WHAT A YEAR! – 2008 IN RETROSPECT
NEW YEARS EVE – WEDNESDAY 31ST DECEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
As 2008 draws to a close, we thought it would be good to reflect on the year, and “what a year” it has been in gAylist clubland London, all the excitement, all the drama, all the fun and sometimes the disappointment that we have come to expect from the scene in London. The year has seen new clubs open, old clubs close, old clubs re-open. It’s seen new D.J. talent make an impact, old D.J. talent rekindled and top scene D.J. talent continue delivering exceptional music. Then, there were special events, birthday celebrations & wonderful parties, so, yes, what a year it has been.
So where do we start, well at the beginning would be good, so hold on tight as we race through from January to December covering as much as we can squeeze in on what has been a busy year for us, so here goes. Oh, by the way, if we miss bits, it’s not intentional, so don’t be offended!
With 2008 getting off to a sluggish start, the end of January saw some injection of passion, with super Spanish club Matinee’s London wing, landing a new residency at Fabric in Farringdon, which was set to be it’s home for the next six months, re-launching itself in superb fashion, also celebrating Matinee’s 10 years of global clubbing domination. We also saw another re-launch in the form of legendary afterhours club, Beyond, also at a new venue, this time the Fridge in Brixton, but also at an unusual “tea-dance” time on a Sunday afternoon, which didn’t go down to well with old Beyond faithful's, including ourselves. However, with the launch (yes not a re-launch, thank heaven’s) of a new club night on a Thursday’s, Industri at Barcode Vauxhall, in the capable & experienced hands of London’s undisputed Queen of the night, Minty, along with the massive D.J. combo of Brent Nicholls & Paul Heron, our year was set to take an altogether exciting & new direction.
February, the month of passion, saw plenty of it, with all the big club names throwing on special Valentines parties, intermixed with birthday celebrations for iconic gay venues and the second outing of new alternative (to become infamous) club night Gutterslut, masterminded by the fabulous Per Q.X. and Elliot J Brown. Matinee was also back with a real punch, in the form of “Knockout”, with a massive boxing ring dominating the main room at Fabric, a bold move by Evolved Events impresario Oliver Mohns, although when dancing hedonists took over the ring, this proved a costly addition, if but very impressive looking. The month also crowned our christening, signalling a real step change in our clubbing activity & scene profile & we remain eternally grateful to our creator.
With the spring now in the scene’s step, March saw plenty of activity with Easter being the major focus. Legendary club Trade performed it’s “Last Dance” at Turnmills, heralding 17 years of pure clubbing magic and as one door closed, another door opened (or should we say, re-opened) as Area, now in the hands of The Orange group, made an impact, first bringing Ibiza club “Space” to town and then moving Juicy from it’s home at Fire. All the big guns were out for the Easter Bank Holiday, with Matinee once again taking centre stage, showcasing the massively talked about & successful La Leche” party , which eclipsed virtually every other offer on town, including “Action” which was given a replay run at new revamped Area.
April was an interesting month on the scene, with things feeling a little stale. Club promoter fantastique, Wayne Shires, launched a new venture Bearea, at (you guessed it Area) and Matinee decided to ring the change by moving its slot and trying out the “tea-dance” format with Matinee Rewind. D.T.P.M. celebrated its birthday, with a triumphant return to the scene, back at old favourite venue, The End and with brilliant music provided by the likes of Guy Williams, Steve Thomas & Gabriele Cutrano, it proved to be the highlight in an otherwise mundane month.
So May came with the promise of two Bank Holidays to tempt out the scene faces & party goers. Matinee yet again took advantage, with an event dedicated to the press, in the form of Paparazzi, which certainly drew a crowd. However, the first weekend saw the second re-launch of Beyond, this time at Area and what a re-launch it was, with scene legend D.J. Steve Pitron performing a magnificent set and Andrew Harris masterminding stunning laser lighting effects. The month also saw Barcode Soho re-launch, with a revamped and glamorous new look. Having been in the shadow of its bigger sister in Vauxhall for some time, the amazing new club space downstairs on Archer St. took our breath away and has since been a regular starting point on a Saturday night out clubbing, especially with Brent Nicholls behind the decks. With the second Bank Holiday serving up plenty of gAylist offerings, new kid on the block Revolver launched, the brainchild of Messrs Mohns & Schmidt of Evolved Events, choosing Scala in Kings Cross as it’s initial home, a dramatic and stylish venue, perfect for the impressive production magic that has became Revolver’s trademark. With Coco Star performing what is likely to be the musical anthem of 2008, “Toca’s Miracle”, this new venture certainly made a real impact.
Now the scene was well and truly alight, with summer on our doorsteps and the prospect of Pride parties a plenty. June saw us pausing for breath before savouring yet another amazing Revolver outing at Scala, Italian stallions Pagano & Gabriele Cutrano together with the back-to-back sets of Oliver M & Eduardo De La Torre proving real highlights of the month. We also saw our fetish side come out, with our first trip to Hard On! And what an experience it was. With amazingly sexy go-go dancers major D.J. performances, including Hi-Fi Sean Dickson and a totally different clubbing experience under the direction of Suzi Kruger & her team, we were sure to return.
Historically, one of the biggest weekends on the scene, London Pride took the beginning of July by storm, with specialist parties held by Juicy, Megawoof, Heaven, Beyond & Matinee, which prompted one of our busiest 48 hours of the year, savouring first Barcode Soho, then south to Vauxhall, then up to new club launch Alphatek in Kings Cross, then back south again for Beyond, to round off everything at the magnificent Pride finale of Matinee magic over in Farringdon, although many had dropped off the edge by then. Other highlights were our first trip to Gutterslut in the east end with our fierce partner in crime Lexi, which proved, like Hard On! to be a truly enlightening experience, and then back on familiar terrafurmer, with another birthday celebration, this time Barcode Vauxhall’s 2nd, then, Revolver’s party in celebration of all things 007, finally crowning a hectic month with the afterhours tribute party to D.J. legend Tony De Vit, Hook’d at The Arches, commemorating ten years since the passing of this much loved missed talent.
August first saw Brighton steal the headlines with a massive Pride event, so much more popular than London’s a month before and then one of the real highlights of the year for us, Soho Pride, bang slap in the middle of the month. With Gaydar really transforming Soho Square and with the honour of a backstage pass, we had an absolute scream in the company of Brent Nicholls, Jamie Head and our fave club hostess Minty, seeing out one of the best Soho Pride (indeed any Pride) events we have enjoyed in all our years. The big day was warmed up by a superb reunion party in honour of Crash (our most favourite club brand of old) and with Soho Pride then spurning after parties galore, where else could we be but “Glamorous” at Club Sin, the brainchild of Jeremy Precelton, rounding off for us probably the best weekend of the year. But the real talk of the month was, once again, Matinee, which found a new home at the legendary club Colloseum in Vauxhall, still for this month on a Sunday night, but yet again proving to be a massive draw and a most popular switch from Fabric and a great way to finish off the final Bank Holiday weekend of the month.
Now the year took a further turn with autumn on the horizon and we focussed on Soho as the place to be, with trips to both Barcode & Lo-Profile, to prove that you can have a great time away from the big clubs, savouring fabulous sets including one from new boy Alessandro. Then, from the highs of our vote of the years joint best D.J. set from the superb Mikey D at Beyond, to the disappointing low of the clubbing year being the much awaited return of “Rome” to the scene, we were heartened by our club of the year, Matinee, returning back to a Saturday slot and rolling out probably its best event of the year in the form of “Viva”, celebrating all things Latino & Mediterranean. With some inspired performances from the cast of D.J’s including Jordi Lights & Pagano, it also saw our joint top set of the year delivered by Brent Nicholls in the V.I.P. room, with only one party proving to surpass this one for us. Another great D.J. performance was to be played out at Revolver by the amazing legend Tom Stephan aka “superchumbo” & with Paul Heron coming into the fold, this rounded off another wonderful month in gAyland London.
October was a special month in many ways, not only being the time we forged some amazing friendships with many people, including Italian D.J producer Danny Verde, go-go dancer Craig (aka BePe), emerging D.J. talent Lee Yeomans with producer partner Max Sanna, & getting to know hard working D.J.’s Guy Williams & Eduardo de La Torre so much better. It also signalled the best party of the year for us, celebrating 18 years, Trade took up a big slice of the month, with a mega party at The Arches. With a venue alight with action, the “lite” lounge was pure stratospheric enjoyment in the hands of Guy Williams, then Brent Nicholls & a magnificent Paul Heron, proving to be our top club party choice of 2008. The combo of those three along with a spectacular line up across the club was magical and has yet been surpassed by any other party. Matinee put out another great event, “Marineros”, we tried out new venture Go-Go Brazil at Heaven and was there every step of the way when Revolver moved to its new home at The Astoria, supporting Oliver M & crew through a tumultuous time following his business split from Logan.
With the year rapidly moving to a close, November saw us squeeze five clubs in one night proving that, quote, “she work’s hard for her money”, with the first Saturday jaunt around the West End encapsulating Barcode Soho, Rupert Street, Surge at Ku Klub, Revolver’s Halloween spectacular, “Twisted Circus” and then Lo Profile. Matinee was yet again a party on our calendar, with an “out of this world” theme Space Invaders, proving popular again and one of the best of our main room experiences at this super club, on this occasion surrounded by D.J. pals a plenty as Italian stallion Pagano played out, probably his best set of the year. Birthday boy and friend Ramon threw a party at Apothecary and with Barcode re-launching Sunday’s there was much going on. The month, however, was dominated by the launch of SuperMartXe, which also highlighted the ugly side of the scene with nasty activities between promoters, for us, taking the edge of what could have been the best month of the year. November ended with the fond farewell to Discotec which had filled Thursday nights so often in the past and was waved goodbye with some inspired sounds, especially from Guy Williams and a super crowd to match.
