Club Connected
Circo Loco Party @ Back to Basics
More reviews
Circus, 29/10/2007
After spending the best part of the '90s gurning to Oakey in The Courtyard, it has been quite some time since I have been to Nation and was unsure how it would be under new management.
As I've never had a bad night at Circus's nights in the Masque, the night promised to be good and the lineup was first rate.
We arrived at Nation at around 11.30, the night was completely sold out so we were expecting it to be really busy. The queue for internet-bought tickets and guest list had a waiting time of about 10 minutes.
We first headed to the main room which was packed, where Felix Da Housecat had already started.
I knew I had friends wandering around but didn't think I'd easily find them, so it was nice to bump into them left right and centre, particularly when they all congregated in the Courtyard for Eric Prydz. He was an unexpected treat! After only hearing his chart releases I really didn't pin much hope on a good set but was set straight soon after stepping into the courtyard. It was so busy it was difficult to get a spot to get in your dance swing where you weren't be jostled, but the crowd was really getting into it and the atmosphere was buzzing.
I wandered between rooms for a while to see what was on offer. I ended up back in the Courtyard to see Paul Woolford who really got the crowd going with his eclectic, original house.
Wanting to make sure I still had enough energy left to dance, I was a bit disappointed that SOS were on in the Annex at 3am (legs just aren't what they used to be!) I've been a massive Desyn Masiello fan since hearing his seminal Essential Mix in 2004, but I've only has the pleasure of seeing him once, as he hardly seems to venture up North and over the last 18 months he's taken some time out to produce and work with the other SOS members, Omid 16b and Demi. However they didn't disappoint. As they were on last the crowds had dispersed a bit so there was room to dance. The crowd loved them and everyone seemed to be big fans. I spoke to a guy who had never heard of them before but was really impressed.
In the Main Room, Groove Armada really got the crowd jumping with Superstylin' and all who saw them said they were brilliant.
Armin Van Helden took it back to the Oldschool with 'House of Pain' and 'We Want Your Soul' and the Courtyard loved him.
I was expecting to see some cracking fancy dress outfits but was sorely disappointed, the most shocking thing I saw all night was a guy buying two bottles of Smirnoff for £250!!
Must have had a good night as my ears didn't stop ringing until Monday.
READ MORE >
After spending the best part of the '90s gurning to Oakey in The Courtyard, it has been quite some time since I have been to Nation and was unsure how it would be under new management.
As I've never had a bad night at Circus's nights in the Masque, the night promised to be good and the lineup was first rate.
We arrived at Nation at around 11.30, the night was completely sold out so we were expecting it to be really busy. The queue for internet-bought tickets and guest list had a waiting time of about 10 minutes.
We first headed to the main room which was packed, where Felix Da Housecat had already started.
I knew I had friends wandering around but didn't think I'd easily find them, so it was nice to bump into them left right and centre, particularly when they all congregated in the Courtyard for Eric Prydz. He was an unexpected treat! After only hearing his chart releases I really didn't pin much hope on a good set but was set straight soon after stepping into the courtyard. It was so busy it was difficult to get a spot to get in your dance swing where you weren't be jostled, but the crowd was really getting into it and the atmosphere was buzzing.
I wandered between rooms for a while to see what was on offer. I ended up back in the Courtyard to see Paul Woolford who really got the crowd going with his eclectic, original house.
Wanting to make sure I still had enough energy left to dance, I was a bit disappointed that SOS were on in the Annex at 3am (legs just aren't what they used to be!) I've been a massive Desyn Masiello fan since hearing his seminal Essential Mix in 2004, but I've only has the pleasure of seeing him once, as he hardly seems to venture up North and over the last 18 months he's taken some time out to produce and work with the other SOS members, Omid 16b and Demi. However they didn't disappoint. As they were on last the crowds had dispersed a bit so there was room to dance. The crowd loved them and everyone seemed to be big fans. I spoke to a guy who had never heard of them before but was really impressed.
In the Main Room, Groove Armada really got the crowd jumping with Superstylin' and all who saw them said they were brilliant.
Armin Van Helden took it back to the Oldschool with 'House of Pain' and 'We Want Your Soul' and the Courtyard loved him.
I was expecting to see some cracking fancy dress outfits but was sorely disappointed, the most shocking thing I saw all night was a guy buying two bottles of Smirnoff for £250!!
