Szentek: A Night for the Individual
By: Connor Reilly
Photo courtesy of SZENTEK: Oliver McKenzie
As we all know St Andrews is not shy of decadent events, with the university throwing an estimate of thirty-five formal balls throughout the year and being home to several charity fashion organisations. While this impressive, event packed calendar could put a socialite to shame, there is an undoubted craving for the less formal, high energy event. Szentek most definitely succeeded in relieving the underground, alternative raver of their repressed club kid and pent up desire to let loose at a major event. Kinkell hosted the well-publicised event, a venue with the potential for spatially exceeding its amount of attendees. However the much hyped event managed to sell out day-of, making for a densely packed setting which payed homage ‘run down clubs of Budapest’.
Upon arrival the event did not disappoint in terms of layout. The always well-presented Kinkell Byre was refreshingly transformed with the dance floor split between the energetic set of Wankelmut, and the more relaxed screening of vintage movie clips with surrounding couches. Artistically the event had something to offer for everyone, from the fashion conscious festival goer to the visual critic. The aesthetic held no limitations, delivering a carnival of creativity and self-expression. The venue was filled with large scale commissioned artworks and fashion victims alike.
Photo courtesy of Szentek: Andrea Yáñez-Cunningham
Headlining the even was the Berlin based master of electronic beats, Wanklemut who followed the opening of DJ APUD Max Payne, and James Peel. While the music did not disappoint for techno fans, an alternative, more traditional dance room was provided for those who wanted to get down to some more classic anthems. Whilst finding space to dance was challenging at times it all added to the delightfully grimy, subculture vibe that made the event so refreshing in a place like St Andrews. For one night, the stressed students of KY16 were reminded of the exotic club scenes that awaited the end of exams. In all, the event met high expectations and allowed students the opportunity to get involved in a night of celebrating creativity and electronic music.
Photo courtesy of Szentek: Andrea Yáñez-Cunningham