So, to the final month of 2008 and our anniversary month at that, with birthday being the word for many, but with Christmas also within reach. Lo-Profile celebrated its first birthday on the first day of December and we rubbed shoulders with a glittering array of scene faces to toast this special Soho venue. Then, the Matinee machine pulled out all the stops with their Xmas party and the re-opening of the V.I.P. room proved a real highlight, drawing out incredible sets from Alessandro & then Brent Nicholls. With more birthday celebrations on the cards, cute Eduardo de La Torre’s, then our very own at the social soiree club of the year, Industri, December was proving very hectic and with another trip to Hard On! on our actual birth date, we had to summon all our energy resources to make to Christmas day. But make it we did and to the infamous Christmas night party outing, Trade, this time at The Egg club, where we were treated to magnificent musical sets from the fabulous Gabriele Cutrano and the impressive & handsome Nick Tcherniak, not to mention bumping into many faces old & new, including Fat Tony, Gonzalo, Ben Jamin, & Lee Yeomans, who all contributed to a party perfect for rounding off a spellbinding year.
So what of 2008? Well it has been a truly special year in many respects. There have been a long list of changes in gAylist clubland London and we have been privileged both to review and be part of it. The year has seen some fabulous new clubs launch and some equally fabulous clubs take a curtain call. Our highlights have to be Trade’s 18th Birthday party, Matinee Viva and Beyond in September. But the biggest influence has been Industri, which holds a very special place in our heart, as do all involved in this most amazing social soiree.
In a year that has seen us lose a very close friend but gain some many new ones, the answer the question “What a Year” is, well it has been an awesome, brilliant, ecstatic, fantastic, magnificent, resplendent, superb & wonderful year. We salute and give thanks to a London gay scene sporting a huge list of truly great clubs, bars, but most importantly great people, a whole collection of whom we are proud to call friends. If next year is anything like 2008 we are in for a real treat. (DISCO MATT)
Wednesday 31 December 2008
Monday 29 December 2008
Trade Christmas Night Party - Club Review
TRADE CHRISTMAS NIGHT PARTY– THURSDAY 25TH DECEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
With the thought of enduring a string of repeats & boring television combined with eating & drinking to excess, it didn’t take much to tempt us away from the warmth of our cosy lounge to the debauchery on offer at The Egg nightclub in Kings Cross & Trade’s Christmas night party.
Ofcourse, historically, Trade has held its infamous “mother of all yuletide benders” at Turnmills in Farringdon, although since the demise of this iconic venue, our yearly pilgrimage to this most outrageous of outings came to a halt. However, with the party mood still running through our veins, egged on (sorry for the pun) by our friend Ian, it was time to rekindle this most TRADEitional (oh my, they keep coming!) of jaunts, even though the cold winter wind was blowing outside.
So, arriving at the doors of The Egg nightclub at about 11.30 p.m., we were quickly whisked through the entrance having been kindly added to Gabriele Cutrano’s (what a star!) guestlist and passing through the efficient & friendly (a change to the norm) security staff, we stripped off our many layers, before entering the club proper. Walking in the aptly named garden room (it’s virtually outside you know), we immediately spotted our friend Lee Yeomans, who was among the guesting D.J. list, accompanying the fierce ruling Trade D.J. regulars, Malcolm Duffy, Lisa German, Fat Tony & Gonzalo.
Lee soon gave us the low down on where & what was going on, although with a sluggish start, just the garden room & the basement (for tonight styled as the classic room) were open. So arming ourselves with refreshments, we hit the “classic room” to find a lively crowd lapping up the tough & chunky tunes of Gary H. Looking around the room we spotted the promised improvements in the lighting system, with some superb L.E.D, banks spanning across the ceiling, creating fantastic effects in this intimate space. Gonzalo passed by, saying hello and we knew that his appearance would signal a change in the music direction and with a sudden leap in the pace, it was obvious that this Trade D.J. maestro had assumed the decks, as classic techno fuelled track, one after the other, was delivered to an adorning crowd of familiar “Trade babies” of old.
Finding a brief respite back in the garden room, Lee indicated to us that the terrace (main) room was now open, so we ascended the myriad of stairs and entered the space to find a handful of hopefuls waiting for this Christmas cracker of a party to get really kicking. And who else could we have asked for to achieve this, but the handsome & hunky Italian D.J. Gabriele Cutrano. Bounding over to the D.J. booth to greet him, the man himself was already well into his stride, inflicting his amazing enthusiasm into the decks and producing some pulsating electro, techhouse and funky infused tracks to get the room well & truly pumping. It was not the classic Trade sound, afterall there was cup full's of that downstairs, but heaps of the exemplary sounds we have come to enjoy and love from this superb D.J. talent, Gabriele having entertained us at many a party before including a brilliant set at the launch of Revolver earlier this year. So, we knew we were in for a treat here and burning up the dancefloor in front of the D.J. booth, it was clear many others had the same idea, as the room soon swelled and the atmosphere built, with Mr Gabriele continuing to deliver spellbinding sounds to a by now packed Terrace room. With brilliant laser lighting to compliment the music, we were well into our stride.
Only the arrival of Nick Tcherniak could have added to the hedonistic hype, but that he did, greeting us in his usual friendly fashion and taking his rightful place behind the decks to follow on from the top notch performance of Gabriele. On selecting his first track, it was clear we were in for another real treat and yet again, not classic Trade, more classic Nick Tcherniak and the whole main room began to savour the delights of this most enchanting of D.J. talents, as he set out delivering some impressive progressive house, electro twisted and thumping pumping techhouse tunes to an darling mix of Trade regulars, scene faces, muscle queens and their admirers.
Taking a brief respite back down to the more laid back Garden room, we bumped into more familiar faces, our pal Ramon, a very healthy looking Fat Tony, the effervescent Malcolm Duffy and the cuddly Ben Jamin who was set to follow on from Lee Yeomans, both originally planned to play out in the loft lounge, but now assuming their allotted slots in this semi outdoor space. Lee was doing his best to hold the crowd, but on stepping past the mammoth gazebo outside, the freezing December winds were clearly affecting the temperature inside, so the crowd seemed constantly on the move to stay warm.
And warmth was what we were after too, so trekking back into the real indoor space of the basement, the crowd had thinned a little and it was soon apparent that the Terrace room was the place to be. So we re-entered this space squeezing past gyrating bodies to assume our spot back by the D.J. booth, waving at the lovely Nick behind the decks, who was still delivering some angelic sounds to a superbly cosmopolitan crowd who were in true party mood. All thoughts of a boring Christmas at home were gone, as we succumbed to magnificent experience that was Trade on Christmas day, admittedly different to past trips to Turnmills, but just as good and in some ways better, in the hands of Gabriele & Nick. This was definitely where it was all happening and we continued to dance furiously on our spot, so much so & so good was the music that we wore out our legs to the point that our left knee collapsed from under us. This condemed us to a pitiful limp off the dancefloor, resting on a welcoming couch in the corner and refuelling our body & limbs with energy boosting drink.
With a vain attempt to pick up where we left off failing, we threw in the proverbial towel, shunning the delights of Lisa German & Lady Bianca in the Terrace room and the legendary Fat Tony & Malcolm Duffy downstairs, waving goodbye to a running around Laurence Malice & Mr Gabs clutching his scooter helmet. With a momentary farewell chat to super chum D.J. Lee Yeomans, who had put on a brave performance, we slumped out of The Egg to a comforting and warm bed to dream of everything fabulous we have savoured under the steership of the magnificence of Gabriele Cutrano & Nick Tcherniak.
So was the trip to Trade’s Christmas cracker party worth while? Undoubtedly so! Yes it was different to previous experiences and clearly the decision to leave the Garden room open, in our view, detracted from the success of the night. The team would have been better off opening the Loft room as the alternative “lite lounge” space, which would have worked so much better in combating the cold temperatures of the semi-outside space downstairs. The Terrace room, however, made up for all of that and we had a brilliant time. Well done to Laurence and the Trade team for brightening & cheering up what would have otherwise been a boring, mundane Christmas night at home. (DISCO MATT)
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
With the thought of enduring a string of repeats & boring television combined with eating & drinking to excess, it didn’t take much to tempt us away from the warmth of our cosy lounge to the debauchery on offer at The Egg nightclub in Kings Cross & Trade’s Christmas night party.
Ofcourse, historically, Trade has held its infamous “mother of all yuletide benders” at Turnmills in Farringdon, although since the demise of this iconic venue, our yearly pilgrimage to this most outrageous of outings came to a halt. However, with the party mood still running through our veins, egged on (sorry for the pun) by our friend Ian, it was time to rekindle this most TRADEitional (oh my, they keep coming!) of jaunts, even though the cold winter wind was blowing outside.
So, arriving at the doors of The Egg nightclub at about 11.30 p.m., we were quickly whisked through the entrance having been kindly added to Gabriele Cutrano’s (what a star!) guestlist and passing through the efficient & friendly (a change to the norm) security staff, we stripped off our many layers, before entering the club proper. Walking in the aptly named garden room (it’s virtually outside you know), we immediately spotted our friend Lee Yeomans, who was among the guesting D.J. list, accompanying the fierce ruling Trade D.J. regulars, Malcolm Duffy, Lisa German, Fat Tony & Gonzalo.
Lee soon gave us the low down on where & what was going on, although with a sluggish start, just the garden room & the basement (for tonight styled as the classic room) were open. So arming ourselves with refreshments, we hit the “classic room” to find a lively crowd lapping up the tough & chunky tunes of Gary H. Looking around the room we spotted the promised improvements in the lighting system, with some superb L.E.D, banks spanning across the ceiling, creating fantastic effects in this intimate space. Gonzalo passed by, saying hello and we knew that his appearance would signal a change in the music direction and with a sudden leap in the pace, it was obvious that this Trade D.J. maestro had assumed the decks, as classic techno fuelled track, one after the other, was delivered to an adorning crowd of familiar “Trade babies” of old.
Finding a brief respite back in the garden room, Lee indicated to us that the terrace (main) room was now open, so we ascended the myriad of stairs and entered the space to find a handful of hopefuls waiting for this Christmas cracker of a party to get really kicking. And who else could we have asked for to achieve this, but the handsome & hunky Italian D.J. Gabriele Cutrano. Bounding over to the D.J. booth to greet him, the man himself was already well into his stride, inflicting his amazing enthusiasm into the decks and producing some pulsating electro, techhouse and funky infused tracks to get the room well & truly pumping. It was not the classic Trade sound, afterall there was cup full's of that downstairs, but heaps of the exemplary sounds we have come to enjoy and love from this superb D.J. talent, Gabriele having entertained us at many a party before including a brilliant set at the launch of Revolver earlier this year. So, we knew we were in for a treat here and burning up the dancefloor in front of the D.J. booth, it was clear many others had the same idea, as the room soon swelled and the atmosphere built, with Mr Gabriele continuing to deliver spellbinding sounds to a by now packed Terrace room. With brilliant laser lighting to compliment the music, we were well into our stride.
