Don’t let the old sign outside fool you: The Source has changed ownership and reopened with the new, but not yet official name of Revolver.
Gone is eight years’ worth of grime, and the walls now sport a swanky red paint job. The two new owners, Brits Jeremy Gray and Leroy Ransom, are planning a formal opening toward the end of this month when they will put up a new sign, but haven’t yet settled on a date.
Gray and Ransom got Revolver underway with a soft opening in the middle of last month. Downstairs a revamped bar serves beer (NT$100) and spirits (NT$150 per shot), while the dance floor/live music space takes up the second floor, and the third floor retains its pool table.
Photo Courtesy of Joe Russo
A lot of work was put into the sound system, including new speakers and equipment for DJs and bands.
“We put in a 24-channel mixing desk, an EQ with big new speakers that have 15-inch tops, with the sub to be put in soon,” said Gray, adding that wiring would be installed so the music from bands and DJs could be pumped upstairs and downstairs.
The venue has a complete drum kit, amplifiers and PA system, allowing musicians to just show up, plug in and rock out.
Photo Courtesy of Joe Russo
Despite a few loud parties since opening, Gray said that noise complaints shouldn’t be a problem.
“We had one complaint on opening night from one of the neighbors in the back, but that’s all,” Gray said.
Following that complaint, the owners installed heavy doors in the back stairwell to reduce the noise. The doors take a good shove to open or close because of their almost hermetic seal, meaning the neighbors aren’t likely to be bothered by the good vibes. For those who want to gather outside, there’s a covered area out front with tables and sofas. “We could practically have a rave out there and it wouldn’t bother anybody,” Gray said.
Photo: Steven Vigar
The bar formerly known as The Source is located at 1-2, Roosevelt Rd Sec 1, Taipei City (台北市羅斯福路一段1-2號), near Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall MRT Station (中正紀念堂捷運站) Exit 4. Call (02) 3393-1678 for details.
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