Must have had a good night as my ears didn't stop ringing until Monday.
READ MORE >
90 Club Hits From The 90's
An amazing collection of dance and crossover tunes from the 90s, '90 Club Hits From The 90's' is a much-needed 4 CD album packed with top club hits from the era that brought you the most hedonistic super-clubs, the biggest earning DJ's ever and the coolest remixes!
With tunes from Armand Van Helden, Robert Miles and Faithless this album encapsulates the absolute best of 90's dance music for the first time all in one package. For anyone who lived through the 90's, reading the tracklisting is like reading a who's who of the dance music charts, with songs such as Professional Widow by Tori Amos, Missing ' Everything But The Girl and The Brand New Heavies ' Dream on Dreamer, surely nothing can define an era more than this album?
Highlights include Baby D, Armand Van Helden, Berry, Orbital, Grace, Stretch n' Vern, Josh Wink, Lisa Marie Experience, Rui Da Silva, Sonique, Wamdue Project, Olive, Moloko, Corona, K Klass, Deee Lite, Robert Miles, Faithless, Tori Amos, Mario Piu, C&C Music Factory and much much more'
Club Connected rating 7 out of 10. An interesting journey back to the 90s.
READ MORE >
An amazing collection of dance and crossover tunes from the 90s, '90 Club Hits From The 90's' is a much-needed 4 CD album packed with top club hits from the era that brought you the most hedonistic super-clubs, the biggest earning DJ's ever and the coolest remixes!
With tunes from Armand Van Helden, Robert Miles and Faithless this album encapsulates the absolute best of 90's dance music for the first time all in one package. For anyone who lived through the 90's, reading the tracklisting is like reading a who's who of the dance music charts, with songs such as Professional Widow by Tori Amos, Missing ' Everything But The Girl and The Brand New Heavies ' Dream on Dreamer, surely nothing can define an era more than this album?
Highlights include Baby D, Armand Van Helden, Berry, Orbital, Grace, Stretch n' Vern, Josh Wink, Lisa Marie Experience, Rui Da Silva, Sonique, Wamdue Project, Olive, Moloko, Corona, K Klass, Deee Lite, Robert Miles, Faithless, Tori Amos, Mario Piu, C&C Music Factory and much much more'
Club Connected rating 7 out of 10. An interesting journey back to the 90s.
READ MORE >
The Warehouse Project
Believe the hype ' the warehouse project is back and this time its bigger and better then ever. Manchester's biggest series of nights has landed on the city again but this time in a new venue beneath Piccadilly station right in the heart of town. For everything the Boddingtons brewery lacked, beneath the streets makes up for plus more ' more bars, better sound system and more places to crash out and flake, for those points in the night were all you can do is chill out and listen. Contained within a series of arches and tunnels, the venue has gritty industrial excitement to it; more intimate and more involved with the audience. Although the capacity is smaller then last year, the slight decrease in size only makes the venue better. Coupled with more intense visuals and cracking line up, the warehouse project is the only place to seen this year.
For those of you who are familiar with resident Manchester night Ape, the line up will come as no surprise. Only on the Manchester scene for two years, launched as the brainchild of well established Manchester promoters, Sam and Lee aka Sabre, Ape reputation has exploded beyond belief, regularly filling venues of a capacity of over 2000 people. It combination of brakes, D n B, MC's and basically any thing with a good beat and base has kept Manchester's party army happy for the past two years. And tonight was no exception.
Arriving around eleven, the event was already well away. Hidden underneath the entrance to the station, it lacked the ques and security presence there was at the previous location. The surprise of the night was the last minute addition of Manhattan notoriety and chart favourite Mark Ronson, who despite sound problems went down a storm. But name of night had to go to Ape favourite DJ Yoda whose combination of classic tunes and deep beats was all round favourite ' who else could get away with dropping some Dolly Parton in the middle of a set and make it sound so good!!! The end of the night steered more toward harder breaks and drum and base, with only the hardest of drum n base fans remaining for high contrast and jungle drummers closing sets. Notable mention has to go to Exit Festival favourites Stanton warriors, who brought that festival feeling back to UK for a stunning set.
