Five minutes past the scheduled start time, the bars covering Plastic People’s discrete entrance unbolted. Downstairs burntprogress co-founder ‘Uncle’ Gavin Alexander cast open the CDR archives. Fittingly Soundspecies’ For My CDR People aired, a dedication to the sessions with Tony Nwachukwu appearing on the track’s intro. After an hour and some of ear-pleasing archive selections Gavin made way for Daisuke Tanabe’s second homecoming.

A participant at the London 2010 academy, Daisuke returned to the club he frequented during his five years living in the capital. Super-charging the crowd, he buzzed between Ableton, a Korg Micro Controller and small Yamaha mixer, energetic sonic and rhythmic manipulations as sound as similar performances by Dimlite or Flying Lotus. One especially memorable bassline made its way into an anthemic acappella, “You know what love is!” the crowd sang back at him.

Open session underway, for three hours Tony threaded recently burnt CDRs together as bodies mingled in the dim basement. The strong community of regulars welcomed new clammy-palmed submitters, all parties eager to hear their (and others’) works in progress. Ideas flowing, comments were shared on the contributions. Familiar CDR idiosyncrasies amused as always, anxious first-time attendees gingerly approaching the booth to hand over their productions; people’s gaze drawn to the projection screen displaying artists’ names and track titles.

Amid a flux of tempos and styles, Mr Beatnick’s ‘Turn Your Back’ surged hard with a dark Italo mood, in contrast to the calming shadow cast over the floor by Teri Gender Bender’s ‘The Bed’. BPM-dipping down to a hip hop pace, Cohoba’s ‘Ergonomia’ sounded crisp and prompted much applause. Eyebrows were raised as the police dropped in, their motives unclear but seemingly not to submit new music. Such perturbing visits have become familiar in the past year, suggestive of a targeted campaign.

Houselights on, a 2am end time was enforced, “Police are in our midst so we have to be sensible.” Tony acknowledged. Bouncer Barry bid people on their way, “Goodnight and good morning!”. Attendance and standards high, fresh bodies experienced the unique community vibe. “Good to see new disciples enter the church that is CDR.” Gavin beamed, “Hopefully their conversation will continue either in London or back in their respective cities.”

Recorded for Red Bull Music Academy Radio, a full track listing and audio of the event will be available at redbullmusicacademyradio.com.

CDR’s latest release of songs, 2.1 is out now on burntprogress.

More images of the evening here.