It was a pretty average night. I was pleased to see that the security had been sorted out, some of the guys even had a sense of humour, which was nice. The music policy was great, with plenty of hard dance being played =) I didn’t make it down to the happy hardcore room, mainly due to how packed out is was, and the sheer temperature (FUCKING HOT) it was. At one point, we were pouring water from bottles onto our arms, and watching as it instantly evaporate, I couldn’t believe it. There were no cooling fans, and very little place to chill out since it was raining outside and completely muddy. The crowd in the Hard Dance arena was 90% new, infact I couldn’t believe how many new faces there were around, but unfortunately the attitudes of most were pretty shit. There was no handshaking going on, no sharing of water bottles, it was a complete transition from Slammin Vinyl from last year. The Birkenhead crew. Unfortunately a lot of these undesirables attended, and within the first hour, most of them were already completely fucked and causing fights. I looked at disbelieve as I saw two of them fighting each other, and ripping up can’s with their teeth – such pricks. But what really fucked me off was the same old MCs doing shoutouts to them all night, and considering these were the only people causing hassle, it doesnt really add up. The Birkenhead crew seemed to be the only people selling pills all night. One Birkenhead, not any older than 18, was in such a fucked state he couldn’t walk or talk, but in disbelieve he pulled out about 500 – 1000 pounds in 10 pound notes and preceeded to (try and) count it all out in the chillout room, even though the venue owners now have signs up warning of CCTV cameras being in operation. Again, I no longer go out raving to see that sort of shit happening anymore. In short, if your one of these people desperate for Hardcore, then your going to put up with it, but if your more interested in any of the other music which they play – then I would advise missing this event, it was nothing really special, no money had gone on making this any better than any other nights around in London. Slammin Vinyl really have lost the magic, which is sad. It’s a hard job promoting in the city, your going to have to try a lot harder to please people like me. =) Shouts to everyone who came from USH, great to see you all again, and "hi's" to Becki, Alieeeson and Twigg =)
