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Rave review, HTID Foam party 28/1/05

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Old 03 February 2005, 11:35 PM
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astraboy
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Default Rave review, HTID Foam party 28/1/05

HTID were the biggest success story of 2004. Consistant sell out parties at Air in Birmingham, the securing of the Hardcore arena at Helter Skelter and agressive marketing technqiues (You try to avoid knowing about an upcoming HTID event. Its difficult!) raised its profile to amongst the top tier of modern upfront Hardcore promotions.

With this in mind, it made sense for HTID to sneak in and appropriate the first "major" rave of 2005. Having to wait a month for it to turn up was no major chore, but you could tell that most of the ravers were saving themselves for this one, myself included.

Despite HTID's reputation making it a as near a "must attend" event as possible, the promotors seem determined not to rest on their laurels and set about tempting me even further.

Not one but three reasons to attend were presented. First off the "Gimmick". In a similar vein to their UV raver party, Event 6 was designated a foam party. Then there was the double pronged special guest lineup.

Taking centre stage was the Italian Gabba DJ, Tommyknocker. TBH I have never heard of him before, but he has been talked of very highly so I was interested to see him. especially as he would be "knocking" out a Gabba set at peak time in the main arena.

As well as that, my personal highlight of the night was a promised 2 hour breakbeat hardcore-a-thon from Luna-C, Ham and Wizbit. Breaks are always underrepresented at most parties I attend so intended to take full advantage of this special set in the carbon lounge.

All this as well as another night of HTID's usual standards of excellence in production, lineup, atmosphere and musical variety? Those wild horses holding me back would have to be on crack to have even a chance of keeping me away. Of course I was going to be there.

Filling up my car was just as easy with a carload of mates spreading the petrol cost and providing the company needed to make the journey more pleasent. Frequent trips to Air meant I knew my way there and soon after turning off we arrived at the venue.

On the approach road things were just hotting up with a sizeable queue forming on both sides of the door. As well as that a certain promoter was also wandering about and with a cameraman in tow as well. Unfortunatly I didn't see him before I said hello and before I knew it I had a camera and a mic thrust in my direction. If you buy the DVD I'm the one hanging out of my car with a slightly gormless expression on my face

After ditching the motor a little way away we walked back to the venue and were quickly shepherded inside without even being searched. After handing over our tickets, we were in.

No messing about here, I was straight onto the dancefloor with good reason too. Kevin Energy had been given an early set and I was just in time to see his efforts.

It was an unusual set from Kev as he had the luxury of playing out before HTID's patented kick off set had commenced which meant that not only was he MC free, but he was also effectively playing a warmup set.

The DJ was obiviously concious of that fact and started out positively subdued (by his standards anyways). Even so, it was interesting to see him depart from his usual sets of top end BPM cardiac freeform and start out on a slower tip.

As his set progressed, the pace was gradually increased and so was the number of tunes I could ID. I especially liked him dropping in "Freedom" featuring USH's very on Ravegirl on the vocals, as well as "Turbobooster" The ravers on the dancefloor were dancing away while all this was unfolding and so was I. The set eased me into the night and got me more than ready for more.

While this set was going on, I had a chance to look at my surroundings. Air has it pretty much sorted on the lighting and decor front so there is not much point in adding very much to an already perfect setup. However HTID are big on branding their events and not only was the HTID raveangel hanging of every available point, but the name was in abundance as well.

The main addition in terms of production was the sodding great foam machine on the stage, but less is definitely more in this case as it meant everyone was focused on what it was capable of.

Just in time as well, as the evening was about to get underway in no uncertain terms. The dancefloor swelled to almost too full proportions as Energy brought his set to a close and allowed Hixxy and Styles to take over for the kick off set. Of course, no kick off set is complete without Storm and Whizzkid donning their MCSquared hats and soon after they climbed the stage and waited for the off.

As usual, the duo on the mic held back as the duo on the decks got the 11.30 set underway. It started with a vocal introduction of the set, before it moved into thier first tune "You're my Angel". Whereupon MCSquared came to life with Whizzkid dropping "My sexy baby" and Storm caining "You're no good for me".

Thereafter, the kickoff set really took off with lots of energy and pace being a prominent feature. Together with numerous interruptions from the foam machine, Tunes like "Feel so real", "Crack *****" and "Crazy Love" all leaned towards the more danceable side of the upfront sound before "Things are getting better" and "making me wanna dance" propped up the vocal side. Finally the packed arena was finished off with "Fly away" and the rave could consider itself properly underway. Myself? I was just getting started and was looking forward to more.

Handily I didn't have to budge an inch cos Brisk and Wottsee were on next and were more than capable of keeping me rooted to the dancefloor.It was about this point where I really lost it. I know this to be the case cos I can remember starting to rave to Brisks set, but from then on its a total blur until he brought me back from planet X with a few choice gabba tunes to finish off his set. Tune I.D.s? Forget it mate, I was gone from the moment he started till the gabba came on. Loved every minute of it though.

