Rave review, Delerium & Total Bedlam 18/11/2005
13 December 2005, 06:03 AM
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Rave review, Delerium & Total Bedlam 18/11/2005
With HTID fresh in my mind not 24 hours before, I knew it would have to be something special to get me back on my feet and to another rave the next night. Fortunatly, the rave i was planning to go to, Delerium in this case, was special enough to easily justify my decision to get on my feet and into my barely dry after washing from the night before rave clothes.
I was going to Bristol, to Lakota, for yet another installment of Bristol rave madness that the place is famed for. Go to a Bristol party and you are guaranteed three things. Some serious Hardcore getting played out, rave atmosphere by the bucketload and a warm welcome from everyone in the venue. I couldnt wait, show me the way to the M4.
Even though I was primarly going for an action replay of previous nights of fun in the west country, the DJ lineup that had been put together was impressive to say the least. Three of Lakota's arenas had been pressed into use and each of them had its own unique interpretation of the Hardcore sound.
The Main arena was upfront Mainstream Hardcore all the way, with headliners including only the biggest DJs in the land. Sy, Unknown, Breeze, Brisk, Dougal, Re-con D-Ice, Reality and German Hardcore DJ Rush-Dee were all booked to play out, alongside Storm, Whizzkid, Smiley and Fugitive on the mic. However, this was only one third of the rave accounted for.
Total Bedlam had taken up residency in the upstairs arena, making a trip from its spiritual home in Long Eaton to Bristol and bringing along the unique intepretation of Hardcore rave music it has made its own with it. As such, the arena was rammed with their brightest stars, such as Thumpa, Dodgee, Lee UHF, Mozz and Sawyer, as well as an MC overload, including Ortie, Gazy J, Keyes, Obie and Friction.
Last, but by no means least, was the "This ones for you" area, playing out the tunes were some of the leading up and coming DJs from the Southwest as well as a few from further afield. This arena saw the likes of Redeye, Delta, Midge, Smarty and Scott Devotion in full effect throughout the night.
But all this paled in comparison to the REAL main events of the night. Not one, but TWO Live PA's with Quosh taking the peaktime set and the Bristol based Higher State Crew on straight after that. Both performances promised to be special events and I was eager to see what would be entertaining the ravers.
I was clearly thinking the same thing as a lot of other people as when we pulled up outside the venue, the queue stretching back a good 15 metres from the entrance told me how good the party was going to be. It was also conkers outside myself and my travelling companions hung back for a bit in the car and waited for it to go down.
20 minutes later it still had not gone down, so we though "sod it" and got cold for 20 minutes while we waited to be searched. After saying hello to the friendly door staff, getting searched and shaking hands with the clipboard armed Pikey, we were in.
Firt point of call were the ever present and ever shocking toilets. Just as abominable as always, I sorted out my earplugs (cos you need em at Lakota now) and went into the main arena. As soon as I got in there I knew I had chosen the right place for my Saturday night rave. With a large crowd being entertained by the remaining moments of Rush-Dee's and Smiley's set, I quickly joined them just as the last tune faded out and the next DJ came on.
Its never a bad thing when you start your night with Sy, Unknownand MCSquared entertaining you and this was no exception. Best of all it was a two part performance, with a DJ set to kick things off, followed by the much anticipated showcase afterwards. No complaints from myself or the rest of the crowd as the first part got underway.
Compared to the Classic Hardcore set I had heard from them not 18 hours before, this was cutting edge. To compensate for being constricted by tune choice the night before, the Quosh crew went leading edge upfront. so much so that for the first 30 minutes, their tracklist was a completly new experience to me. The only concessions the DJ's made to ignorant barstewards like me was to insert "See the light", "Hold me forever" and "Slide Away" into the set. The rest? All I can tell you was it was seriously bouncy, even more seriously dancable and more than enough to see me totally lose it on the dancefloor.