Only the arrival of Nick Tcherniak could have added to the hedonistic hype, but that he did, greeting us in his usual friendly fashion and taking his rightful place behind the decks to follow on from the top notch performance of Gabriele. On selecting his first track, it was clear we were in for another real treat and yet again, not classic Trade, more classic Nick Tcherniak and the whole main room began to savour the delights of this most enchanting of D.J. talents, as he set out delivering some impressive progressive house, electro twisted and thumping pumping techhouse tunes to an darling mix of Trade regulars, scene faces, muscle queens and their admirers.
Taking a brief respite back down to the more laid back Garden room, we bumped into more familiar faces, our pal Ramon, a very healthy looking Fat Tony, the effervescent Malcolm Duffy and the cuddly Ben Jamin who was set to follow on from Lee Yeomans, both originally planned to play out in the loft lounge, but now assuming their allotted slots in this semi outdoor space. Lee was doing his best to hold the crowd, but on stepping past the mammoth gazebo outside, the freezing December winds were clearly affecting the temperature inside, so the crowd seemed constantly on the move to stay warm.
And warmth was what we were after too, so trekking back into the real indoor space of the basement, the crowd had thinned a little and it was soon apparent that the Terrace room was the place to be. So we re-entered this space squeezing past gyrating bodies to assume our spot back by the D.J. booth, waving at the lovely Nick behind the decks, who was still delivering some angelic sounds to a superbly cosmopolitan crowd who were in true party mood. All thoughts of a boring Christmas at home were gone, as we succumbed to magnificent experience that was Trade on Christmas day, admittedly different to past trips to Turnmills, but just as good and in some ways better, in the hands of Gabriele & Nick. This was definitely where it was all happening and we continued to dance furiously on our spot, so much so & so good was the music that we wore out our legs to the point that our left knee collapsed from under us. This condemed us to a pitiful limp off the dancefloor, resting on a welcoming couch in the corner and refuelling our body & limbs with energy boosting drink.
With a vain attempt to pick up where we left off failing, we threw in the proverbial towel, shunning the delights of Lisa German & Lady Bianca in the Terrace room and the legendary Fat Tony & Malcolm Duffy downstairs, waving goodbye to a running around Laurence Malice & Mr Gabs clutching his scooter helmet. With a momentary farewell chat to super chum D.J. Lee Yeomans, who had put on a brave performance, we slumped out of The Egg to a comforting and warm bed to dream of everything fabulous we have savoured under the steership of the magnificence of Gabriele Cutrano & Nick Tcherniak.
So was the trip to Trade’s Christmas cracker party worth while? Undoubtedly so! Yes it was different to previous experiences and clearly the decision to leave the Garden room open, in our view, detracted from the success of the night. The team would have been better off opening the Loft room as the alternative “lite lounge” space, which would have worked so much better in combating the cold temperatures of the semi-outside space downstairs. The Terrace room, however, made up for all of that and we had a brilliant time. Well done to Laurence and the Trade team for brightening & cheering up what would have otherwise been a boring, mundane Christmas night at home. (DISCO MATT)
Monday 22 December 2008
Hard On! Christmas Party - Club Review
HARD ON! CHRISTMAS PARTY – SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
With a truly manic week of celebrating our birthday, we were in some ways spoilt for choice on our actual day and with a full programme of events right across the full 24 hours, where were we going to go out to, once again let our hair down? Well, despite the amount of clubs running, including, Gutterslut, Eagle, Space, Lo-Profile, all celebrating Christmas, the pick was down to two and even Crash, one of our most favourite clubs came a close second, to, well can you believe it, Hard On!
Yes, we can here you say it, Disco Matt at Hard On!, well it has been known you know and in our youth (yes, yes yes, a long time ago) we did used to frequent Fist on a regular weekly basis, accumulating a massive collection of leathers, boots and other fetish wear, just the ticket for Substation South, but strangely fell out of love for all things black (well fetish black anyway) and sank into mainstream clubbing.
However, with our latest other exploits at work, our fetish side seems to have come out again, so with a bunch of friends wanting to go, with the lovely offer of a guest list and the thought of doing something very different on our birthday, how could we resist.
So arriving at the doors of Hidden at just turned midnight, having refreshed ourselves in Barcode Vauxhall, bumping into D.J. lovelies, Paul Heron & Nick Tcherniak, Paul re-collecting our birthday bash on Thursday and remarking on what state we were in (well a girl has to enjoy herself, doesn’t she!), we, along with friends Benoit and Christophe, were waved straight through into the club, no drama’s nothing, such a pleasant change to many another venue we could mention.
Once inside the friendly doorstaff checked us off the guestlist (phew we were on it at last!) and we swung round to the efficient coatcheck, where we pondered whether to strip down to our very revealing chaps and saucy trunks (spank me written on the back!!), but our nerves got better of us and we decided to leave our chunky Schott, industrial style zipped army trousers on (surely we would get away with them!).
So into the club we went and immediately found a cruise bar packed with leather, rubber & other clad folk filling out the space. Mr D.J., Brent Nicholls was behind the decks, which was clearly sending pulses racing as he stripped down to the waist and pumped out a tough latino infused & electro driven mix of tracks, superbly fitting for the much raunchier style of club we found ourselves in. Squeezing past bodies and bumping into many faces, including the whole Gummi crew, our friend Saki (who had played the opening set) familiar customers from our work place and old pals from the days of Fist, we felt immediately back at home, if a little overcome by the extrovertness of some, barely clothed and showing of their “crown jewels” for all to see.
So, having grabbed energy driving refreshments, we skipped back through the pulsating crowd, to a safe retreat in the corner of the Cruise Bar (why were we so nervous) and began to slip into dancing mode as Brent powered out some familiar tunes of late to get us in the mood. By this time, our friends Benoit and Christophe had joined us in the club, although both soon disappeared into the crowd (we didn’t ask what to do) and we began to soak up the atmosphere that was clearly different to our regular mainstream offerings. We guess that we had been bold as brass when younger, but some of the men dancing and parading round the club had us dropping our jaws, partly in awe, partly in excitement, but mainly in adoration for their sheer guts, showing off pieces of flesh extraordinaire.
Had we been as bold, we would have ascended the podium next to us (we did on our last visit a few months ago), but with some stunning dancers taking the limelight, we didn’t want to steal their thunder, so rather danced on our spot, getting hotter and hotter in our multiple layer of clothing’s. With more familiar faces passing by, including our pals Brian, Robert, John, Paul & Chris (sounds like the Walton’s!), we nagged to dress down, so reluctantly stripped off our Schott trousers, revealing the full regalia of our outfit.
You know when you feel that everyone is looking at you! well that’s exactly what we felt like. Quite why we couldn’t relax we don’t know, but with the thought of friends, let alone strangers spotting our bare flesh, it sent us running back for our trousers after only a short & brave stint in just our chaps. So, with our trousers back on, we relaxed back into our dancing and the fantastic music choices Brent Nicholls was playing. We certainly like his current musical direction and with the odd camp track (we are sure there was a freemasons record thrown in somewhere) mixed up with some amazingly tough & awesome beats for tomorrow, we savoured his whole set, hardly moving from our spot in the corner of the Cruise Bar, except momentary wanders to see what else was happening around the club (but not the darkroom boys & girls, not for us!!).
With Brent’s set done and the hunky “Hi-Fi” Sean Dickson taking over the reigns, we were certainly guaranteed a further and fabulously raunchy time at this so sexy and overt of clubs, but it was fair to say that the crowd was thinning (were they off being naughty, we suspect so!) and after nearly three hours of dancing, in boots we were not used to wearing, our feet gave up the ghost and we decided to call it a day. Leaving the club and saying goodbye to who we could see, we limped past the temptations of Barcode and the Crash reunion party, then home to reflect on a clubbing experience with a true difference.
So, did we enjoy Hard On! and was it an experience we would repeat? There is no doubt the club is certainly not for the faint hearted and the crowd that adorn it’s doors know how to party, how to look sexy in leather, rubber & you know what (and there were some VERY sexy men in there that’s for sure). So, for this reason, yes we would venture out to Hard On! Again and perhaps next time through some inhibitions away and let our hair down. To experience something so different to the norm on our birthday will remain truly memorable and we suspect that it won’t be that long before we get tempted down to Hidden again.
With comments from regulars that it wasn’t that busy, that it lacked atmosphere and that there wasn’t that much that was Christmassy about the club, combined with reports that the main room closed early due to lack of numbers, we suspect that many, with how the festive period had fallen, decided to make other plans, so would have contributed to the below par remarks. But for us, we thought the Cruise Bar was well & truly rocking, the music was brilliant, the many collection of friends & familiar faces a pleasant surprise and, our inhibitions aside, we had a thoroughly great time. Thanks to the Hard On! team & to Suzi Kruger (even if she was off sunning herself!) for making our birthday special. (DISCO MATT)
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
With a truly manic week of celebrating our birthday, we were in some ways spoilt for choice on our actual day and with a full programme of events right across the full 24 hours, where were we going to go out to, once again let our hair down? Well, despite the amount of clubs running, including, Gutterslut, Eagle, Space, Lo-Profile, all celebrating Christmas, the pick was down to two and even Crash, one of our most favourite clubs came a close second, to, well can you believe it, Hard On!
Yes, we can here you say it, Disco Matt at Hard On!, well it has been known you know and in our youth (yes, yes yes, a long time ago) we did used to frequent Fist on a regular weekly basis, accumulating a massive collection of leathers, boots and other fetish wear, just the ticket for Substation South, but strangely fell out of love for all things black (well fetish black anyway) and sank into mainstream clubbing.
However, with our latest other exploits at work, our fetish side seems to have come out again, so with a bunch of friends wanting to go, with the lovely offer of a guest list and the thought of doing something very different on our birthday, how could we resist.
