It is one year to the day since Circus Recordings announced its intentions to the world, when Yousef’s already prolific production and remix rate heralded the nascent beginnings of his own label, and to celebrate Liverpool was treated to a gig of mammoth proportions.
Sasha, Carl Cox, Dubfire, Adam Beyer and of course Yousef himself guested for a party etched into the annals of Circus history.
And since then, with machine like efficiency and inspired creativity, Circus' founder has racked up a string of tracks which have been stacked together into a new album which, for the precious few pairs of ears who have already been treated to it, is truly something special.
Carl Cox's return to Circus on Saturday May 2nd is all the more poignant with the imminent arrival of Yousef’s first artist album.
And not only that, but Yousef is now being represented by Carl’s management – the only other DJ on those hallowed books alongside the big man himself.
'A Collection of Scars & Situations' perfectly surmises the musical maturity of Yousef in 2009. Boasting the singles 'Wig', 'In Parliament' and 'Letter to No One', it's indicative for the deep techno essence which has populated his sets over the last few years, whilst effortlessly harking to the snaking, relentless house grooves with which he made his name.
There's rumbling tribal rhythms on 'I Suggest', whilst 'Equilibrium' deftly resonates as a modern powerhouse of clinical techno in the Dubfire mould.
And smoky electronica is served up with 'Birthday Thoughts' and 'A Moment of Clarity'. Fittingly, such a diverse selection only stands up well when coupled with the clubnight that is equally as wide-ranging, and the launch party does that in spades - and then some.
Headlining is the star of last year's show and one of the closest figures Yousef has on a personal and professional level within the industry, Carl Cox.
The man with a techno collection as broad as his trademark grin, Carl's support of Yousef as a DJ, producer and promoter has been legendary.
Yousef will of course be joining Carl in the Main Room, the duo's techno and house fireworks combined with the presence of South American hotshot Hernan Cattaneo.
Cattaneo has yet to grace Circus, but after a room smashing set at sister night Chibuku in April 2008 his stock has continued to rise further, the artist that every Circus forum user demands when asked for their feedback. Resident Alex Wolfenden completes the room.
The Courtyard sees a first for Liverpool and Circus with monolithic producer du jour DeadMau5 finally rocking up.
No-one has provoked more column inches in dance in the last 18 months, the Mouse Mask sporting hero (or villain, depending on which blog you frequent) has lambasted DJs whilst gaining wholesale support from them for his tunes.
Sasha, Digweed, Cox, Howells and Zabeila are all fans of his sound which skirts electro, house and trance with ease, and his live shows get them flocking around the block.
Support in this room comes from former Underworld lynchpin Darren Emerson, back to frightening form once more after the searing GU Bogota comp, and Nic Fanciulli’s Skylark cohort Andy Chatterley.
And well Circus wouldn't be Circus unless the Annexe threw up the final jaw-dropping segment of the line-up. Traditionally the place for the underground, it's here that Circo Loco techno doyen Loco Dice will be topping the bill with his sensual grooves, ensuring that the raw funk is catered for perfectly.
And it's also where the album's sole collaborator will be playing, Derrick Carter (who contributes to the jacking album stand-out 'Legacy') returning to Circus after too-long hiatus.
And if that wasn't fanfare enough, his old Chi Town chum DJ Sneak is going to be playing with him back to back in one of his increasingly rare UK sets.
Parisian techno talisman Paul Ritch brings his live show to the fore, his clutch of material on Get Physical and Sci+Tec earmarking him as a future starlet.
Resident Lewis Boardman sets the tone by stoking the initial fires of rave.
Keep your eyes open and ears peeled for 'A Collection of Scars & Situations.' Yousef, along with some help from his friends, has created something truly special.
Circus Recordings 1st Birthday Party Celebrating the launch of Yousef’s new album:
'A Collection of Scars and Situations', Saturday 2nd May @ Nation, Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool, L1 4JJ
Main Room
Carl Cox
Yousef
Hernan Catteneo
Alex Wolfenden
Courtyard
Deadmau5 live
Darren Emerson
Andy Chatterley
Annexe
Loco Dice
DJ Sneak v Derrick Carter
Paul Ritch Live
Lewis Boardman
10pm – 6am, £18 adv Info – 0151 706 8045
www.circusclub.co.uk
Tickets: www.chibuku.com/shop
TicketWeb: 08444 771 000
Ticketline: 0161 832 1111
3Beat: 0151 7093355
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