But the best was yet to come. As the DJ set finished, the showcase began with various vocalist waiting in the wings to bring their live work to the rave. MCSquared stayed to provide lyrical backup as it was needed. First up was (I think) Lou Lou, bringing the vocals to a new tune which I believe was called "Caught up in your love", before the next tune, which needed no introduction. The place went crazy as "Makin me wanna dance" was played out next, with the vocals being, once again, sung live.
After that, there was only one thing to follow it, with a shedload of remixes which are the staple to any good Quosh set. With the latest incarnations of "Let me be your fantasy", "Pacific Sun" and "Crazy Love" all getting the crowd moving and a big smile on my face throughout.
Eventually it had to come to an end, but only in the fact that Sy and Unknown stopped playing out and the Bristol crew took over. Next up, the Higher state PA was about to unleash itself and I was there to see it, along with the rest of the ravers in the place. When a talented collection of DJs and producers join forces for the greater good, the least you can do is research what is about to happen so thats exactly what I did.
A good thing too, as the PA was highly organised, professionally put together and competently executed. It consisted, front to end, of the latest upfront Hardcore from the Bristol Collective's studios. With the tunes being complete unknowns to me, the party crew took in the performance and I was giving it my total attention as well. Each of the members of the collective have seperately impressed me in the past and was doing eactly the same and much more besides now that they had joined forces.
With Sallie and Sarah going for it on stage and Smiley on the mic throughout, as well as the likes of Project Underworld, Sketchy and Compulsion, D-Ice and Reality, Diverse, Jimmy Whizz and the ever present DeeJayBee taking to the keyboards as their work demanded, it all made for a seriously impressive performance. Bleeding edge tunes which were played out include "Crash Da Party", "Touched from Above", "Walk Away", "Body Breakin'" and "Proceed wth Caution" to finish up with.
For the next set, I was going no-where. I cant remember if I have seen Breeze go b2b with Gammer, but I am willing to put money on the fact it was a first time pairing, not to mention the addition of MCSquared making another appearence for the crowds lyrical pleasure. All of it combined to make one of the better sets of the night.
Not even sure why tbh, it was just the way all four of the performers seemed to gel together into a seamless singular end product of very, very danceable proportions. Gammer and Breeze were especially good together, with each sucessive tune making a logical progression from the last with no feelings of "hmm, not sure about that" at all.
Of course, the well polished peformance that is MCSquared needs no introduction, but on this occasion, their work complimented an already high quality set and made for pretty much seemless vocal compliment. For example, when "Getting Better" was rinsed, Whizzkid was bang on it and dropped "Free at last" to back it up. Likewise when "Feel so real" came in, Storm wasted no time and hammered "Just accept it" into the mix.
But it was the the MC Showcase in the middle that stole the show, with "Nightmare" and "21st century rush" both getting played out and each respective MC taking centre stage and giving their vocals live to the ravers who were going for it like it was their last day on earth. This, as well as the eclectic inclusion of tunes like "Cry", "You're my angel" and the Pendulum remix of "Voodoo people" made for the set of the night with little doubt. And as you can imagine, thats up against some pretty stiff competition.
On of the forerunners in this contest was on next. It was another DJ who I had seen last night, but that didnt stop me seeing him again, Brisk took to the decks and took the ravers who stayed on the dancefloor on a journey into his personal interpetation of all things Hardcore. This was a difficult set for me. I was knackered from the previous sets, not to mention the previous night, but could I lay up for more than 5 minutes? No. Every time I jacked it in and went into the bar to cool down and get a drink, Brisk would drop another blinder and I would have to leave, usually saying "Sorry, but I gotta dance to this one" and heading back into the main arena at a rate of knots.
Just goes to show, Brisk is not the set to think you can sit down to, if you do then he'll play tunes like "Take Control", "You are the Sunshine in my life", "Electrik" "Dark Like Vader" and the AWESOME remix of "Together Forever" and you'll be back on your feet whether you like it or not.
