"Japan is probably one of the best places in the world for techno" - Christian Smith Tronic Music

Womb, the huge dance club in Shibuya that just celebrated its first anniversary with a visit by NY DJ Junior Vasquez, finally seems to be back on track with a strong lineup of parties scheduled to go all night. The club had, since its opening, been forced to close early and was operating only on a limited basis.

Things get underway in May with a visit by Swedish DJ/producer Christian Smith that will pair him with Takkyu Ishino from Denki Groove in the event Infrared.

Along with Adam Beyer, one of Sweden' leading techno forces, Smith got the electronic music bug at age 15 listening to Sven Vath in Frankfurt in 1987. At age 17, Smith got his first break with a guest slot at the legendary Omen, moving back to Stockholm after a stint at university in the States.

Smith released his first tracks with US label Music Now in 1991 before setting up his own label Tronic Music. Releasing tracks on Tronic and subsidiary house imprint Strive, Smith also in 1999 signed to Carl Cox's new In-Tec label. A number of collaborations with John Selway have proved to be dancefloor favorites, including the just released "Excel."

A self-described purveyor of "a diverse mix of hard pumping house and tribal funky techno, all segued with a foundation that includes three-turntable mixing and creative scratching and programming," Smith is in demand at clubs worldwide.

In a recent email exchange with TC, Smith said he is very much looking forward to his fourth Japan tour. "Japan is probably one of the best places in the world for techno," he said. "The Japanese are very passionate about the music and are not shy to show it. I have had some of my best gigs in Japan and am looking forward to coming back to Tokyo."

Infrared: Womb, 5/11, 10pm, JY3500, JY3000 (w/flyer) w/2d. Tel: 5459-0039.