They promised 'Hardcore Euphoria'. We got hardcore euphoria. The week before Uproar, you could tell it was going to be something a little bit special. If the flyer's line up wasn't enough to prove it, the night itself certainly was. After Slammin NYE, the Sanctuary wasn't really held in the highest of places in the ravers' hearts. But when arriving at about 9.40pm, to be ushered to a parking place right outside the Fastrack, and then to stroll into a queue that lasted at the most 20 minutes...you sort of got the impression that things might be different. And, for those who still thought that queuing was a hassle, the fire-throwing, baton juggling, booty shaking lady provided entertainment to swiftly burn away any grumbles. God, she even set tail alight on a number of occasions....all in the name of Uproar. Standing in the queue, faint melodies could be heard, with that oh so familiar beat pounding away beneath. You walked through the security machines, to meet a big smiley bouncer...who even after confiscating a tenbit for 'personal inspection later' still wished you a good night. Next Rude, Seduction, and your ticket to euphoria awaited. But as if things weren't good enough already. Up pops Rude's hand holding the wondrous piece of card that were the set times. The decor in the Sanctuary, resembling an under-water Iceland certainly looked good, with a whole new stage rig, and amazing lighting system. Breezy was pumping out his last tune, with Robbie Long and Devastate up next. The atmosphere was noticeably different in comparison to any other rave i've been to - far more electric. The music - personally, not one complaint. Even the failure mid Pretty Green Eyes didn't detract. Everyone will have their own views, but judging on the looks on people's faces around me, it hit the spot. The line up was a perfect mix of cheese like ‘Heartbeatz’, ‘24/7’, and ‘Follow Me’......but not forgetting the bouncy bouncy vibe à la Sy and Seduction. Energy and Sharkey provided the breakbeat style, and I was told many a time just how legendary the gabba upstairs was. There isn't really anything to single out as the 'highlight' - and not because there wasn't one, but merely because the night as a whole was the 'highlight' of my raving experiences. The organisation was obviously thought about, and it showed. It's now set a new standard, up to which all other events will hopefully pit their, inevitably inferior, efforts against. The future is bright, the future IS Uproar.
