One Saturday night saw me checking out a massive party organised by two major names synonymous with trance and hard house – Wildchild and Frantic. Now why would a house head like me go for such an event? I always think one has to be open minded about music -- so there I was. Also in association with Riot and record label Nukluez, that party had me taking no second guessing to conclude that trance is still pervasively embraced by many. Entering SE1 – a club situated right in one of the arches located underneath the rail tracks by London Bridge, I was hit with loud pounding music. Hordes of people were milling into the club. Special shouts to Gemma for having me on the press list – I didn't have to wait long at all! I walked into the rightfully named BiggerBetterFasterStrongerLouderLondon party and noticed that the event was certainly keeping to its namesake.
What is it with trance that has people dressing up in colourful gear, clashing colours and artistic make up? You hardly get such a crowd at house parties. It reminded me of the time I went for the Love Parade in Berlin. Outlandish outfits, bikini tops with short shorts, guys wearing angel wings, girls sucking on pacifiers and yes, the glow sticks! As we entered one of the arenas, Wildchild & Frantic versus Riot, we could see die-hard clubbers dancing frantically and all I could see were heads and bodies moving in unison to throbbing and fast hard house. What a sight! I hardly get to witness huge numbers of people at house events, unless it's a festival. But this was in a club and there were at least some 2000-2500 people there that night and most clubs that I frequent here have a maximum of only 1000 party goers.
There were altogether five different arenas. I never thought that the club SE1 is that huge. The last party I’d gone to held in SE1 had only two arenas and I’d always thought that the club has a small capacity. It was only then that I discovered that SE1 is huge if all rooms are opened up. The main arena was Wildchild & Frantic and household trance/hard house DJs like Reece Elliot, JKF and Caroline Banx were taking turns to work the already frenzied crowd into complete hysterics. My friends and I felt completely out of sync as we tried to understand what was going on around us. Sweaty bodies were jumping up and down in unison to repetitive rapid beats and basslines. People were punching their hands in the air. We walked through to another arena and a DJ whom I was told was called The Prophet was creating a storm with his hard set amongst his followers.
My friends and I managed to find the three main big ones with no problems. Finding the other two smaller one proved to be a feat. We had to read the map at the entrance and figure out how to look for the smaller rooms. We found out that we had to squeeze our way through to the two main rooms to make our way there. We found the Red Room first. How apt. It was covered with glaring red lights. Although I admit that trance isn't my thing and I am completely clueless when it comes to this side of dance music; I do however enjoy certain of the euphoric and atmospheric sounds that it encompasses. It was here that I got to hear the man of the party play a good set. Reece Elliot began with an old trance track that I recognized for the very elements I mentioned above. The ambient sounds added to the happy sensations I always feel inside when I heard them, and although I could hear the throbbing and pulsating beats echoing through the walls from the other main rooms, it didn't matter. I had a great time there. We then went on to look for the Blue Room where much to our initial pleasant surprise, it was a room allocated for those who need a break from the pumping music and chill to house tunes. Well, it wasn't quality house music as we soon found out. It was a pathetic attempt and I didn't come to hear that stuff in the first place anyway. I came to check out a trance/hard house event and so I went back to the main rooms.
This time round, I noticed how well the event was organised. Proper planning must've been done. There were booths selling trinkets, refreshments and even snacks! There were stalls where souvenir tees and banners could be purchased and there was even a spot for vinyl. I was impressed. It had a festival atmosphere and I guessed that was what was intended in the first place – you could almost feel you were outside somewhere. There were tired clubbers sitting down chatting or simply taking a breather away from the activity. The toilets weren't that bad. The cloak room was manned by a few attendants. There was certainly a lot of effort given to ensure the event ran smoothly and I applaud the organizers. The party had been a mammoth success.
It was nearly 5am when I decided to call it a night. Each arena started to play even harder (how was that possible?) stuff. I suppose everyone in there was up for it. It was indeed Louder, Stronger and Faster! I took a last peek into each room and all I could see were hands in the air moving vigorously to what was being played. Amazing! Trance and hard house still appeal to a lot of people. Everyone has their preferences. It was an experience for me as I now understand the scene better. At present I am actively looking for places that play that sort of ambient, chill out, atmospheric stuff I dig. Anyone out there can give me suggestions? :)