So arriving at the doors of Hidden at just turned midnight, having refreshed ourselves in Barcode Vauxhall, bumping into D.J. lovelies, Paul Heron & Nick Tcherniak, Paul re-collecting our birthday bash on Thursday and remarking on what state we were in (well a girl has to enjoy herself, doesn’t she!), we, along with friends Benoit and Christophe, were waved straight through into the club, no drama’s nothing, such a pleasant change to many another venue we could mention.
Once inside the friendly doorstaff checked us off the guestlist (phew we were on it at last!) and we swung round to the efficient coatcheck, where we pondered whether to strip down to our very revealing chaps and saucy trunks (spank me written on the back!!), but our nerves got better of us and we decided to leave our chunky Schott, industrial style zipped army trousers on (surely we would get away with them!).
So into the club we went and immediately found a cruise bar packed with leather, rubber & other clad folk filling out the space. Mr D.J., Brent Nicholls was behind the decks, which was clearly sending pulses racing as he stripped down to the waist and pumped out a tough latino infused & electro driven mix of tracks, superbly fitting for the much raunchier style of club we found ourselves in. Squeezing past bodies and bumping into many faces, including the whole Gummi crew, our friend Saki (who had played the opening set) familiar customers from our work place and old pals from the days of Fist, we felt immediately back at home, if a little overcome by the extrovertness of some, barely clothed and showing of their “crown jewels” for all to see.
So, having grabbed energy driving refreshments, we skipped back through the pulsating crowd, to a safe retreat in the corner of the Cruise Bar (why were we so nervous) and began to slip into dancing mode as Brent powered out some familiar tunes of late to get us in the mood. By this time, our friends Benoit and Christophe had joined us in the club, although both soon disappeared into the crowd (we didn’t ask what to do) and we began to soak up the atmosphere that was clearly different to our regular mainstream offerings. We guess that we had been bold as brass when younger, but some of the men dancing and parading round the club had us dropping our jaws, partly in awe, partly in excitement, but mainly in adoration for their sheer guts, showing off pieces of flesh extraordinaire.
Had we been as bold, we would have ascended the podium next to us (we did on our last visit a few months ago), but with some stunning dancers taking the limelight, we didn’t want to steal their thunder, so rather danced on our spot, getting hotter and hotter in our multiple layer of clothing’s. With more familiar faces passing by, including our pals Brian, Robert, John, Paul & Chris (sounds like the Walton’s!), we nagged to dress down, so reluctantly stripped off our Schott trousers, revealing the full regalia of our outfit.
You know when you feel that everyone is looking at you! well that’s exactly what we felt like. Quite why we couldn’t relax we don’t know, but with the thought of friends, let alone strangers spotting our bare flesh, it sent us running back for our trousers after only a short & brave stint in just our chaps. So, with our trousers back on, we relaxed back into our dancing and the fantastic music choices Brent Nicholls was playing. We certainly like his current musical direction and with the odd camp track (we are sure there was a freemasons record thrown in somewhere) mixed up with some amazingly tough & awesome beats for tomorrow, we savoured his whole set, hardly moving from our spot in the corner of the Cruise Bar, except momentary wanders to see what else was happening around the club (but not the darkroom boys & girls, not for us!!).
With Brent’s set done and the hunky “Hi-Fi” Sean Dickson taking over the reigns, we were certainly guaranteed a further and fabulously raunchy time at this so sexy and overt of clubs, but it was fair to say that the crowd was thinning (were they off being naughty, we suspect so!) and after nearly three hours of dancing, in boots we were not used to wearing, our feet gave up the ghost and we decided to call it a day. Leaving the club and saying goodbye to who we could see, we limped past the temptations of Barcode and the Crash reunion party, then home to reflect on a clubbing experience with a true difference.
So, did we enjoy Hard On! and was it an experience we would repeat? There is no doubt the club is certainly not for the faint hearted and the crowd that adorn it’s doors know how to party, how to look sexy in leather, rubber & you know what (and there were some VERY sexy men in there that’s for sure). So, for this reason, yes we would venture out to Hard On! Again and perhaps next time through some inhibitions away and let our hair down. To experience something so different to the norm on our birthday will remain truly memorable and we suspect that it won’t be that long before we get tempted down to Hidden again.
With comments from regulars that it wasn’t that busy, that it lacked atmosphere and that there wasn’t that much that was Christmassy about the club, combined with reports that the main room closed early due to lack of numbers, we suspect that many, with how the festive period had fallen, decided to make other plans, so would have contributed to the below par remarks. But for us, we thought the Cruise Bar was well & truly rocking, the music was brilliant, the many collection of friends & familiar faces a pleasant surprise and, our inhibitions aside, we had a thoroughly great time. Thanks to the Hard On! team & to Suzi Kruger (even if she was off sunning herself!) for making our birthday special. (DISCO MATT)
Disco Matt's Birthday Bash! - Special Review
DISCO MATT’S BIRTHDAY BASH – THURSDAY 18TH DECEMBER
REVIEW FOR DISCO MATT WEBSITES & SEENQUEEN
In the first of two special reviews to round off the year (sandwiched by our trip to Hard On!), we firstly, re-collect the goings on at our birthday party and then look back across the year that was 2008, which has seen much change in gAylist/land London.
So how can we review our own party, well quite easily actually as it is the one night that holds the most memories of any, or you would have thought. Did this one? Well, possibly.
With so much expectation of an incredible turnout (in past years most people have been far too busy this close to Christmas), we were very excited about the prospect of a special birthday bash. The Barcode management had paved the way for an extra special evening and who could say no, in the hands of the delectable Jeremy, who made sure everything was in place for our celebration evening.
Best plans are always (or seem to be) laid to waste as our early arrival at Barcode Vauxhall was rudely interrupted by closed friends who preferred the comfort of the West End, so our in initial stop ended up being Barcode Soho, where the drinks were quickly flowing (perhaps too quickly) and much catching up on news old & new took place with Stephen (an old work pal), John (aka Maureen) and Paul (the Australian one!) in a relative impromptu gathering which ended up a truly pleasant experience indeed.
But the “reality” hit and glancing at the time, we hastily made our retreat to the gay village south of the river, bumping into super friends Minty and Brent Nicholls on the crossing to Barcode Vauxhall, slightly adrift of the 9 p.m. start planned for our birthday bonanza. As we entered the building, we were pleasantly surprised to see that a healthy crowd had already gathered and soon spotted Paul Heron in the D.J. booth (my god, he was early for a change!) delighting the assembled mass with some super chunky and funky house tunes.
Being a Thursday, being the superb & fantastic social soiree that is Industri and with the knowledge that the dream team of Brent Nicholls & Paul Heron would be going back-to-back on the decks, serving up a delicious cocktail of magical music, we couldn’t have chosen a better day to celebrate another year on planet earth, although being a “school” day, we expected a few casualties on our extensive guest list.
Nevertheless, a plethora of familiar faces, scene friends and pure party animals wandered in as the evenings proceedings kicked off, including, Wayne Shires, Stevie B, Lee Yeomans, Matt Bird, Sofie Karlson, Tamsin Roberts, Joel Antunes & Kian-Lee Thomson, along with pure Industri regulars Chris, Kim & Stephen, gathered to join the festivities and wish us well for our special day. With cards flying around & balloons to blow up, we set up our stall at the end of the bar, making it plain that this was “our corner” and the balloons, now inflated, made a bold statement that the party was well and truly underway.
Then, not wishing to break with tradition, Minty lined up our usual shots of Sambuca, in the form of a new cocktail, special to Barcode, which we simply couldn’t resist and with both Paul & Brent spinning some superb sounds, yet another night out at Industri was now in full swing, made even better by all the familiar faces around us, well wishing us on our special day.
Glancing over a the screens on the wall, we spotted some new Industri images and Minty gave us the low down on the new pictures, Brent in a suit & tie, Paul in a school boys uniform and Minty looking resplendent on her thrown. And with this just the first in a series of new photo’s it was clear the fantastic threesome had much fun and frivolity at the photo shoot, masterminded by the wonderful Chris Jepson. We also spotted a wonderful montage of faces on a separate picture, chronicling regulars & scene faces that have adorned this most friendly of parties across the months (where was ours though!!), simply superb.
By now the drinks were being lined up in front of us, as one person after the next arrived, including our pal Benoit, so the night was just getting better & better, made even more so by the of gift of champagne, kindly arranged by Jeremy and the Barcode management, which added to the ever increasing array of beverages being consumed to further heighten our cheer and joy.
Midnight came and went with amazing speed, as we succumbed completely to the party atmosphere and with over indulgence, over excitement and overwhelming company, it was inevitable that we would “lose the plot” and so we did, but then it was our birthday bash after all!! But with the actual day being on the Saturday, amidst plans for lunchtime rendezvous with friends, followed by celebrations at work and then a trip to Hard On’s! Christmas party, it would have been wise to hold back, but then we always throw caution to the wind and this occasion was no exception.
With a momentary loss of memory (actually three hours), the party certainly had gone off with a bang and miraculously when we came round, we found ourselves tucked up in bed, content to reflect on yet another Industri night out and a birthday bash!, although rather than being bashed, we were more like smashed!!
So, was it a birthday bash to remember? Well in some ways yes, although our memories post midnight were very vague indeed. So much so that we needed to be reminded by friends after the event, both Benoit and Paul Heron filling in much of the gaps for us!! However, we couldn’t have chosen a better venue, Barcode Vauxhall, a better night, Industri and better company, so for those reasons alone, we will definitely remember it for a while to come. (DISCO MATT)
P.S. Don’t miss Industri at Barcode Vauxhall from 9 p.m. on New Years day. Expect THE recovery party the doctor ordered, especially, if like us you will be partying from dawn, January 1st 2009.
REVIEW FOR DISCO MATT WEBSITES & SEENQUEEN
In the first of two special reviews to round off the year (sandwiched by our trip to Hard On!), we firstly, re-collect the goings on at our birthday party and then look back across the year that was 2008, which has seen much change in gAylist/land London.
So how can we review our own party, well quite easily actually as it is the one night that holds the most memories of any, or you would have thought. Did this one? Well, possibly.
