We lub the freaks

10:00pm. Wednesday, December 6. Shanghaiist was fried from a 13-hour work day. Our brain was no longer functioning. A pick-me-up was needed, and desperately so. We looked to the heavens. “Just give me good music,” we pleaded, fists a-shaking.

Apparently someone up there really likes us.

We found ourselves at LOgO (aka "the old Tang Hui") for Freaklub, the Wednesday weekly. After entering its imposing Chinese double doors, we found ourselves in a cozy candlelit space. Foosball table, red velvet curtains, Chinese kitsch décor, and Jack Daniels paraphernalia registered after one quick scan. We liked it immediately.

After poking around some more, we found an intimate vibe, a laid back crowd, and 20 RMB Carlsbergs. (Not to mention clementines, peanuts and muffins for noshing. Something about German Christmas rituals—say(munch)what?) We’re starting to think we could be regulars.

But the clincher? Live, whimsical, improvised instrumentals (jam!jam!jam!) overtop tight minimal techno in the backroom. Indeed, Freaklub is a weekly celebration of music that marries the electronic with the acoustic. And it was a kickass matrimony last night. Dr. Jay (aka Jeremy Lasry) on the upright double bass brought a smile to our face but the guy that really stole the show was a Chinese fella on the gitbox. His frenzied, spiraling, flamenco-tinged ditties elevated the night from jam-trot to jam-stampede. Shanghaiist really should remember his name, and we do apologize, but our memory is inversely related to the amount of beer consumed. And the amount of beer consumed is inversely related to the price of said beverages. And since said beverages were cheap…uhh, where were we going with this? Oh right, we’re sorry we can't recall the name of the amazing guitarist. (Help?)

The night is put on by DJ duo micrometropolis and tootekool. We were also tickled pink by the eye candy—the visuals combine live camcorder feeds with obscure and zany artstuff. (For those, you have a charming Barcelona export by the name of Norberto to thank.)

That pesky thing called a day job forced Shanghaiist to call it quits shortly after 2 am, but the party was definitely still in full swing. On our way out, we heard one (perhaps overly excited?) merrymaker exclaim “Opa!” Mark our words, Freaklub, we’ll be back.

Freaklub. Every Wednesday with DJs micrometropolis, tootekool, and rotating guests. LOgO. 13 Xingfu Lu, near Fa Hua Zhen Lu. 10pm til late. Free entry.