The third event for the Future Dance crew, this time taking the ravers back in time to the sounds of 95 / 96. I arrived at the Castle Studios complex just after 10.00. As usual waiting time in the queue was minimal. After a firm but fair search by the efficient security, I finally got inside. The third room was this time being hosted by Hyper FM. It seemed a lot lively in there then previous events, more dancefloor space was made available and more people seemed to be dancing. Straight into the main arena and the first DJ I saw on the decks was Impact who played a reasonably good set. Playing mainly 1996 tunes such as 'Shining down' by Force + Styles did a good job of getting the ravers on the dancefloor. The production in the main arena was as good as ever and a lot of effort had been put in to make a good show. The sound system was nice and loud, but it did sound a bit muffled at times and occasionally lacked clarity. But a big green lazer had been imported in for the first time, creating nice visual effects for everyone to gaze at. Next up was Frisky, Canada's number one hardcore DJ. It was a good set by him, again mainly sticking to a 1996 selection. Playing it slightly more banging, dropping tunes like 'Tekno Storm' by the Vampire and 'Hardcore Energy'. The ravers certainly showed their appreciation for him and he looked as though he was having a good time along with everyone else. The second room was this time alternating between the sounds of old skool and hard house, which I thought worked quite well. I certainly popped in there on quite a few occasions to enjoy the music and made a nice break away from the main room. The outdoor chillout bit was there as well which is always popular with ravers, especially on a warm summer's night like this. Bouncy castles were also brought in outside, which was a nice and entertaining touch. There didn't seem that many people jumping and cavorting around on them though, as most people just used them for somewhere nice and relaxing to crash out on. Just gone past midnight and Vibes was next on the decks, who played a wicked set in my opinion. Its been a long time since I've heard Vibes play so well, and that was the general consensus between a lot of the ravers as well. Playing a lot of 94 / 95 breakbeat hardcore at first, such as some Vibes + Wishdokta classics like 'No more tears and 'Feel Good'. Exactly the sort of tunes, which made Vibes a legend on the scene back then. He did get a bit cheesy during the middle, but by the end it was back into some quality breakbeat. Probably the set of the night in my opinion, which is something I've haven't said about Vibes in a very long time !! Livelee was there making another rare appearance and even he seemed a lot better then usual. The turnout was also a lot better then last time. I reckon there was around about 1,200 ravers there on the night. At the last event, the venue was disappointedly only about half full, but this time the venue was about two thirds full, which is an encouraging sign for the future. The dancefloor of the main room did seem to have its peaks and troughs though. At times it was quite busy, but at other times it cleared out and a lot of gaps suddenly appeared, which I found a bit strange. I did notice during the night, that on some occasions there seemed to be more people in the outdoor chillout, then there were on the dancefloor of the main room. Perhaps the chillout room being in such close proximity to the main arena may be the reason for that and also because the temperature on the dancefloor was getting a tad too hot at times. Brisk was next on the decks, pushing up the bpm's and played a top banging set. Plainly mainly classic Dutch bouncy techno got the whole dancefloor really stomping mad. A lot of the ravers certainly appreciated hearing that sort of different hardcore for an hour, as opposed to the English anthems all night. Energy followed on next and as usual played a quality set. Blending in a mixture of 94 / 95 breakbeat and 1996 four beat, with tunes like 'Feel free' by Dougal + Vibes and 'People's Party' remix by Hixxy + the Sunset Regime ( that piano breakdown !! ), generated loads of noise from the whistles and horns crew. Whizzkid was on the mic doing a solid job as ever, and out of the MCs on the night, he's the one I rated the most. Kaos was next on the decks, who really didn't go down too well with me. He played a lot of the Go Mental classics from 96, which meant a girlcore onslaught and a bit too cheesy for my liking. I did think on the night, that not enough of the 1995 hardcore was being played. Most of the sets seem to consist of 1996 four beat happy classics. I enjoyed them too, but I was expecting to hear a bit more quality breakbeat tunes as well, and a lot of other ravers I chatted to were expecting the same. But still, the atmosphere was excellent as it always is at Future Dance. Everyone was truly there to enjoy the music and have a good time. It was nice to see a few more Northerners travelling down for this, looks as though word is spreading. It was now 4.00 and time for the last hour and Sy was there taking us back in time. He played an average set in my opinion. He dropped some wicked tunes like '95 Style' by Happy Rollers and 'Ride like the wind' by Billy Bunter + D-Zyne, but he also played the usual anthems like 'Toytown' and the inevitable 'Heart of Gold' for the millionth time in his career. Out of all the hardcore DJs, Sy must have the record for caning 'Heart of Gold' the most amount of times over the years. But still the dancefloor was busy right up until the end and everyone was enjoying themselves. Overall it was a wicked night and I must admit a lot better then I was initially expecting. The atmosphere was excellent, the turnout was encouraging and the production was of a high standard. The music could have been more 95 orientated, but still the crowd seemed more then up for it on the dancefloor. Looks like the Future Dance crew have built up quite a loyal following and laid their foundations down on the scene for a long time to come. Big Shouts to: Joe, Paul, Kev, Peter, Andrew, Jo, Jaimie, Carol, Emma, Chedda, Happy Bounce + all the yellow anorak massive, Ponder, Sonic, Conrad, Mick Madness, IceKold Pete, Stix, Chrissy, Steve, Luke, Rooth, Adidaas Matt, Beth, Happy J, Bedford Caine, Peachy, Chris Rolfe, Mikey B, Tom U4ea, Twigg, Mupster, Bex, Hypnosis, Billybass, Misdee, Tina, Snow, Luna VC + all the Hornchurch massive, RAF, Swaver, Phick, Raver Geoff, Simon Mdma, Michelle, Potfish, Egg Fried Rice, Jester, Fussion, Rich, Jo, Carly madraver, Tony Raindance……….hugs to the girls, handshakes to the boys………seeya around soon :) Over and Out Sam