All in all, ape did not disappoint. The eclectic range of acts coupled with a top venue meant that the third weekend of this year's warehouse was one to remember. A high standard was set for the weeks to come, so make sure you don't miss out.
Sat 13th October
The Ape 2nd Birthday
High Contrast
Mark Ronson (just added)
Subfocus
DJ Yoda
Foreign Beggars [ Live ]
Q-bert
DJ Kentaro
Stanton Warriors
DJ Food
Youngblood Brass Band [ Live ]
Jungle Drummer Vs DJ FU
Rich Reason
9pm - 5am ///
£15
READ MORE >
Believe the hype ' the warehouse project is back and this time its bigger and better then ever. Manchester's biggest series of nights has landed on the city again but this time in a new venue beneath Piccadilly station right in the heart of town. For everything the Boddingtons brewery lacked, beneath the streets makes up for plus more ' more bars, better sound system and more places to crash out and flake, for those points in the night were all you can do is chill out and listen. Contained within a series of arches and tunnels, the venue has gritty industrial excitement to it; more intimate and more involved with the audience. Although the capacity is smaller then last year, the slight decrease in size only makes the venue better. Coupled with more intense visuals and cracking line up, the warehouse project is the only place to seen this year.
For those of you who are familiar with resident Manchester night Ape, the line up will come as no surprise. Only on the Manchester scene for two years, launched as the brainchild of well established Manchester promoters, Sam and Lee aka Sabre, Ape reputation has exploded beyond belief, regularly filling venues of a capacity of over 2000 people. It combination of brakes, D n B, MC's and basically any thing with a good beat and base has kept Manchester's party army happy for the past two years. And tonight was no exception.
Arriving around eleven, the event was already well away. Hidden underneath the entrance to the station, it lacked the ques and security presence there was at the previous location. The surprise of the night was the last minute addition of Manhattan notoriety and chart favourite Mark Ronson, who despite sound problems went down a storm. But name of night had to go to Ape favourite DJ Yoda whose combination of classic tunes and deep beats was all round favourite ' who else could get away with dropping some Dolly Parton in the middle of a set and make it sound so good!!! The end of the night steered more toward harder breaks and drum and base, with only the hardest of drum n base fans remaining for high contrast and jungle drummers closing sets. Notable mention has to go to Exit Festival favourites Stanton warriors, who brought that festival feeling back to UK for a stunning set.
All in all, ape did not disappoint. The eclectic range of acts coupled with a top venue meant that the third weekend of this year's warehouse was one to remember. A high standard was set for the weeks to come, so make sure you don't miss out.
Sat 13th October
The Ape 2nd Birthday
High Contrast
Mark Ronson (just added)
Subfocus
DJ Yoda
Foreign Beggars [ Live ]
Q-bert
DJ Kentaro
Stanton Warriors
DJ Food
Youngblood Brass Band [ Live ]
Jungle Drummer Vs DJ FU
Rich Reason
9pm - 5am ///
£15
READ MORE >
Judgement Sundays
Judgement Sundays have always been a highlight of our previous trips to the island. For months leading up to this year's holiday our eyes had been firmly focused on the Ibiza Party Calendar to check who was part of the line up. This year Judge Jules, Eddie Halliwell, Fred Baker and BK had been brought
READ MORE >
Judgement Sundays have always been a highlight of our previous trips to the island. For months leading up to this year's holiday our eyes had been firmly focused on the Ibiza Party Calendar to check who was part of the line up. This year Judge Jules, Eddie Halliwell, Fred Baker and BK had been brought
READ MORE >
13
13
When my friend invited me up to Leeds for the weekend I jumped at the chance of a weekend away in the city of Leeds. Many happy memories were created there thanks to my Uni days. Imagine my delight when I checked out to see what was going down on the Saturday night and this little beauty came up- Jo Mills and DC10 residents @ Rehab-get in!
I was an Ibiza virgin until last summer when I popped my cherry good style on the famous white Island. My boyfriend always described one club there as "his favorite place on earth" and no where else he would rather be on a Monday morning than on the terrace @ DC10.
After hearing so much about this infamous club (DC10's reputation is based and built on word of mouth-adding to its unique style and clientele) I was sorely disappointed to find out that the club was shut due to unforeseen circumstances. Even though I was swapping the sun of Ibiza for the chilly wind of a wet Leeds night, I wasn't going to miss out again!
