I hadn't been down to an event at Bowlers in about 2 years so I thought it was high time to give Compulsion a try. We set off from Bradford at about 6pm and got to Trafford Park in good time. Met up with a 39 year old raver in the car park(can't remember his name) sound guy, who also got us in near the front of the queue (er, not that I condone queue jumping or anything ;-) ) 5 minutes later after a swift search by security and lightening myself of 30 quid we were in. Every time I visit Bowlers they seem to change the chillout room. When I first went in '94 the chillout room was a huge affair with everyone sat on the floor. Nowadays, along with the introduction of alcohol they have nightclub style tables and chairs. In addition the room itself is a lot more smaller to make way for two extra rooms. After putting my coat in the cloakroom and purchasing the obligatory bottle of water we went for a wander round. I have always been impressed with main arena at bowlers. It is huge. They have now also extended the stage for the MC's and dancers. I haven't been to a large rave for a while but the atmosphere and friendliness does seem to be getting better. Anyhow, first set of the night to catch was Mark EG. For some reason a lot of people got the house and techno arena confused, and ended up trying to bounce about to house before realising the man himself was actually playing next door...heh heh. Mark EG played a blinder, which some people complained was a little bit mellow. Anyway, after that we went for a bit of wander into the main arena by which time it was time for Dj Sarge. Now, I've never heard this guy play before but this is just my type of hardcore. This guy really knows how to get the crowd stomping to good old fashioned hardcore. Just the way I like it. Had a good stomp to him and then went to chill out some more. Headed back to the main arena just in time for Hixxy. Don’t know why, but when I hear this guy on tape he doesn’t sound half as good as when he plays live. He seems to be able to get just the right balance of hard and cheese. It was about this time that I spotted a dayglo jacket with www.etype.bog.net emblazoned across the back. On closer investigation it turned out to be Bug giving it some at the front by the stage. Had a stomp around with him & Caine for a while then headed off to the chillout room for a chat (ever tried to hold a decent conversation next to a main speaker?) Around this time Gemma ‘went to the toilet’ only to appear an hour later telling me just how brilliant Stu Allen’s set was. Bleeding hell!! That was the main reason I came down !! So after missing Stu Allens set (sob) and somehow losing Pete & Rob we decided to head off a bit early to avoid the ‘dogems’ in the car park. Best night out I’ve had in a long time, gonna do my best to make the Old Skool night. One comment is that the Bowlers security seem to have the balance right. Not too overbearing. Shouts – Pete, Rob (cheers for the offer of the £1 loan ;-) ), the Gabba guy in the car park and anyone else I forgot. MC Sonix (nigel)