With gabba to finish off his set, Brisk paved the way nicely for the next DJ. The special guest from Italy, AKA Tommyknocker came on and set about working the crowd in his own unique way. By this I mean he started off at the slower and more melodic end of his chosen genre and then set about gradually turning up the pace as his time wore on.

With only 45 minutes to work with, he had his work cut out to take the ravers on a musical journey, but nothing is impossible, especially with the Techno legend that is MC Ribbz making a VERY welcome addition on the mic. Tommyknocker managed to keep the crowd hungry in a workmanlike manner, but some of them were positively gagging for the roughest stuff he had available. Ravers in the crowd were screaming for him to play harder and faster and eventually he relented by moving from the more melodic riff oriented gabba to the full on filth that so many of us wanted.

Towards the end of his set he went for it properly and the crowd showed their appreciation by getting on with some serious stomping while Ribbzy did likewise in his usual enigmatic manner on the mic. I was doing the same and didnt want it to end. Despite that, it came to a lose with many ravers applauding his efforts. I was too knackered to do so myself, must be getting old.

After this, I had other plans for the next set, mostly involving being in the "nitrogen" room for Sharkey's set. This was the "Harder they come" room for the evening so I was expecting a rare techno set from Sharkz, but when I arrived, he was well into an upfront Freeform selection, together with MC Darkside on the mic. I didnt mind though as it made a nice contrast from the previous set and I was more than happy to rave like a good'un to it.

This was another set where I lost all track of time and reality. I was too immersed in the music to do anything but dance to it so it was another top notch selection which went completely over my head on an I.Ding tip. I know I was well away by this point as I was going through water at an alarming rate and I was rapidly getting tired despite Sharkz only offering 45 minutes of Freeform madness.

The only tune I did recognise was his finisher, the 1500bpm insanity of "Pig" saw him bow out in style and after he was finished, it also saw me leave the nitrogen room to catch the next "must see" set of the night.

Upstairs in the Carbon lounge and it was Luna-C, Ham and Wizbit who were due next for another example of HTID bringing in the best specialists in their field to represent their genre. The flyer had promised 2 hours of breaks and I knew these boys were more than capable of providing exactly that.

This was my time. I had waited for this and now I was ready for some truly glorious breaks. The DJ's behind the decks didnt leave me wanting either. Simply reciting a tracklisting doesnt do the set justice at all. Probably something that does do it justice was that I didnt stop dancing except when I had to get water. Even then I was straight back out there when I was done. The music was too good for me to stop so I didn't. It was simple as that.

The coolest breaks in the genre were all showcased with "Light my fire", "Turn it around" and "Stay lucky" all getting a well deserved airing. As well as that a few choice Drum & Bass tunes were played including the notorious "Twist em out". Finally (after a small amount of persuasion) the tune of the set was played out to a sizeable and appreciative crowd. Panacea's "Lawless" REALLY got me moving, its infections vocals, namely "Ravealation OI! OI!!!" making me dance in no uncertain terms.

Throughout the set, a special bonus was brought forward in the form of Robbie Dee on the mic. This was his sort of set with lots of obscure asides that are his trademark making a welcome appearence and improving the already high quality performance tenfold. As well as that, a rare apprearence of MC Brisk (yes that is right) made this one of the prime sets of the night for me. It was just a pity it was shorter than planned.

Next up was a trip back to the main arena. By this time I had had my fill off the obscure and wanted to finish off the night with the mainstream. This was immediately satisfied with Rcon and Storm doing the business upon my arrival. I literally caught the last moments of this set, but as soon as I recognised the tune he was finishing with, I knew I had come at the right time. The original mix of "Jeee ha!" along with Storm voice scratching for England? Don't mind if I do *Starts raving*

Remaining in the main arena for the next set, I saw that Dougal and UFO were on next. As well as that Whizzkid did the decent thing and joined them on the mic. The next 45 minutes were filled with tunes that they have made their trademark, upfront vocal trance influenced hardcore all the way.

It was just what the astraboy ordered on this occasion and I werent the only one either. Lots and lots of ravers got on with lots and lots of raving during this set and I happily joined them. Of all the tunes the DJs played during this time notable highlights include the upfront remix of "let me be your fantasy", "Still the one" and the tune which is proving palatable across the genres, "This is extreme". Whizzkid also deserves a mention during this for being bang on it throughout the set, especially when he dropped the lyric I cant resist singing along to, "Cant beat the feeling in a Hardcore rave" during his set.

Blimey, that was quick, where did the Morning glory set come from all of a sudden? The night had shot by in a flash (But there was a reason for that) and the final set was upon us. Even wothout the closure of the second room, the main arena was still packed out and ready for what Breeze and Hixxy as well as Storm and Whizzkid had in store.

