Radio Soulwax - Part Of The Weekend Never Dies [DVD]

[PIAS] UK

August 27, 2008, 09:42 PM

Upon hearing that there was a possibility that I would be fortunate enough to get a pre-release screening of cult Belgian electro-rock band Soulwax's much anticipated DVD, I almost relaxed every muscle in my body with sheer excitement. In fact, I was so exctied at watching this incredibly highly anticipated DVD that it warranted a Facebook status update along the lines of ridiculous hysteria.

The problem here though however, was that the DVD would not live up to my expectations and that I would possibly be so downhearted that I would never bother to shower, eat or leave the house again. Fortunately for my family and girlfriend, 'Part Of The Weekend Never Dies' did anything but disappoint me, so all was good. Of course it was; this is Soulwax that we're talking about here.

The film itself is strange; definately in a fantastically unique and experimental way, but strange nonetheless. But again, of course it was; this is Soulwax that we're talking about here. Throughout the relatively short one hour long film, the band's music seems to be ever present, whether in the background or foreground. This is one of the biggest selling points for the DVD, as die-hard fans (of Soulwax and 2ManyDJs, not of 1990'sclassic films featuring Bruce Willis - n.b, they are the only people in the world who WOULD be disappointed with this DVD)are sure to want to hear the exclusive new remixes that have been created for this release. One of the standout highlights of said soundtrack, is a particular moment when Soulwax's dance outfit, 2ManyDJs, remix a remix of The Gossip's 'Standing In The Way Of Control', upon sampling clips of the same bar of the same song being performed in different venues, therefore achieving slightly different tones due to acoustic. Mind boggling stuff!!

The camerawork itself is too, a factor that makes this DVD stand out, as it has clearly been skillfully captured and edited with arty intent that has the potential to be a litle irritating, though fortunately the film is short enough to avoid this dilemma. Shots of quite literally random events and objects backed with insanely mixed dub and house music make this DVD one to avoid after a particularly heavy night. An example of the aforementioned 'arty' and random tendencies of the film that comes to mind is an interview with a fan after a gig, that cuts briefly at a crucial point in the sentence, so it goes "For me, Soulwax sound like..." (cut to a coffee shop worker loudly frothing milk) "and that's what makes them unique."

Amazing.

However, do not get the impression that this DVD is incredibly pretentious, as it seems to have been done with tongue lodged incredibly deep in cheek, as humour is a big underlying factor of this film. An evident point of this is around the halfway point when the music cuts, and we see the band sitting in a very quiet beergarden, and simply hear one of the band state that "why are you filming? If this makes it to the DVD then it's gonna be a pretty shit film", after which the viewer is catapulted straight back into an intensely charged and decibell friendly live performance.

This DVD is like no other band DVD, so be warned. However, that is definately a positive thing, as although like other DVDs, it still allows us to sort of get to know the people behind the band a bit, but it keeps it's cards fairly close to it's chest and opts to focus upon the msuic instead, so has this 'mystique' element to it, making it easy to see why Soulwax have achieved a very deserved cult status on the continent. If only the UK would sit up and pay attention.