Enzo Siragusa celebrated the launch of his debut album, A Decade Of Rave, with a one-off party at Phonica Records, so we headed down to see what was in store. This was not the first time we’d seen Enzo play but it was certainly up there with one of the best.

Setting the scene

Nestled away in the backstreets of Soho lies a quaint record shop; unassuming to the naked eye, but an institution to those in the know, Phonica Records has occupied its little space on Poland Street for sixteen years. A milestone in itself, the 25th of April marked another feat in Phonica’s ever-growing story: Enzo Siragusa, label head and founder of Fuse London, marked the launch of his debut album with a two-hour takeover of the Soho record store.

The LP, titled A Decade of Rave, is a journey-telling dive into the history of Fuse. From Enzo’s early influences to the development of the party’s characteristic sound, the album reflects how far the team has come in such a short space of time. So in the most jovial of fashions, we headed down to the launch to catch a glimpse of what the main man had in store for us.

Enzo at his best

Upon arrival, there was an infectious atmosphere that surrounded the shop. Quiet murmurings pervaded the outside, as a rustling queue soon began to make itself evident. We took a seat in a pub opposite to while away the last remaining minutes, our eyes and ears eager to witness what was about to unfold. This was special, extraordinary in fact; such an opportunity to see Enzo play in a small space, for two hours, does not appear often. As the queue lengthened and the eight o’clock mark soon reared its tantalising head, various whoops and cheers soon erupted from Phonica’s inside. Like a pebble dropped in a pool of water, ripples of excitement emanated outwards, a clear cut sign of the madness that was soon to unfold.

The transparent windows of the shop front were frosted over with thick condensation; we hurriedly made our way inside, as the security guard quickly shut the door behind us. Upon entry, the thud of the kick drum permeated the surrounding space with vigour, as smiles adorned the faces of all the people there. We moved through the crowd to find a space at the far left of the shop, settling in a corner at the front. An infectious atmosphere hung in the room, akin to a chandelier suspended from the ceiling, created by one man’s knack for hosting the perfect party.

Special night, special records

Enzo was in full swing right from the get-go. Selecting a range of records from the labels back catalogue, it was clear to see how Fuse developed such a reputation as the capitals go-to afterparty. Perspiration hung from our brows with glue, as chats were had with friends and strangers alike. It was a family affair, a celebration of just how far Enzo and everyone has come on this ten-year journey, whilst time passed in a blur of laughter and memories-of-old.

Minutes before the end, as the ten pm curfew began to sadly present itself, the unmistakable sound of an iconic record soon became apparent. Choppy and swinging and looping with a telltale subtlety, the distinctive vocal of Sagamore reverberated around the room. Elation would be an understatement, as cheers and screams radiated from all attendees. The BPM had been carefully increased, creating a thumping roller that brought back powerfully emotive memories, as we were transported right the way back to 2011 to hear Fuse’s moving maiden release.

And like that, the present had become the past. Babbles and shouts replaced the smooth undulation of Enzo’s mixing, leaving us reflective but wholly content. The nostalgia and emotion of those two hours soon merged with the cold reality of the open door, as we spilled out into the thriving hustle of Soho’s streets. We waited briefly, before hurriedly ambling away, as memories of new and old quickly begun to fuse together.

A special event, a poignant two hours: the album launch reflected everything Fuse was – and is – all about. Now that was one for the history books.

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Enzo Siragusa – A Decade of Rave. Available to purchase here.

Infuse will be taking over 93 Feet East on the 26th of May, for a bank holiday special. Tickets available here.