The Morning Glory set is touted as a showcase of "Ear popping anthems and forgotten gems of yesteryear" to finish off the night. It is also a personal favourite of mine, especially when the music is as good as it was on this occasion. It got off to a VERY good start with "Break of Dawn" making me go all tingly from the start and didnt let up till the end. Lots of my favourites were played with "Bodyslam", "Turn up the music" and "No other alternative" all being played out. Storm and Whizzkid were in their element. A mic each, they expertly worked the crowd as the final moments of the rave drew nearer. Finally, the last tune was upon us and the rave was ended with a modern remix of "Now is the time" getting played and herds of dancing ravers going for it till the final kickdrum played out, then getting ready to face the flyer massive.

Things I liked:

System - As usual for Air, all three sound systems were in perfect working order. Loud, clear and not even slightly harsh.

Atmosphere - I did notice it being slightly less enthusiastic than last time, but thats probably due to people having to work all day then come to the party. Having said that though "Slightly less enthusiastic atmosphere" is pretty relative when it comes to HTID events cos the the baseline that you draw that comparison from is sky high already.

Aircon - Supercharged aircon is a mainstay of this place. didnt even get slightly hot. Dont think I even broke sweat now that you mention it and believe me I was trying!

Musical variety - Throughout the night I managed to see: A Gabba set, a Breakbeat set, A freeform set, and several upfront sets. If I had applied myself more I would have seen more, but when you get variety like that without even trying then it has to be good.

Troublemakers - Not a good thing at all, but I'm talking about everyone from the security to the performing artists making sure they knew who was boss. I only saw 15 seconds of trouble myself then the main cause was out on his ear in NO uncertain terms. Guess he didnt read the flyer which said "Bad attitudes and Bullyboys will not be tolerated in anyway shape or form". Mind you, thats going on the assumption he can read.

Things I liked less:

Breakbeats getting cut short - There was only an hour of my favourite set when 2 were promised. Shame really as I was really into it when it all had to end.

Carpark - This seemed to be reserved for other people with the ravers having to take their chances and parking on the streets even though there were loads of spare spaces. Kinda defeats the object of advertising "Secure carpark to the rear of venue" on the flyer.

Friday raving - TBH, I prefer saturday raves as party people generally have more energy to expend.

Foam - It was bits of foam rather than a torrent i was expecting. Probably for the best as it was january and freezing outside, but forsight and planning has never been my strong point. Oh yeah, it tasted horrible too!

Where was Odyssey?

Performance of the rave: Close one this. Luna-C Ham and Wizbit were pretty damn good. Their set was made even better by Robbie Dee on the mic. But Storm and Whizzkid also deserve a mention for being especially good when in their MCsquared guise. Hmzmzmz, call it a draw.

Event 6 of the HTID rave odyssey and they just keep on getting better. I'll tell you why as well. The promoters dont just knock out an endless succession of events, relying on the name of the party to pull the numbers. They want people to remember each party for reasons X, Y and Z. They do this by putting on themed events, arranging unique lineups and making sure there is something for everyone regardless of their personal interpretation of what "Hardcore" means to them.

The results are evident in the way the entire party crew go away from the raves saying how good a time they had. From the people happy to listen to whatever is on at the time, to the specialists who are only interested in a particular sound. From the variety freaks who want a night crammed with every conceivable exposition of modern Hardcore, to those who are there to see their favourite DJs another time. Whatever your justification for attending, you're gonna go away from an HTID a happy raver.

I am more than happy to be amongst the above group. If HTID keep going ad infinitum, I will be attending every event they do. Why? Cos I want to attend the best raves possible. Handily enough, HTID want to put on the best raves possible as well. I'll see you at the next one.

astraboy.
Shouts to: Kaylene, Dave Skywalker, Moron, Mad Vic, Gillian, Spenno, Vapour, Gim overdrive, Sallie and Sarah, IIHTIDII, Adey Gabba1, Nicki, STS Dave, LordPeter, Immz, Lee UHF, Xtra-C, Charlie & James, Sykee, Shauny C, Abeyance, Gazy J, Tina baby (remembered!), Jay Hughes, Andy L, MC Trev, Hixxy & Chris (nice one), Storm & Sarah, Styles, Breeze, Kev Energy, Luna-C, Ham, Wizbit, Brisk, Whizzkid, Sharkey, Wottsee and god there is too many. Shouts to everyone who said hello as well, you're all heroes.
Old 04 February 2005, 01:21 AM
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Daft Lad
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Bit too much to read as I'm a bit bolloxed tonite so I'll read it properly in the morning, wish I'd been there tho.
A tad gutted at the mo cos there's a few boards up in chesterfield saying Vibealite are going to be holding an event in Matlock, unluckily for me its on my sisters 18th birthday, and the next morning I need to be up at 7am to go rally driving! Don't think she fancies going raving for her birthday!
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