With so much expectation of an incredible turnout (in past years most people have been far too busy this close to Christmas), we were very excited about the prospect of a special birthday bash. The Barcode management had paved the way for an extra special evening and who could say no, in the hands of the delectable Jeremy, who made sure everything was in place for our celebration evening.
Best plans are always (or seem to be) laid to waste as our early arrival at Barcode Vauxhall was rudely interrupted by closed friends who preferred the comfort of the West End, so our in initial stop ended up being Barcode Soho, where the drinks were quickly flowing (perhaps too quickly) and much catching up on news old & new took place with Stephen (an old work pal), John (aka Maureen) and Paul (the Australian one!) in a relative impromptu gathering which ended up a truly pleasant experience indeed.
But the “reality” hit and glancing at the time, we hastily made our retreat to the gay village south of the river, bumping into super friends Minty and Brent Nicholls on the crossing to Barcode Vauxhall, slightly adrift of the 9 p.m. start planned for our birthday bonanza. As we entered the building, we were pleasantly surprised to see that a healthy crowd had already gathered and soon spotted Paul Heron in the D.J. booth (my god, he was early for a change!) delighting the assembled mass with some super chunky and funky house tunes.
Being a Thursday, being the superb & fantastic social soiree that is Industri and with the knowledge that the dream team of Brent Nicholls & Paul Heron would be going back-to-back on the decks, serving up a delicious cocktail of magical music, we couldn’t have chosen a better day to celebrate another year on planet earth, although being a “school” day, we expected a few casualties on our extensive guest list.
Nevertheless, a plethora of familiar faces, scene friends and pure party animals wandered in as the evenings proceedings kicked off, including, Wayne Shires, Stevie B, Lee Yeomans, Matt Bird, Sofie Karlson, Tamsin Roberts, Joel Antunes & Kian-Lee Thomson, along with pure Industri regulars Chris, Kim & Stephen, gathered to join the festivities and wish us well for our special day. With cards flying around & balloons to blow up, we set up our stall at the end of the bar, making it plain that this was “our corner” and the balloons, now inflated, made a bold statement that the party was well and truly underway.
Then, not wishing to break with tradition, Minty lined up our usual shots of Sambuca, in the form of a new cocktail, special to Barcode, which we simply couldn’t resist and with both Paul & Brent spinning some superb sounds, yet another night out at Industri was now in full swing, made even better by all the familiar faces around us, well wishing us on our special day.
Glancing over a the screens on the wall, we spotted some new Industri images and Minty gave us the low down on the new pictures, Brent in a suit & tie, Paul in a school boys uniform and Minty looking resplendent on her thrown. And with this just the first in a series of new photo’s it was clear the fantastic threesome had much fun and frivolity at the photo shoot, masterminded by the wonderful Chris Jepson. We also spotted a wonderful montage of faces on a separate picture, chronicling regulars & scene faces that have adorned this most friendly of parties across the months (where was ours though!!), simply superb.
By now the drinks were being lined up in front of us, as one person after the next arrived, including our pal Benoit, so the night was just getting better & better, made even more so by the of gift of champagne, kindly arranged by Jeremy and the Barcode management, which added to the ever increasing array of beverages being consumed to further heighten our cheer and joy.
Midnight came and went with amazing speed, as we succumbed completely to the party atmosphere and with over indulgence, over excitement and overwhelming company, it was inevitable that we would “lose the plot” and so we did, but then it was our birthday bash after all!! But with the actual day being on the Saturday, amidst plans for lunchtime rendezvous with friends, followed by celebrations at work and then a trip to Hard On’s! Christmas party, it would have been wise to hold back, but then we always throw caution to the wind and this occasion was no exception.
With a momentary loss of memory (actually three hours), the party certainly had gone off with a bang and miraculously when we came round, we found ourselves tucked up in bed, content to reflect on yet another Industri night out and a birthday bash!, although rather than being bashed, we were more like smashed!!
So, was it a birthday bash to remember? Well in some ways yes, although our memories post midnight were very vague indeed. So much so that we needed to be reminded by friends after the event, both Benoit and Paul Heron filling in much of the gaps for us!! However, we couldn’t have chosen a better venue, Barcode Vauxhall, a better night, Industri and better company, so for those reasons alone, we will definitely remember it for a while to come. (DISCO MATT)
P.S. Don’t miss Industri at Barcode Vauxhall from 9 p.m. on New Years day. Expect THE recovery party the doctor ordered, especially, if like us you will be partying from dawn, January 1st 2009.
Thursday 18 December 2008
Matinee Xmas Party - Club Review
MATINEE XMAS SPECIAL – SATURDAY 13TH DECEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
December always holds great excitement for us, being a special celebratory month for a number of reasons and this year is no exception, the excitement heightened by the prospect of a special Christmas party by the London wing of the Spanish clubbing brand extraordinaire, Matinee. Riding on the success of the change both in venue, from Fabric and day, from Sunday to Saturday, we were expecting yet another fantastic party at super club Colosseum in Vauxhall and an ideal warm up to the festive season ahead.
Since moving back south of the river, Matinee has enjoyed tremendous success with each and every party packed to the rafters, although with the backdrop of issues at the last event, problematical bar staff, a long wait at the coatcheck and the official second room being downstairs, we were hopeful that both the venue owners & the promoters had stood up and listened to some of our pleas to change things round. Indeed, shunning our usual warm up at Barcode Vauxhall (last time proving a disastrous choice), we also “changed” things round, by opting for a pre club visit to sister venue, Barcode Soho, a perfect move and an ideal start to our night.
Arriving at the doors of Matinee slightly later than usual at half past midnight, heading for the ticket queue, clutching ours, the characteristic tones of Marky B beckoned us to a swift entry into the club, also being greeted by the effervescent Minty, giving us her usual rapturous welcome which always puts us in a good mood. Negotiating the entrance with consummate efficiency, we also didn’t have to wait that long to deposit our belongings into the coatcheck, despite the large queue we joined, the first sign that the venue had reacted to previous issues.
Moving up the stairs we were taken aback by the stunning inclusion of a traditional brass band ensemble, playing out festive tunes as a fabulous welcome to clubbers and giving the entry to the bar and the main room a real Christmassy feel, a lovely touch at that and a surprise not only to us but many around. Arming ourselves with refreshments, we dived headlong into the main room, an already packed dancefloor and immediately noticed a change to the layout, the usual spot of the D.J. booth moved, making way for a superb stage area where a troupe of go-go dancers, provided by the Fierce International crew (a now regular inclusion in any event hosted by Evolved Events) were strutting their stuff!. With the D.J. booth moved the elevated dancefloor spot on the far side of the main room, with the now characteristic neon light backdrop, we spotted Paul Heron in charge of the decks, pumping out a mix of chunky electro infused house tunes to an adorning mix of stunning looking latino’s, familiar scene faces, off duty D.J’s and a wonderful balance of guys & gals.
Finding our way through and out of the main room, we were keen to see if the V.I.P. room was in operation and were so excited when we swung into the space, with Nathan 6 holding court to a building crowd of enthusiasts. However, our initial tour of the venue was not yet over, as we quickly slipped back through the main room and down the entrance stairs, into the space, which, for the last two parties, had been the official “second” room, but was now styled the “test lounge”, sporting Matinee D.J. virgins, including Joel Antunes and our pal Lee Yeomans. Lee was behind the decks, tempting a bunch of hopefuls with minimal vocal techhouse sounds, giving the room a slightly different feel to the main floor above. After a momentary chat with Lee, we returned back upstairs, bumping into a collection of people, many of whom wandered whether we were on review duty, although we really wanted to savour the great music on offer. So, back in the main room we found our dancing spot right by the side of the D.J. booth as Paul Heron was handing over to Spanish Matinee D.J. resident Lydia Sanz and were delighted when we were sported with a Matinee T-shirt , which we immediately customised to wear with pride. Evolved Events supremo Oliver Mohns, was close at hand and we exchanged greetings and then thoughts about the new main room layout, which was clearly going down well with the faithful crowd, being further enhanced by the more melodic house sounds being delivered by Lydia.
But it was the V.I.P. room where we kept being tempted, so a further quick dash downstairs before settling in our favourite spot, found us bumping into friend Denival, at the entrance to the “test lounge”, where he grabbed us in a longing embrace and a chain of kisses, which sent our mood into the stratosphere. Now, our party was well and truly underway so we could not resist what was to come in the V.I.P. room and with photography maestro Chris Jepson snapping us as we moved back through the club, also coming across handfuls of pals including best mate Benoit (in Matinee!!) we swung into the now official second room where D.J. Alessandro was in control.
What then happened was short of magnificent as he entertained us to an enthralling set of new and unheard house mixes which had the V.I.P. room well and truly rocking. Ascending the elevated stage area next to the D.J. booth we quickly found our spot and danced away merrily, hardly pausing for breath as tune after tune had us captivated and Alessandro continually being congratulated by person after person. His set developed into the best we have enjoyed from this new talent yet reflecting that truly deserves his slot in this very special club and space.
As if Alessandro wasn’t enough, with the reigns being handed over to scene favourite Brent Nicholls, it was only going to get better for us, and this was the set that we had been waiting for. And he failed to disappoint, taking us on a superb journey of electro funked, hardhouse edged tracks, intermixed with Disco tipped and floor filling tunes which had us well and truly hooked. By now the main room was a distant memory and we were going absolutely nowhere else but the V.I.P. room, even if Pagano was by now in charge next door. With familiar faces dropping in, including Steven Artis, Joel Antunes, & Matt Bird, we continued to dance away on our raised spot, our energy levels being regularly refreshed by the brilliant music choices Brent was making and we hardly realised the time as we completely succumbed to the superb atmosphere and ambience of Matinee at its best.
But, the inevitable call of work drew close and with time well a truly up for us, we meandered out of the V.I.P. room, back round through a still packed main floor, now in the hands of Guy Williams, down the stairs and out of the club into the cold of a Vauxhall December morning to the comfort of our bed to rest our worn out limbs.