Before I knew it, the final set of the night was upon me. Because of Brisk's efforts I was in no state to dance through till the final tune, but quite frankly, it would have been rude to sit down for the final set, espcially with Dougal at the controls.
With a rolling rotation of MCs such as Whizzkid, Smiley and Storm all making appearences throughout this set, it was a classic finisher to a top quality rave. Dougal is a pro and it showed in the way he took the rave home and got the party crew dancing to the final tune.
Favouring an upfront, rushy tune selection, the final hour of the party was lost in a blur of stomping and frequent intervals of the hairs on my arms standing up as the breakdown took control and sent shivers down my spine. It was also another set where the motivational skills of the micmen were at the forfront as the MCs did themselves proud, reprising their live roles as "nightmare" and "21st century rush" were dropped.
As well as that, the final hour also inlcuded "Tell me a Story", "Through the Darkness", "Save me", "On and On" and the classic "Shining Down on me" before SMiley took centre stage for IIRC, the final tune of the night, the Classic "Ordinary people". When it was taken down, the crew departed, having proved their worth. I was totally drained at this point and I knew an "Interesting" drive home lay ahead, but it was all worth it.
Things I liked:
Music - Much more than I could take in on the night, with the Mainstram, Underground and Up and coming aspects of the music more than covered by the three arenas on offer thoughout the night. It was just a pity I had concentrated on the underground the night before at HTID, cos all I wanted was mainstream and that meant I had to miss everything but the main arena. Next time though.
Atmosphere - Once again, Bristol had it where it counted. Delerium seems to have this stuff bottled and lets it out whenever it gets a rave on in the area. The result is one of the friendlier parties on the circuit and the urge to go is just as strong as the urge to socialise is once you're there. You're never short of friends at this party.
Sound - Last time I was there the newly installed soundsystem was having a few problems. Not this time though, jesus it was loud, not to mention crystal clear all night.
Higher State - At long last the Bristol crew have joined forces. It was long overdue and the high quality PA was a net result of this Hardcore alliance. I liked it.
Bar prices - Lakota always keeps it real when it comes to bar prices. Definitely helps with the party. At least as far as Sketchy is concerned.
Quickness - A testiment of how good this night was was how quick it passed. *whoosh* and another evening in Bristol was over.
Things I liked less:
Not getting a rest - I was having such a good time even though I was knackered and needed a rest at more than one point in the night. Trouble was the tunes were just too good for any "Tech house sit down" business. As such I had to interrupt myself several times and get back into the main arena whenever a blinder of a tune came in. Which was more than once, let me tell you.
Not getting out of the Main arena - I'm a big fan of the music policy that Bedlam provides and as such I'm gutted I didnt get in there all night. Next time I will definitely spare the time and get myself in there when I want something different.
Three out of three for this party. I've said this on numerous occasions, but when it boils down to it its true. There are three things that have to be sorted out to make a rave great, they are music, Sound System and Atmosphere. The rest are just "nice to have". Fortunately, the "Big Three" were effortlessly sorted out and in full effect throughout the night at this party and as such I had a great time.
Music was top notch with exactly what I wanted (mainstream all the way) being more than taken care of, with the emergency back up of the other rooms going off should I need it as well. Of course, it goes without saying that serious tunage was forthcoming throughout the night, I raved pretty much non stop for the first four hours after I arrived
Of course, the patented Bristol Party crew had descended on the venue like the professionals they are. They brought with them what they always brought with them. The best rave atmosphere in the UK. Okay some did go home early, but the proper Hardcore were there from the start to the end, with pleasent alternations between the bar and the main arena occuring throughout the night and finding safe party crew in each whenever I did.
Lastly, when I did go in the main arena, it was a little pointless as I could hear the tunes in the bar just fine! Thanks to the huuge stacks in the place, properly set up and not clipping out on the bass this time, serious amounts of volume blasted the ravers all night. I suggest you get down their and sample them for yourself if you like top end quality sound at a Hardcore Rave.
