If Adbuster's recent shockwave inducing article about hipsters raised any sort of pertinent thought, it presented the idea that self examination of our supposed "subculture" is about right on time. We've all been participating in the same rituals for the past few years, dressing the part and engaging in rambunctious behaviors centered around clubbing/concerting/fucking/fighting/puking without nary a moment of self reflection. And no, Vice magazine or whatever else doesn't count-- I mean a thoughtful capture of what keeps us perpetually hanging on to our youth.  And now, the aptly titled documentary Part of the Weekend Never Dies, a one camera, one year-long encapsulating film about Belgian electro rockers, Soulwax, throws its hat in the ring as one of the first serious contenders.

Of course, POTWND presents this self-examination from a clearly Eurocentric point of view, as dance music is way bigger and relevant over there than it ever will be here, but the appearances of such contemporaries as Justice, James Murphy, Erol Alkan, and other key figureheads at least gives proper meaning to the word "scene".  And watching this documentary properly reinforces the meaning of the word "scene", as even James Murphy himself makes peace with that dirtiest of words.

I won't give away too much about the particulars of the film, but just know that it effectively captures the fluctuating excitement and anxiety that accompanies a party night (you'll know exactly what I'm talking about in the panning bathroom conversation scenes).  From the onset, there's a warning about the strong strobing effects and they're definitely not exaggerating. The constant jump cuts that interweave between video and audio can be borderline seizure-inducing at times, but they only serve to reinforce the idea that watching this documentary is akin to having next-morning hangover flashbacks. And of course, there's a careful examination and presentation of what Soulwax and their different incarnations (2ManyDJs, Nite Versions, and Radio Soulwax) represent, but again I'll leave the long winded explanation to the documentary.

So basically, POTWND, is just an examination of party life, and watching it reallllllly makes you want to party (I started watching it late at night and had to turn it off because I got too excited). But isn't there more to all of this than just partying? I mean wasn't the Adbuster's article also raising the issue that it's this consumerism fueled party scene that's draining all the meaningfulness from our leisurely pursuits and interests? Watch this documentary and see if you still give a fuck.

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Catch Soulwax performing live at The Plaza on October 29th (with a screening of POTWND before their performance).