So, was it the Xmas party we were expecting? That is answered with a resounding yes! With previous coatcheck problems ironed out, with a surprising brass band welcome, with superb music across all the rooms, a fantastic collection of gorgeous looking people in our midst, not to mention friends a plenty, but moreover the return of the V.I.P. room, made this a night to remember. Was it the best yet? Well in settling at Club Colosseum, Matinee has found its true home in London and all the parties here have been superb. For us Viva was an exceptional party and was always going to be a hard act to follow, but it is fair to say that this Xmas outing was a close second, so we now simply cannot wait for the NYD Afterhours event, which we are sure is set to eclipse even Viva and therefore to reaffirm Matinee as simply magic. (DISCO MATT)
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
December always holds great excitement for us, being a special celebratory month for a number of reasons and this year is no exception, the excitement heightened by the prospect of a special Christmas party by the London wing of the Spanish clubbing brand extraordinaire, Matinee. Riding on the success of the change both in venue, from Fabric and day, from Sunday to Saturday, we were expecting yet another fantastic party at super club Colosseum in Vauxhall and an ideal warm up to the festive season ahead.
Since moving back south of the river, Matinee has enjoyed tremendous success with each and every party packed to the rafters, although with the backdrop of issues at the last event, problematical bar staff, a long wait at the coatcheck and the official second room being downstairs, we were hopeful that both the venue owners & the promoters had stood up and listened to some of our pleas to change things round. Indeed, shunning our usual warm up at Barcode Vauxhall (last time proving a disastrous choice), we also “changed” things round, by opting for a pre club visit to sister venue, Barcode Soho, a perfect move and an ideal start to our night.
Arriving at the doors of Matinee slightly later than usual at half past midnight, heading for the ticket queue, clutching ours, the characteristic tones of Marky B beckoned us to a swift entry into the club, also being greeted by the effervescent Minty, giving us her usual rapturous welcome which always puts us in a good mood. Negotiating the entrance with consummate efficiency, we also didn’t have to wait that long to deposit our belongings into the coatcheck, despite the large queue we joined, the first sign that the venue had reacted to previous issues.
Moving up the stairs we were taken aback by the stunning inclusion of a traditional brass band ensemble, playing out festive tunes as a fabulous welcome to clubbers and giving the entry to the bar and the main room a real Christmassy feel, a lovely touch at that and a surprise not only to us but many around. Arming ourselves with refreshments, we dived headlong into the main room, an already packed dancefloor and immediately noticed a change to the layout, the usual spot of the D.J. booth moved, making way for a superb stage area where a troupe of go-go dancers, provided by the Fierce International crew (a now regular inclusion in any event hosted by Evolved Events) were strutting their stuff!. With the D.J. booth moved the elevated dancefloor spot on the far side of the main room, with the now characteristic neon light backdrop, we spotted Paul Heron in charge of the decks, pumping out a mix of chunky electro infused house tunes to an adorning mix of stunning looking latino’s, familiar scene faces, off duty D.J’s and a wonderful balance of guys & gals.
Finding our way through and out of the main room, we were keen to see if the V.I.P. room was in operation and were so excited when we swung into the space, with Nathan 6 holding court to a building crowd of enthusiasts. However, our initial tour of the venue was not yet over, as we quickly slipped back through the main room and down the entrance stairs, into the space, which, for the last two parties, had been the official “second” room, but was now styled the “test lounge”, sporting Matinee D.J. virgins, including Joel Antunes and our pal Lee Yeomans. Lee was behind the decks, tempting a bunch of hopefuls with minimal vocal techhouse sounds, giving the room a slightly different feel to the main floor above. After a momentary chat with Lee, we returned back upstairs, bumping into a collection of people, many of whom wandered whether we were on review duty, although we really wanted to savour the great music on offer. So, back in the main room we found our dancing spot right by the side of the D.J. booth as Paul Heron was handing over to Spanish Matinee D.J. resident Lydia Sanz and were delighted when we were sported with a Matinee T-shirt , which we immediately customised to wear with pride. Evolved Events supremo Oliver Mohns, was close at hand and we exchanged greetings and then thoughts about the new main room layout, which was clearly going down well with the faithful crowd, being further enhanced by the more melodic house sounds being delivered by Lydia.
But it was the V.I.P. room where we kept being tempted, so a further quick dash downstairs before settling in our favourite spot, found us bumping into friend Denival, at the entrance to the “test lounge”, where he grabbed us in a longing embrace and a chain of kisses, which sent our mood into the stratosphere. Now, our party was well and truly underway so we could not resist what was to come in the V.I.P. room and with photography maestro Chris Jepson snapping us as we moved back through the club, also coming across handfuls of pals including best mate Benoit (in Matinee!!) we swung into the now official second room where D.J. Alessandro was in control.
What then happened was short of magnificent as he entertained us to an enthralling set of new and unheard house mixes which had the V.I.P. room well and truly rocking. Ascending the elevated stage area next to the D.J. booth we quickly found our spot and danced away merrily, hardly pausing for breath as tune after tune had us captivated and Alessandro continually being congratulated by person after person. His set developed into the best we have enjoyed from this new talent yet reflecting that truly deserves his slot in this very special club and space.
As if Alessandro wasn’t enough, with the reigns being handed over to scene favourite Brent Nicholls, it was only going to get better for us, and this was the set that we had been waiting for. And he failed to disappoint, taking us on a superb journey of electro funked, hardhouse edged tracks, intermixed with Disco tipped and floor filling tunes which had us well and truly hooked. By now the main room was a distant memory and we were going absolutely nowhere else but the V.I.P. room, even if Pagano was by now in charge next door. With familiar faces dropping in, including Steven Artis, Joel Antunes, & Matt Bird, we continued to dance away on our raised spot, our energy levels being regularly refreshed by the brilliant music choices Brent was making and we hardly realised the time as we completely succumbed to the superb atmosphere and ambience of Matinee at its best.
But, the inevitable call of work drew close and with time well a truly up for us, we meandered out of the V.I.P. room, back round through a still packed main floor, now in the hands of Guy Williams, down the stairs and out of the club into the cold of a Vauxhall December morning to the comfort of our bed to rest our worn out limbs.
So, was it the Xmas party we were expecting? That is answered with a resounding yes! With previous coatcheck problems ironed out, with a surprising brass band welcome, with superb music across all the rooms, a fantastic collection of gorgeous looking people in our midst, not to mention friends a plenty, but moreover the return of the V.I.P. room, made this a night to remember. Was it the best yet? Well in settling at Club Colosseum, Matinee has found its true home in London and all the parties here have been superb. For us Viva was an exceptional party and was always going to be a hard act to follow, but it is fair to say that this Xmas outing was a close second, so we now simply cannot wait for the NYD Afterhours event, which we are sure is set to eclipse even Viva and therefore to reaffirm Matinee as simply magic. (DISCO MATT)
Saturday 6 December 2008
Lo-Profile 1st Birthday - Club Review
LO-PROFILE 1ST BIRTHDAY – THURSDAY 4TH DECEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
Now we all like a good “knees up” and what better way to spend our Thursday night than joining in some birthday celebrations. December is a special month for us, not only because there always seems to be a lot going on but it is a time for celebration like no other (our birth month you know!) and with a host of clubs celebration their special days, Barcode Soho 13, Gravity 4, Gutterslut turning just one, another first birthday ended up being an unmissable treat.
Since it’s launch, following the highly successful integration into the gAylist London scene of it’s little sister Profile bar, Lo-Profile club has cut a considerable stride and a venue on Wardour street with a chequered history (remember Sweet Suite) quickly establishing itself as a smart way to enjoy a night out on the town. Backed up by the muscle of Gaydar, the venture was seen as a little risky, but it was clear there was a considerable market for those seeking an alternative to the Vauxhall scene.
The powers that be were masterful in lining up a top notch list of resident D.J’s that, in it’s brief history have included Guy Williams, Brent Nicholls, Mikey D, Jamie Head, Paul Heron, Hugh Stevenson, D’Johnny and new talent Alessandro Giaccetti. It has even attracted the superb & household name Steve Pitron, who played there just recently, so there has clearly been no lack of credible music to entice an audience. Furthermore, whilst bang slap in the middle of Soho, it still feels like a genuine clubbing experience, with the added bonus of all the usual trappings close on hand.
So, on a cold early December evening, we descended on Wardour Street at around 8 p.m. and the glamour of this 1st Birthday offering, being greeted at the door by very friendly staff, although the absence of Vanity seemed a little strange. Being ticked off the list, we ambled along the stretched corridor like entrance, brightened by multi-coloured inset lighting in various shapes (stars, spots etc), a theme common throughout the club and also in Profile Bar on Frith Street. Once into the club, we immediately spotted the lovely Mikey D behind the decks, the last time we saw him to chat to, was following his amazing set at Beyond, back in the summer.
The venue was filling nicely, with many taking advantage of the cosy and quiet seating nooks & crannies, as well as flooding the main bar, rubbing shoulders with scene faces, off-duty D.J’s, you know the sort of collection by now!! We had to drop our stuff off at the coatcheck (what a controversial part of clubbing it has been recently, with issues at both Matinee & SuperMartXe, as reported!) and as we were sorting out items in our bag, the imposing figure of Logan appeared and immediately greeted us in his usual calm & friendly manner. We compared notes on the fantastic event over at the Coronet just last Saturday, also confirming the New Years date for the next SuperMartXe event and both agreed that the venue was perfect for the club concept with the size of the main room comparable to Madrid. Logan gave us assurances that the hiccups with the coatcheck were just that and will be sorted for January 3rd.
Back into Lo-Profiles main room, we headed straight to the bar and a welcoming complimentary glass of wine, immediately bumping into friends from our other life at Kings Cross, catching up on news and sharing opinions of this anniversary venues appeal. We were soon dragged away by more familiar faces in the form of Wayne G & Joe Publik, whom we had shared a fun Tuesday just over a week ago at Barcode Soho & Shadow Lounge and then by even more friendly folk, DJ Alessandro & Rupert Street General Manager Cathy, this all while scrumptious nibbles were being put our tempted way by scantly clad waiters floating through the building crowd in constant waves. Alessandro was intent on meeting both Wayne G & Joe Publik so we gracefully introduced him and savoured the conversation that followed.
It was clear the team had gone to great expense to impress the invited crowd and the drinks kept flowing, the food kept coming, all with the backdrop of great music and great company. However, with time seemingly flying, a sudden change in music pace signalled the arrival of the delectable Jamie Head, who stepped up the pace a little, which prompted us to spin over to say hello. Jamie had been so kind on just the last Saturday at SuperMartXe and is always oozing with generosity, making him a particular D.J. fave of ours.