Ah, the whole thing was wicked from start to finish, with Bristol being only two hours away, I can see myself getting down there much more regularly in future. Not that I havent been down there more than any other area in the UK in recent weeks, but I always gravitate to where the best parties are. I'll see you down in Bristol real soon.
astraboy.
I was going to Bristol, to Lakota, for yet another installment of Bristol rave madness that the place is famed for. Go to a Bristol party and you are guaranteed three things. Some serious Hardcore getting played out, rave atmosphere by the bucketload and a warm welcome from everyone in the venue. I couldnt wait, show me the way to the M4.
Even though I was primarly going for an action replay of previous nights of fun in the west country, the DJ lineup that had been put together was impressive to say the least. Three of Lakota's arenas had been pressed into use and each of them had its own unique interpretation of the Hardcore sound.
The Main arena was upfront Mainstream Hardcore all the way, with headliners including only the biggest DJs in the land. Sy, Unknown, Breeze, Brisk, Dougal, Re-con D-Ice, Reality and German Hardcore DJ Rush-Dee were all booked to play out, alongside Storm, Whizzkid, Smiley and Fugitive on the mic. However, this was only one third of the rave accounted for.
Total Bedlam had taken up residency in the upstairs arena, making a trip from its spiritual home in Long Eaton to Bristol and bringing along the unique intepretation of Hardcore rave music it has made its own with it. As such, the arena was rammed with their brightest stars, such as Thumpa, Dodgee, Lee UHF, Mozz and Sawyer, as well as an MC overload, including Ortie, Gazy J, Keyes, Obie and Friction.
Last, but by no means least, was the "This ones for you" area, playing out the tunes were some of the leading up and coming DJs from the Southwest as well as a few from further afield. This arena saw the likes of Redeye, Delta, Midge, Smarty and Scott Devotion in full effect throughout the night.
But all this paled in comparison to the REAL main events of the night. Not one, but TWO Live PA's with Quosh taking the peaktime set and the Bristol based Higher State Crew on straight after that. Both performances promised to be special events and I was eager to see what would be entertaining the ravers.
I was clearly thinking the same thing as a lot of other people as when we pulled up outside the venue, the queue stretching back a good 15 metres from the entrance told me how good the party was going to be. It was also conkers outside myself and my travelling companions hung back for a bit in the car and waited for it to go down.
20 minutes later it still had not gone down, so we though "sod it" and got cold for 20 minutes while we waited to be searched. After saying hello to the friendly door staff, getting searched and shaking hands with the clipboard armed Pikey, we were in.
Firt point of call were the ever present and ever shocking toilets. Just as abominable as always, I sorted out my earplugs (cos you need em at Lakota now) and went into the main arena. As soon as I got in there I knew I had chosen the right place for my Saturday night rave. With a large crowd being entertained by the remaining moments of Rush-Dee's and Smiley's set, I quickly joined them just as the last tune faded out and the next DJ came on.
Its never a bad thing when you start your night with Sy, Unknownand MCSquared entertaining you and this was no exception. Best of all it was a two part performance, with a DJ set to kick things off, followed by the much anticipated showcase afterwards. No complaints from myself or the rest of the crowd as the first part got underway.
Compared to the Classic Hardcore set I had heard from them not 18 hours before, this was cutting edge. To compensate for being constricted by tune choice the night before, the Quosh crew went leading edge upfront. so much so that for the first 30 minutes, their tracklist was a completly new experience to me. The only concessions the DJ's made to ignorant barstewards like me was to insert "See the light", "Hold me forever" and "Slide Away" into the set. The rest? All I can tell you was it was seriously bouncy, even more seriously dancable and more than enough to see me totally lose it on the dancefloor.
But the best was yet to come. As the DJ set finished, the showcase began with various vocalist waiting in the wings to bring their live work to the rave. MCSquared stayed to provide lyrical backup as it was needed. First up was (I think) Lou Lou, bringing the vocals to a new tune which I believe was called "Caught up in your love", before the next tune, which needed no introduction. The place went crazy as "Makin me wanna dance" was played out next, with the vocals being, once again, sung live.
