The Go Mental crew put on a mad night last saturday night at a time when hardcore was in need a just such an event. Altho the venue was a bit hard to find, it was top class, with a wicked dance floor. The event was the first in ages that felt like actual ravers had put on the party, and Go Mental put in alot of effort to make sure their 1st party at this venue was a hit. Another healthy change was the party's single music policy, (except i think there was a bit of hard house in the bar area), getting away from the big cash multievents which continue to diss the ravers. As far as music, Sharkey's set absolutely stormed the place and set the scene for a full-on night. At that point I was sure that we would no doubt hear more of his harder freeform style before the night was out thanks to Energy's set. It was therefore a shame that he played an old school set (which was pretty good anyway) cos we missed out on hearing some of the tracks he has come to rock parties of late - especially the ones he made himself. Anyway, respect must go out to both djs who definately represent the future of hardcore and are always creative and pumping the party. On the other hand, it was a bit disappointing to see yet again the old hat, 'big name' djs let us down. Slipmatt once again played his usual set, ie the one made up mostly of remixed old school tracks (which doesnt say much about the future of hardcore) and Vibes continued to subject us to dance cover-versions of Madonna-esque 1980s pop (perhaps he is paying too much attention to the 'happy' in 'happy hardcore'). I guess if the party could can been improved by the next in any way is by promoting some more of the up and coming djs, who dont play so much singy or old music. All up, Future Dance was a well run and personal event. Security and staff were chill, the Go Mental crew going as nuts on the stage as the people on the dance floor, Energy and his sister celebrating their b'day, a live PA - which was a good touch - and Energy playing (apparently?) the keyboard during the PA. Go Mental spared no effort and put alot in to the scene they so obviously love, showing that not every promoter has dissed the raver in search of £. Next one should be excellent, tho I'm told it is going to have 3 different styles of music (including hard house and old school). Does this mean we will lose the chill out room? Keith
