Another Raindance outing to the Drome, the first two were absolute blinders, so there was no way I wasn't going to miss this one. I arrived at the venue at about 9.30pm, and already a big queue had formed with people blowing on their whistles and horns. The queue moved in nice and quick, and after a swift search by the relaxed security, I finally got inside. First stop for me was the hardcore room, which had a different layout to last time. This time the DJ booth was situated along the side wall as opposed to the back wall. I think the layout was a lot better as it was before, but I suppose for a one off, it was nice to have a change. The sound and lighting didn't seem as good in there as it did last time, but it was still fairly loud. First DJ on the decks was Bosha who played quite a good set. Playing it bouncy blended in with a bit of a happy certainly got the crowd warmed up, and tempted more and more ravers onto the dancefloor. I then ventured over to the old skool arch, which was rapidly filling up. The sound system in here was booming as usual and the lazer show at the front was doing a god job of mesmerising the crowd. Jimmy J was at the front playing a wicked selection of 94 / 95 hardcore such as 'Toytown' and '6 days', which got the crowd going mad on their whistles and horns. It was nice to hear that sort of classic hardcore played in there for a change, as opposed to the usual older breakbeat stuff. The atmosphere inside was excellent as usual. Everyone seemed to having a wicked time. You can tell people who come to Raindance are true ravers, who come purely to enjoy the music and atmosphere. There were a few problems with the organisation. There were still no way near enough toilets in the venue and the cloakroom was badly organised. Anyone who was stuck in the queue for the coats at the end, would tell you what a mission that was. But except for that, the production and the effort into making the venue look good as possible, was impressive as it always is at Raindance. Back in the hardcore room it was time for Vinyltrixta, who played a good set, nothing special though. He played a lot of older hardcore, when I was expecting him to play more upfront stuff, but still it was a good set. Following him, was Energy who I thought was outstanding. Definitely the set of the night in my opinion. Playing lots of banging freeform had the packed dancefloor stomping mad. The freeform sound has certainly captivated so many ravers attention over the last year, and that was more then reflected in the reaction Energy received from the crowd. Sharkey was next on the decks and played another banging set (does he ever a play a bad set ??). Starting off on a more older sort of hardcore tip and progressing through the years, right through to banging freeform. Playing tunes like 'Future Dimension' and finishing off with the seriously stomping 'Ruff Muff' which had the crowd going mental. I hope Sharkey is not going to give up on hardcore altogether because he is one of the scene's most respected and popular DJs. It was now 3.00 and time for Billy Bunter in the hardcore room. He played a classic hardcore set, playing tunes mainly from 1994 to 1997. Dropping classics like 'Party Time' and 'Higher Love' by JDS (original + remix ), had the rammed dancefloor loving it. MC Storm was on the mic doing a fine job as ever at getting the crowd going. But when Storm left, whoever the MC that took from over him was appalling to say the least. I know many an up and coming MC who could do a better job at hyping up the crowd then that bloke, he really was that bad !!! I then decided to take a break so I went for a stroll around the cavernous venue. The chillout area had the usual array of market stalls selling every single rave accessory you could think off. There was also a new massive chillout arch next door, where people were relaxing, chatting away and making new friends etc. Even the one and only Raindance man popped in and started shaking everyone's hand, which provided some sort of entertainment for the crowd. Meanwhile back over in the hardcore room it was time for Vibes on the decks. Well what can I say, I listened to Vibes for less then 10 minutes, had enough and walked straight out. Vibes was playing far too much cheese, really putting no effort at all into his tune selection. To be honest the dancefloor did seem to thin out a bit when Vibes was on, which shows many a raver are starting to get a bit sick and tired of Vibes tacky cheesy tunes. So I headed straight next door to the drum and bass arch, where Nicky Blackmarket was on the decks tearing up the place. Playing his usual jump up selection had the horns crew going mad and a much better alternative to dance to. 7.00 had come around all too quickly which meant it was time for the last hour. The last DJ for the night in the hardcore room hadn't been decided earlier on, so Ponder was given the chance to close the proceedings. He played a wicked set, nice and banging, dropping tunes like 'Love, life & happiness' and 'Elysium'. That's what the ravers want to hear, good banging, non cheesy hardcore and the crowd certainly showed their appreciation for him. Overall it was another top Raindance night. Everyone I spoke to, seemed to be more then satisfied and had a brilliant time as well. Going to the Drome again, also made me realise how in comparison, what a complete and utter dump Bagleys has become. The Raindance management always take time and effort to put the ravers first, as opposed to some other promoters out there who put their wallets first, so respect to them for that. If you've never been to Raindance at the Drome, you are guaranteed to have an excellent time…...so don't miss out !!!! Big Shouts to: Joe, Paul, Kev, Peter, Chedda, Happybounce, Sonic, Ponder, Conrad, Emma, Jaimie, Caine, Smithers the beerboy, Time, Michelle, Mikey B, Ravegirl, Ade, Paul Paranoia, Egg fried rice, Chrissy, Steve, Luke, Lloyd, Abi, Jester, Icekold Pete, Happy J, Caine from Bedford, Sy, Scottie, Peachy, Chris Rolfe, Nemesis, Barking Boy, Breaka, Nick EP, Billybass, Bug, Dimi, Kaya, Stuart, Lizzie, Jon, Alister, Rob Learner + Tony@Raindance ………hugs to the girls, handshakes to the boys……...seeya at the next one :) Over and Out Slammin' Sam