After that, there was only one thing to follow it, with a shedload of remixes which are the staple to any good Quosh set. With the latest incarnations of "Let me be your fantasy", "Pacific Sun" and "Crazy Love" all getting the crowd moving and a big smile on my face throughout.
Eventually it had to come to an end, but only in the fact that Sy and Unknown stopped playing out and the Bristol crew took over. Next up, the Higher state PA was about to unleash itself and I was there to see it, along with the rest of the ravers in the place. When a talented collection of DJs and producers join forces for the greater good, the least you can do is research what is about to happen so thats exactly what I did.
A good thing too, as the PA was highly organised, professionally put together and competently executed. It consisted, front to end, of the latest upfront Hardcore from the Bristol Collective's studios. With the tunes being complete unknowns to me, the party crew took in the performance and I was giving it my total attention as well. Each of the members of the collective have seperately impressed me in the past and was doing eactly the same and much more besides now that they had joined forces.
With Sallie and Sarah going for it on stage and Smiley on the mic throughout, as well as the likes of Project Underworld, Sketchy and Compulsion, D-Ice and Reality, Diverse, Jimmy Whizz and the ever present DeeJayBee taking to the keyboards as their work demanded, it all made for a seriously impressive performance. Bleeding edge tunes which were played out include "Crash Da Party", "Touched from Above", "Walk Away", "Body Breakin'" and "Proceed wth Caution" to finish up with.
For the next set, I was going no-where. I cant remember if I have seen Breeze go b2b with Gammer, but I am willing to put money on the fact it was a first time pairing, not to mention the addition of MCSquared making another appearence for the crowds lyrical pleasure. All of it combined to make one of the better sets of the night.
Not even sure why tbh, it was just the way all four of the performers seemed to gel together into a seamless singular end product of very, very danceable proportions. Gammer and Breeze were especially good together, with each sucessive tune making a logical progression from the last with no feelings of "hmm, not sure about that" at all.
Of course, the well polished peformance that is MCSquared needs no introduction, but on this occasion, their work complimented an already high quality set and made for pretty much seemless vocal compliment. For example, when "Getting Better" was rinsed, Whizzkid was bang on it and dropped "Free at last" to back it up. Likewise when "Feel so real" came in, Storm wasted no time and hammered "Just accept it" into the mix.
But it was the the MC Showcase in the middle that stole the show, with "Nightmare" and "21st century rush" both getting played out and each respective MC taking centre stage and giving their vocals live to the ravers who were going for it like it was their last day on earth. This, as well as the eclectic inclusion of tunes like "Cry", "You're my angel" and the Pendulum remix of "Voodoo people" made for the set of the night with little doubt. And as you can imagine, thats up against some pretty stiff competition.
On of the forerunners in this contest was on next. It was another DJ who I had seen last night, but that didnt stop me seeing him again, Brisk took to the decks and took the ravers who stayed on the dancefloor on a journey into his personal interpetation of all things Hardcore. This was a difficult set for me. I was knackered from the previous sets, not to mention the previous night, but could I lay up for more than 5 minutes? No. Every time I jacked it in and went into the bar to cool down and get a drink, Brisk would drop another blinder and I would have to leave, usually saying "Sorry, but I gotta dance to this one" and heading back into the main arena at a rate of knots.
Just goes to show, Brisk is not the set to think you can sit down to, if you do then he'll play tunes like "Take Control", "You are the Sunshine in my life", "Electrik" "Dark Like Vader" and the AWESOME remix of "Together Forever" and you'll be back on your feet whether you like it or not.
Before I knew it, the final set of the night was upon me. Because of Brisk's efforts I was in no state to dance through till the final tune, but quite frankly, it would have been rude to sit down for the final set, espcially with Dougal at the controls.