Bags packed and stereo cranked up (DC10 album of course!) I set off on the short journey across the Pennines with the sun shining and an excited feeling in my stomach (the one you get before a big night out!).
After arriving in shortly over an hour (I must of drove like a women possessed!) I arrived back in Leeds and began quickly making arrangements for the nights shenanigans!
With my Sister and best friend in tow, we began our night in Leeds like many others-in Headingly. After a few drinks in the Ark we all headed into Leeds city center. As it was still relatively early we headed to the local Revolution bar for some shots of flavored Vodka. Much too my delight, the Ibiza vibe was in full flow in with the local resident DJ playing summer Ibiza tunes such as Spectrum - Kinda New with the bongos building up the tempo and the pace of the dancing!
We finally left and headed over to Rehab-DC10's venue for the evening. Set in the calls area of the city, directly behind the Corn Exchange is Rehab. The venue has played host to some of the biggest names in the DJ world with March alone hosting the likes of Felix the Housecat and Derrick Carter.
Much to our surprise there was no queue to get into the club and we were greeted in a warm and friendly manner from the clubs bouncers (despite the cold weather). After paying at the desk we make our way upstairs. Rehab is certainly not a club you could get lost in, as it comprises of mainly one large room with the bar at the back, there is also an upstairs area which also has bar and a chill out section. What Rehab loses on size, it makes up for in glamour! Stylishly decorated Rehab manages to combine glamour and style (and a fish tank) with all the elements a good club needs including a dance floor you can get down on!
The club wasn't too busy so we made our way to the bar to get a round of drinks in. The crowd in the club was a mixture of trendy and friendly clubbers with lots of the girls (and men) stylishly dressed. At first I was worried that the crowd would hold back, but there was already a substantial amount of people getting down to the deep sounds of Tristan Da Cunha and the place was nicely buzzing.
After I ordered from the friendly bar staff (who were all dressed up as doctors and nurses) we made our way to the other side of the club to sit down for a bit and take stock. Drinks prices were a little steep for the North (maybe not for Leeds though) at £3.00 for a Vodka and mixer and about the same for a can of beer.
There was a definite lack of atmosphere surrounding the bar with most people just standing around and chatting, so we made our way to the bottom of the dance floor to await for Jo Mills to make her appearance.
The sound system at Basics is excellent due to its small size and as the deep tunes of Tristan Da Cunha blasted out, we all began to relax and enjoy the night. The was a definite laid back atmosphere and vibe to the night, I think this mainly because DC10 were in town and that everybody who was in the club that night was there for one thing only - the music!
I have seen Jo Mills previously once before, whilst in Ibiza when she played Cream closing party. The thing that struck me about Jo then, was her high degree of concentration and methodically way she played. This time was no exception, she played an amazing set which was deep and dirty, slowly building up the crowd at the beginning and then banging it out at the end when everyone just went for it. Her style of music enables you to jump around and twist and shake your body in any way you possibly can and let yourself go wild. Jo certainly enjoyed herself and joined us all during her last tune on the podium to show us how to do it true Ibiza stylee. It was a refreshing change to see a DJ enjoy themselves so much and truly got a sense that she would rather be no where else than with us.
After Jo we had a quick break and refreshed at the bar and in the communal toilets which were extremely well maintained with a massive fountain wash basin in the middle of them. There wasn't your usual lack of loo roll and ample amounts of sick that you expect to find in a club full swing, which was a refreshing change.
Cirrilo was next one the decks, and played a distinctive deep and dirty house, .a lot more electro influenced than Jo, he played a wide and varied array of tunes. Even though I'm not sure his sound was what the Basics crowd were used to, he certainly was appreciated playing classics such as the Source and a strange remix of Whitney Huston "I want to dance with somebody" even though it may of not been to everyone's taste!
By this time our feet where hurting and the club was slowly emptying out so we decided to leave on a high. Rehab in a nutshell is the stylish way to go clubbing in the North. It is possibly a little too much for me (coming from a girl who loves dingy and dirty clubs) however this is simply the way Rehab has chosen to do it and the regular crowd who visit it religiously each week prove the formula works. We met some fantastic people from all walks of life who I'm sure will agree that when the Circo Loco residents came to town they more than left their mark.
By Jane Peers
www.backtobasics.co.uk