Out of the corner of our eye, we spotted photographer Chris Jepson arrive, immediately launching himself of the crowd by the main bar, clicking away in usual fashion. With Alessandro wanted a photo shot, we posed with him & Cathy, also spotting the arrival of Q.X. editor Cliff Joannou, the man responsible for selecting the photos’ (amongst other things) for reviews in the mag (not that we wanted special treatment & selection you know!!). However, with photo’s taken our pals Alessandro & Cathy decided to call it a day and with a slightly thinning crowd, we also bid our farewells to Lo-Profile to drop on our Thursday favourite soiree, Industri at Barcode Vauxhall.
With the party set to continue into the wee hours and with Brent Nicholls lined up to do a set after Jamie Head, it looked like the birthday bash was going to be one hell of an event, which for us was the most enjoyable experience of Lo-Profile we have been part of thus far. However with Thursday’s being patchy to say the least reports coming in were such that an expectant crowd simply failed to materialise, not really the kind of birthday present anyone would like to receive!!
So, with the plethora of club’s pre-club bars, club bars and venues on offer in Soho, how has Lo-Profile faired in its first year? Quite well actually and given the massive backing of Gaydar, we suspect it is set to remain a part of the gAylist scene in London. Whilst far from being our favourite venue, this club definitely attracts a good quality crowd, searching good quality music, surroundings and atmosphere. Lo-Profile has this in bucket loads, so long may it continue. Happy 1st birthday. (DISCO MATT)
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
Now we all like a good “knees up” and what better way to spend our Thursday night than joining in some birthday celebrations. December is a special month for us, not only because there always seems to be a lot going on but it is a time for celebration like no other (our birth month you know!) and with a host of clubs celebration their special days, Barcode Soho 13, Gravity 4, Gutterslut turning just one, another first birthday ended up being an unmissable treat.
Since it’s launch, following the highly successful integration into the gAylist London scene of it’s little sister Profile bar, Lo-Profile club has cut a considerable stride and a venue on Wardour street with a chequered history (remember Sweet Suite) quickly establishing itself as a smart way to enjoy a night out on the town. Backed up by the muscle of Gaydar, the venture was seen as a little risky, but it was clear there was a considerable market for those seeking an alternative to the Vauxhall scene.
The powers that be were masterful in lining up a top notch list of resident D.J’s that, in it’s brief history have included Guy Williams, Brent Nicholls, Mikey D, Jamie Head, Paul Heron, Hugh Stevenson, D’Johnny and new talent Alessandro Giaccetti. It has even attracted the superb & household name Steve Pitron, who played there just recently, so there has clearly been no lack of credible music to entice an audience. Furthermore, whilst bang slap in the middle of Soho, it still feels like a genuine clubbing experience, with the added bonus of all the usual trappings close on hand.
So, on a cold early December evening, we descended on Wardour Street at around 8 p.m. and the glamour of this 1st Birthday offering, being greeted at the door by very friendly staff, although the absence of Vanity seemed a little strange. Being ticked off the list, we ambled along the stretched corridor like entrance, brightened by multi-coloured inset lighting in various shapes (stars, spots etc), a theme common throughout the club and also in Profile Bar on Frith Street. Once into the club, we immediately spotted the lovely Mikey D behind the decks, the last time we saw him to chat to, was following his amazing set at Beyond, back in the summer.
The venue was filling nicely, with many taking advantage of the cosy and quiet seating nooks & crannies, as well as flooding the main bar, rubbing shoulders with scene faces, off-duty D.J’s, you know the sort of collection by now!! We had to drop our stuff off at the coatcheck (what a controversial part of clubbing it has been recently, with issues at both Matinee & SuperMartXe, as reported!) and as we were sorting out items in our bag, the imposing figure of Logan appeared and immediately greeted us in his usual calm & friendly manner. We compared notes on the fantastic event over at the Coronet just last Saturday, also confirming the New Years date for the next SuperMartXe event and both agreed that the venue was perfect for the club concept with the size of the main room comparable to Madrid. Logan gave us assurances that the hiccups with the coatcheck were just that and will be sorted for January 3rd.
Back into Lo-Profiles main room, we headed straight to the bar and a welcoming complimentary glass of wine, immediately bumping into friends from our other life at Kings Cross, catching up on news and sharing opinions of this anniversary venues appeal. We were soon dragged away by more familiar faces in the form of Wayne G & Joe Publik, whom we had shared a fun Tuesday just over a week ago at Barcode Soho & Shadow Lounge and then by even more friendly folk, DJ Alessandro & Rupert Street General Manager Cathy, this all while scrumptious nibbles were being put our tempted way by scantly clad waiters floating through the building crowd in constant waves. Alessandro was intent on meeting both Wayne G & Joe Publik so we gracefully introduced him and savoured the conversation that followed.
It was clear the team had gone to great expense to impress the invited crowd and the drinks kept flowing, the food kept coming, all with the backdrop of great music and great company. However, with time seemingly flying, a sudden change in music pace signalled the arrival of the delectable Jamie Head, who stepped up the pace a little, which prompted us to spin over to say hello. Jamie had been so kind on just the last Saturday at SuperMartXe and is always oozing with generosity, making him a particular D.J. fave of ours.
Out of the corner of our eye, we spotted photographer Chris Jepson arrive, immediately launching himself of the crowd by the main bar, clicking away in usual fashion. With Alessandro wanted a photo shot, we posed with him & Cathy, also spotting the arrival of Q.X. editor Cliff Joannou, the man responsible for selecting the photos’ (amongst other things) for reviews in the mag (not that we wanted special treatment & selection you know!!). However, with photo’s taken our pals Alessandro & Cathy decided to call it a day and with a slightly thinning crowd, we also bid our farewells to Lo-Profile to drop on our Thursday favourite soiree, Industri at Barcode Vauxhall.
With the party set to continue into the wee hours and with Brent Nicholls lined up to do a set after Jamie Head, it looked like the birthday bash was going to be one hell of an event, which for us was the most enjoyable experience of Lo-Profile we have been part of thus far. However with Thursday’s being patchy to say the least reports coming in were such that an expectant crowd simply failed to materialise, not really the kind of birthday present anyone would like to receive!!
So, with the plethora of club’s pre-club bars, club bars and venues on offer in Soho, how has Lo-Profile faired in its first year? Quite well actually and given the massive backing of Gaydar, we suspect it is set to remain a part of the gAylist scene in London. Whilst far from being our favourite venue, this club definitely attracts a good quality crowd, searching good quality music, surroundings and atmosphere. Lo-Profile has this in bucket loads, so long may it continue. Happy 1st birthday. (DISCO MATT)
The Last Discotec World AIDS Day party - club review
THE LAST EVER DISCOTEC – WORLD AIDS DAY SPECIAL
SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEEQUEEN
Having dominated this weekend starting” slot for such a long period, in recent times, Discotec found it increasingly difficult to compete with the “free” clubs on offer, as Thursday’s were inundated with a wealth of alternative choices. It therefore soon came to the sad conclusion that it was unable to continue on a weekly basis. A sad move it was, as it had always provided the ideal warm up to the weekend, unlike any other club and for many, it was the cornerstone of Thursday’s into Fridays.
With the diversity of the crowd Discotec attracted, not to mention the same sort of mix of music, so instinctive of this pre-weekend outing, it was always going to be a sad day when it came to and end, fittingly so at the club, called “The End”, which had it’s own writing on the wall, with talks of re-development on everybody’s lips. For all this, we would have been fools to miss out on what could be the last official gay/mixed event at this cosy club in Bloomsbury.
So, with work out of the way, we descended on West Central St. and into the clutches of the End venue, being greeted by some very friendly door staff, treated us just short of royalty as we happily donated to the great cause of the fight against AIDS. The generosity of the team meant that £5 of our entry charge was being donated to The Terrence Higgins Trust, so it would have been rude not to shove a little bit more their way as we emptied our pockets, depositing the proceeds into the collection box.
Down the stairs, we entered the club to find a collecting mix of Discotec faithful’s, off-duty scene workers, mixed in with a mass of party heads, all intent on savouring this final outing. Not being regular “Discotecer” we struggled to recognise the D.J. holding court in the “funky” room space, although stepping down into the main room, found the scrumptious Fidel in charge of proceedings, churning out a glorious mix of house infused tracks, which had the collective bunch of dancers on the floor moving & grooving.
Whilst we were disappointed with the absence of our friend & compatriot, Lee Yeomans, it wasn’t long before Guy Williams (and friend) arrived to keep us company, sharing news of his week long exploits which left us aghast with what sounded like an exhausting schedule that we would have struggled to keep up. He looked good on it though and soon tucked into the refreshments we lined up, in preparation for his set a little later.
As we continued to wander around the club, more & more familiar faces appeared, including Adrian Eleftheriou, Jay Sharp Vokins, Megan Jones and the lovely Clington Forbes as well as some of the D.J’s playing, Luke Hope, Jeffrey Hinton, Slamma and Lee Harris, not to mention the enigmatic Gaetan Scott, all who were up for celebrating this mammoth end to a historic club outing. The excitement was further enhanced as the characteristic camera flashes emanating from the lens of scene non-stopper, photographer Chris Jepson’s camera lit up proceedings to ensure that everything that moved was caught for posterity. Chatting with Chris, once the stream of photo taking came to an end, we soon gathered that this rebel with a cause had been out literally all weekend, with no sleep and seemingly surviving on copious amounts of Red Bull, staggering!!
With the “funky” room well and truly kicking, due in no part to MC Brandy, we were keen to concentrate our efforts on the main floor, as Luke Hope took over the reigns, going back-to-back with Femi B, which resulted in a fabulous mix of inspiring & uplifting tracks, which saw the main room numbers swell considerably, some brave ones ascending the two podiums placed in the middle of the dance space. We were very much tempted to join them, although remained in out spot, working the crowd around us and getting major “down” to the tunes Luke & Femi B were delivering.
In reality, however, it was the maestro Guy Williams that we had really come along to see & hear, so it was with huge excitement when we saw him step behind the D.J. decks in the first room and then set about really cranking up the music mood to a much more tech-house, hard edged and chunky style that had us completely spellbound and ecstatic. We have truly come to love Guy’s music and having savoured it, admittedly in small bites over the years, recent months have seen us, once again warm to his music talents, which for us remain “cutting edge”.