With a rolling rotation of MCs such as Whizzkid, Smiley and Storm all making appearences throughout this set, it was a classic finisher to a top quality rave. Dougal is a pro and it showed in the way he took the rave home and got the party crew dancing to the final tune.
Favouring an upfront, rushy tune selection, the final hour of the party was lost in a blur of stomping and frequent intervals of the hairs on my arms standing up as the breakdown took control and sent shivers down my spine. It was also another set where the motivational skills of the micmen were at the forfront as the MCs did themselves proud, reprising their live roles as "nightmare" and "21st century rush" were dropped.
As well as that, the final hour also inlcuded "Tell me a Story", "Through the Darkness", "Save me", "On and On" and the classic "Shining Down on me" before SMiley took centre stage for IIRC, the final tune of the night, the Classic "Ordinary people". When it was taken down, the crew departed, having proved their worth. I was totally drained at this point and I knew an "Interesting" drive home lay ahead, but it was all worth it.
Things I liked:
Music - Much more than I could take in on the night, with the Mainstram, Underground and Up and coming aspects of the music more than covered by the three arenas on offer thoughout the night. It was just a pity I had concentrated on the underground the night before at HTID, cos all I wanted was mainstream and that meant I had to miss everything but the main arena. Next time though.
Atmosphere - Once again, Bristol had it where it counted. Delerium seems to have this stuff bottled and lets it out whenever it gets a rave on in the area. The result is one of the friendlier parties on the circuit and the urge to go is just as strong as the urge to socialise is once you're there. You're never short of friends at this party.
Sound - Last time I was there the newly installed soundsystem was having a few problems. Not this time though, jesus it was loud, not to mention crystal clear all night.
Higher State - At long last the Bristol crew have joined forces. It was long overdue and the high quality PA was a net result of this Hardcore alliance. I liked it.
Bar prices - Lakota always keeps it real when it comes to bar prices. Definitely helps with the party. At least as far as Sketchy is concerned.
Quickness - A testiment of how good this night was was how quick it passed. *whoosh* and another evening in Bristol was over.
Things I liked less:
Not getting a rest - I was having such a good time even though I was knackered and needed a rest at more than one point in the night. Trouble was the tunes were just too good for any "Tech house sit down" business. As such I had to interrupt myself several times and get back into the main arena whenever a blinder of a tune came in. Which was more than once, let me tell you.
Not getting out of the Main arena - I'm a big fan of the music policy that Bedlam provides and as such I'm gutted I didnt get in there all night. Next time I will definitely spare the time and get myself in there when I want something different.
Three out of three for this party. I've said this on numerous occasions, but when it boils down to it its true. There are three things that have to be sorted out to make a rave great, they are music, Sound System and Atmosphere. The rest are just "nice to have". Fortunately, the "Big Three" were effortlessly sorted out and in full effect throughout the night at this party and as such I had a great time.
Music was top notch with exactly what I wanted (mainstream all the way) being more than taken care of, with the emergency back up of the other rooms going off should I need it as well. Of course, it goes without saying that serious tunage was forthcoming throughout the night, I raved pretty much non stop for the first four hours after I arrived
Of course, the patented Bristol Party crew had descended on the venue like the professionals they are. They brought with them what they always brought with them. The best rave atmosphere in the UK. Okay some did go home early, but the proper Hardcore were there from the start to the end, with pleasent alternations between the bar and the main arena occuring throughout the night and finding safe party crew in each whenever I did.
Lastly, when I did go in the main arena, it was a little pointless as I could hear the tunes in the bar just fine! Thanks to the huuge stacks in the place, properly set up and not clipping out on the bass this time, serious amounts of volume blasted the ravers all night. I suggest you get down their and sample them for yourself if you like top end quality sound at a Hardcore Rave.
Ah, the whole thing was wicked from start to finish, with Bristol being only two hours away, I can see myself getting down there much more regularly in future. Not that I havent been down there more than any other area in the UK in recent weeks, but I always gravitate to where the best parties are. I'll see you down in Bristol real soon.
astraboy.
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