First it was the end of an era, when Zouk bade farewell to Jiak Kim — the familiar space where most of us experienced our first coming-of-age clubbing rituals. (By the way, if you missed the series of closing parties, here they are in pics).
Now it’s a whole new world with a whole new Zouk. Settling down nicely in fresh digs at Clarke Quay — behind the nightclub’s first restaurant/bar Red Tail — Zouk has evolved into a completely different look that walks the line between industrial and futuristic. Diehard fans will probably groan in despair, but hey, sometimes you just gotta roll with the times.
Spread out over two floors, the complex looks more massive than its predecessor at first glance, but it’s actually pretty much the same size. Minus Velvet, of course. Because if you didn’t know already, New Zouk is just Zouk and Phuture (plus Red Tail, but that’s not really a club — and the fourth concept has yet to be revealed). With a combined capacity of 2,600, the space is inspired by underground rave clubs and edgy refurbished warehouses in New York and Berlin.
If you’re wondering where the entrance is, think back to the old days of waiting in line for entry into Zirca. That’s where the open foyer is, and that’s where the crowds will converge into different queues like before. While you’re there, check out the industrial aesthetics, with graphic tiles inspired by the Zouk Eye, folded metal panels, fluorescent fans and two glowing opposite signs that mark the entrances to Phuture and Zouk.
For your regular dose of hip hop and R&B, Phuture’s still where it’s at. Walk through a tunnel covered in graffiti by local artist Jahan Loh before you emerge into a revamped Phuture with features like retro-themed bar stools, vinyl casted tables, artworks on the walls, an LED-backed DJ console and two bars for you to get your booze.
Of course, it’s nowhere near as huge as Zouk, which takes up two floors with three bars, a dance floor surrounded by tables, and a concrete DJ console circled by plush VIP seating pods and a catwalk with an LED backdrop. To echo the industrial theme, there are elements of raw bricks, brass tones and copper panels. You can even stuff your belongings into hidden storage areas under sofas, barstools and tables.
But the main attraction is really the spaceship-looking light structure suspended above the dance floor. The custom installation was made in Barcelona with over 120 light patterns across a 360 degree view, and when the night kicks into high gear, expect party-goers to gaze up at the ceiling as the kaleidoscopic lights flash according to the beats.
Oh, and get this. At big party nights, you may find yourself walking from Zouk to Phuture as the soundproof double walls are removed to form a superclub. It’s pretty cool stuff.
Other new additions include Phuture now opening for business on Thursday (to showcase up-and-coming local talents) and the return of the Phuture DJ Battle. If you’re planning on checking out the club for its soft opening on December 17, you’ll be treated to a line-up of its best resident DJs. Zouk’s official opening will take place on January 13, featuring American DJ/producer Diplo.
Now here’s a first look at the new space.
Zouk is at Clarke Quay, 3C River Valley Rd, The Cannery. Wed & Fri 9pm-3am, Thurs (Phuture only) 9pm-2am, Sat 9pm-4am. Wed: Men $25, ladies free entry; Thurs: Free entry for all; Fri, Sat & PH eve: Men $35, ladies $30; Special event nights: $45.
Reader Interactions