sound that is distinctly their own, influenced by their experiences at raves featuring DJs like Marcel Dettmann and Ricardo Villalobos. The EP features vibrant basslines and soaring synths, with lyrical contributions from collaborators such as Flohio and Jelani Blackman, resonating with both the historical and contemporary aspects of UK club culture.
The closing track, The Paradox, includes contributions from Liverpool poet Roy (also known as PJ Smith), who shares nostalgic reflections that connect the past to the present. In this way, North West Tonight serves as both a celebration of Liverpool's hedonistic roots and a commentary on the uncertain future of its club spaces.
The EP is now available for streaming, inviting listeners to engage with the rich tapestry of Liverpool's musical heritage.