CTRL/ALT/DEL: The System Reboot

15.10.2025
by Cid Poitier

Ever so once in a while the stars align perfectly to create a moment in time and feeling that’s almost impossible to put into words. Last Saturday, this moment was the return of the mighty System – A label, dance and movement run by V.I.V.E.K that spans and connects generations of music lovers that like their music heavy, rootsy and forward thinking.

From every detail of the night it was abundantly clear that V.I.V.E.K and his team put exceptional importance on the attendee experience. The attention to detail was just perfect. From the finely tuned and weighty sound system, excellent acoustics, choice of venue, “light touch” security and great bar staff…. the whole experience was very seemless and old school. There was a real family vibe in the crowd with a feeling that each type of individual that makes up the scene was in attendence in some way or another.

Given the demand for such a night the numbers could have been pushed past reasonable capacity but I have to really respect the integrity of the night that there was  space to have an intimate, cosy yet spacious experience.

We were kept in the dark regarding the lineup which created great anticipation and further cemented the level of trust followers of System have in the curation of each event.

So on the night, what transpired to begin was a solid 2 hours of dub reggae and roots supplied by Roots Rebellion to set the scene for the night. Like many a system dance in the past, it provided the right foundation for the night to be built upon (I must admit tho, the purest in me did yearn for some of those rewinds to be earned a little more!) but that’s just me!

If this was the entrée, Rizla Teef back-to-back Chef provided us with a second course sharing platter to take the night into a much heavier and darker direction. Both known for bottomless record bags of dubplates it was always going to be somewhat of a dub for dub showdown. Although a little chaotic in places on the blend front for my tastes, the vibe was all there from start to finish and pushed the night forward in the way it needed to be. I had a bet on with myself that Chef would be on the line-up so couldn’t resist the self-congratulations for bring half correct!

V.I.V.E.K then stepped up for what was for me the “500 gram Tomahawk Steak” of the night. Quite frankly I believe in was one of the most important sets I’ve heard him play. I stress the term “Important” as it was a set that the whole night and movement could be built around and upon. A somewhat fragmented scene, a long hiatus and a second coming of a seminal night needs a reset and I think V.I.V.E.K delivered just that. At first it felt like it was being played “very safe”, but with deeper introspection I think it was actually masterfully measured.

Many devoted followers know that System is the place where established sound system music is deconstructed, evolved and forward thinking sets are commonplace which challenge audience perception. This night wasn’t that, and I think it was the correct call.

Instead I think it paved a much larger foundation for the second coming of the moment to be constructed upon without deviating into new and uncharted territory too soon with the full comfort that future events are to come (The next event was announced even before this one even took place) and will undoubtedly cover a much wider spectrum of music. (Sorry Techno, UKG, Grime and Amapiano (!?!) lovers – you’ll have to wait your turn!!!)

Rounding off the night was the wicked combo of Truant (my first time hearing him play) and Fixate (great producer across the BPM spectrum who I’d love to catch cracking a little smile one day!) – These guys really were that cream and cherry on top and brought the night home in great fashion. Impeccable selections, some nice stripped back tunes that really exposed the weight of the System and some lovely upfront Jungle/D&B bits that sporadically revealed in parts the more aggressive side of the frequency spectrum without collapsing into chaos. This night could have easily gone on for another few hours, but like the saying goes “sometimes less is  more” and that was definitely the case on this occasion.  Am I happy that I flew half way across the world just to be there to witness this event? HELL YES…..Would I do it again?  ABSOLUTELY!!

Shouts to Pokes & Crazy D on hosting duties and let’s also spare a thought for Zha (White Peach) (aka the hardest working guy in the scene) for dedicating his time to being stuck outside selling records while one of the most important revivals in UK sound system culture was taking place right next door! Salute! 🫡

Looking forward to seeing how things evolve and grow over the next few events and most importantly really glad to see such a special night return in such spectacular fashion.

In the words of Sgt Pokes – “This was a big people’s dance”. Mostly, large up V.I.V.E.K for his uncompromising approach to the craft and unwavering high standards.

System truly is that place where you step on a toe and make a new friend.

Shouts to all the old heads that I bumped into, and the new toes that I stepped on 😊

Here’s to many more 🥂

Chris / Cid Poitier