by Sky Disco
Smooth, soulful rhythms driven by Danish, DJ/Producer Kasper Bjørke pulsated throughout the super-sexy atmosphere of Le Bain atop The Standard Hotel on Friday night. My friend Leda and I filed into the side entrance with the rest of the swanky line of party goers; the linebacker security types were surprisingly cordial and easy going. Leda was compelled to snap several photos of the dark corridor on the way to the elevator, which were painted with fluorescent, Picasso-like female silhouettes illuminated with UV lights. It definitely felt like “party time,” and a great way to set off the weekend.
Being before 1am, it was still relatively early in the night for this type of party. Still, the anticipation was palpable as we neared the rooftop. Having listened to an advanced copy of Kasper’s new album, “Fool”, I was looking forward to seeing how his sound worked in front of a live crowd. As soon as the doors opened, you could tell he was at work. The groove waves that he injected into the crowd seemed to make everyone sway and bop their heads according to his beats. I found myself becoming one with the vibrations running through me.
Kasper is a musical pharmacist, delivering sensuality and euphoria through his electro/house/soul mixes. Though I didn’t hear him spin my two favorite tunes, “D.O.A.H” and “All I Hear Is Drums”, I could clearly recognize when he slid some of his own work into the mix. At times, he would pump up the volume, to which the crowd responded positively.
A great DJ knows exactly what to give the crowd at different segments of the night. With the lovely Manhattan skyline behind him in this sleek venue, Kasper Bjørke definitely had a handle on things, and the crowd eating out of his hand.