Whilst Guy was honoured to fulfil the last set End’s main floor for Discotec, the numbers and crowd just weren’t there for him to justify a full set and within the hour, room one was wound right down, just leaving the funkier room two to take hold. Mind you, judging by the numbers still enjoying the more relaxing vibes, there was still legs left in this special party and we momentarily reflected what a great way it was to mark the occasion of World AIDS day, something that is close to our hearts for very personal reasons.
With the call of work, yet still buzzing from Guy’s set, we decided to head off home with thoughts a plenty in our heads and memories of parties of old flashing before our eyes. We were proud to be part of the “Last Discotec Party”
It is fair to say that whilst the event wasn’t quite as busy as we would have liked, in numbers, it certainly made up for it in both atmosphere and superb music. Its ancestral home, The End, may be closing soon, but we really hope the concept that is Discotec is able to continue, albeit, it is always difficult to find a new home to settle into. However, with so many clubs having moved venues recently or ones that are in the process of doing so, there is no reason why Laurent’s brainchild venture cannot do the same. Here’s to the survival of this legendary club brand. (DISCO MATT)
SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEEQUEEN
Having dominated this weekend starting” slot for such a long period, in recent times, Discotec found it increasingly difficult to compete with the “free” clubs on offer, as Thursday’s were inundated with a wealth of alternative choices. It therefore soon came to the sad conclusion that it was unable to continue on a weekly basis. A sad move it was, as it had always provided the ideal warm up to the weekend, unlike any other club and for many, it was the cornerstone of Thursday’s into Fridays.
With the diversity of the crowd Discotec attracted, not to mention the same sort of mix of music, so instinctive of this pre-weekend outing, it was always going to be a sad day when it came to and end, fittingly so at the club, called “The End”, which had it’s own writing on the wall, with talks of re-development on everybody’s lips. For all this, we would have been fools to miss out on what could be the last official gay/mixed event at this cosy club in Bloomsbury.
So, with work out of the way, we descended on West Central St. and into the clutches of the End venue, being greeted by some very friendly door staff, treated us just short of royalty as we happily donated to the great cause of the fight against AIDS. The generosity of the team meant that £5 of our entry charge was being donated to The Terrence Higgins Trust, so it would have been rude not to shove a little bit more their way as we emptied our pockets, depositing the proceeds into the collection box.
Down the stairs, we entered the club to find a collecting mix of Discotec faithful’s, off-duty scene workers, mixed in with a mass of party heads, all intent on savouring this final outing. Not being regular “Discotecer” we struggled to recognise the D.J. holding court in the “funky” room space, although stepping down into the main room, found the scrumptious Fidel in charge of proceedings, churning out a glorious mix of house infused tracks, which had the collective bunch of dancers on the floor moving & grooving.
Whilst we were disappointed with the absence of our friend & compatriot, Lee Yeomans, it wasn’t long before Guy Williams (and friend) arrived to keep us company, sharing news of his week long exploits which left us aghast with what sounded like an exhausting schedule that we would have struggled to keep up. He looked good on it though and soon tucked into the refreshments we lined up, in preparation for his set a little later.
As we continued to wander around the club, more & more familiar faces appeared, including Adrian Eleftheriou, Jay Sharp Vokins, Megan Jones and the lovely Clington Forbes as well as some of the D.J’s playing, Luke Hope, Jeffrey Hinton, Slamma and Lee Harris, not to mention the enigmatic Gaetan Scott, all who were up for celebrating this mammoth end to a historic club outing. The excitement was further enhanced as the characteristic camera flashes emanating from the lens of scene non-stopper, photographer Chris Jepson’s camera lit up proceedings to ensure that everything that moved was caught for posterity. Chatting with Chris, once the stream of photo taking came to an end, we soon gathered that this rebel with a cause had been out literally all weekend, with no sleep and seemingly surviving on copious amounts of Red Bull, staggering!!
With the “funky” room well and truly kicking, due in no part to MC Brandy, we were keen to concentrate our efforts on the main floor, as Luke Hope took over the reigns, going back-to-back with Femi B, which resulted in a fabulous mix of inspiring & uplifting tracks, which saw the main room numbers swell considerably, some brave ones ascending the two podiums placed in the middle of the dance space. We were very much tempted to join them, although remained in out spot, working the crowd around us and getting major “down” to the tunes Luke & Femi B were delivering.
In reality, however, it was the maestro Guy Williams that we had really come along to see & hear, so it was with huge excitement when we saw him step behind the D.J. decks in the first room and then set about really cranking up the music mood to a much more tech-house, hard edged and chunky style that had us completely spellbound and ecstatic. We have truly come to love Guy’s music and having savoured it, admittedly in small bites over the years, recent months have seen us, once again warm to his music talents, which for us remain “cutting edge”.
Whilst Guy was honoured to fulfil the last set End’s main floor for Discotec, the numbers and crowd just weren’t there for him to justify a full set and within the hour, room one was wound right down, just leaving the funkier room two to take hold. Mind you, judging by the numbers still enjoying the more relaxing vibes, there was still legs left in this special party and we momentarily reflected what a great way it was to mark the occasion of World AIDS day, something that is close to our hearts for very personal reasons.
With the call of work, yet still buzzing from Guy’s set, we decided to head off home with thoughts a plenty in our heads and memories of parties of old flashing before our eyes. We were proud to be part of the “Last Discotec Party”
It is fair to say that whilst the event wasn’t quite as busy as we would have liked, in numbers, it certainly made up for it in both atmosphere and superb music. Its ancestral home, The End, may be closing soon, but we really hope the concept that is Discotec is able to continue, albeit, it is always difficult to find a new home to settle into. However, with so many clubs having moved venues recently or ones that are in the process of doing so, there is no reason why Laurent’s brainchild venture cannot do the same. Here’s to the survival of this legendary club brand. (DISCO MATT)
Tuesday 2 December 2008
SuprMartXe Club Review
SUPERMARXTE @ THE CORONET – SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBERREVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
With our year being dominated by Italiano meets Spanish influenced everything, from Matinee events, through establishing new DJ/Producer friends and gathering amazing music mixes, not to mention fab seeing some P.A.’s at many a party, you would have thought we would be latino overloaded by now. Certainly not! and with the news that the talk of Spain & Ibiza, SuperMartXe was due to land in London town, we were very excited indeed. Having put on such a spectacular show in Madrid, combined with the amazing hype and build to the event, we were definitely not going to miss this one.
Choosing The Coronet venue in Elephant & Castle (not quite a glamour destination darling!!) this choice, in some ways, heightened the excitement although it was serious “hang onto your purses girls” territory as we arrived, supposedly fashionably late at 1 a.m. (it was open till 7 a.m. you know), thinking our late arrival would mean no queue? Well, not on your nelly! as the masses stretched back down the road. Fortunately for us, we caught sight of the lovely Jamie Head (and crew) who were close to the head of the queue, so surreptitiously managed to leapfrog scores of expectant clubbers (how naughty of us, slap wrists!).
With the advance ticket holders suddenly speeding into the club and we clutching ours, we soon found ourselves faced with airport style security and, it has to be said, overzealous individuals at that, the man searching us, managing to drop our MP3 player on the floor, effectively breaking it, not really the start we wanted! However, having negotiated the “Fort Knox” entry, we then advanced into what can only be described as a completely rammed Coronet and wishing to place our coats & bags into check, then proceeded to stand in a winding line of others, trying to do the same, stretching over two floors and hardly moving (the other coatcheck queue was just as bad). So, after waiting over half an hour, all the while bumping into familiar faces, including our Industri friend Stewart, we eventually gave up and descended from our lowly position in the procession and into the main room.
If there was one thing with SuperMartXe London that resembled Madrid, it was the size of this main space, which was breathtakingly full with a most metrosexual bunch of hedonists, dancing, “hands in the air” to the melodic house sounds of Spanish main land D.J. Juanjo Martin (of Matinee fame!) who had the crowd literally eating out of his hands. Whilst it seemed like a popular choice of music genre, for us, it seemed uncharacteristic of the sounds we have enjoyed in Madrid, Barcelona & Ibiza, rather more pandering to the softer & queenier demands of a London crowd (although we are not all like that you know!).
Looking around the massive main room, the team had made some effort to adorn the huge space with SuperMartXe signage and we were spellbound by the brilliant focal point that was the stage, with some amazing “glass” style boxes in-set into the back, sporting supremely handsome guys dancing in them, wow!! Madrid had gone overboard with production, so some would say London was more sedate, although the stage show that followed, with the centre piece of Rebekka Brown, was stunning and grabbed everybody’s attention. Huge lighting and stage production, in amongst a superb collection of “drop dead gorgeous” go-go dancers really set the scene for an amazing clubbing night on the tiles, with the venue allowing a stretch of over 9 hours.
So by now the party was well and truly kicking and the mass of people were enjoying themselves in new surroundings with a new feel. However, we couldn’t help noticing that there were a whole bunch of people either holding on to or wearing their coats (not a good sign). Was this a kick back from the coat check problems we had encountered? possibly, and as we like to have our bits and pieces secure before letting our hair right down , we suspect that many of those adorning coats & bags couldn’t succumb to the full SuperMartXe experience either, a shame really.
With Juanjo Martin assuming control of the decks, the hedonistic tribulations of the masses continued, with go-go’s finding positions around the main floor to further entertain the crowd. Nevertheless, we simply couldn’t relax and enjoy ourselves, watching our bags & coats constantly next to us, so it wasn’t soon before we decided we couldn’t endure such uncomfortable (for us) vibes anymore, as we also couldn’t stop thinking about the bad treatment we had been subjected to by the door staff earlier, we made our minds up to leave.
So, in resignation, we slumped out of SuperMartXe at the Coronet, to reflect on a night that (we must stress this) for us, did not hit the mark! Walking away and through and past scary council house style blocks of flats to the safe environment that is home, we shared comments with our favourite club promoter with the re-assurance that his venture was also quite busy. However, it has to be said the general feedback from most was that the Coronet party was superb, the effort put in by the promoter reflected this and SuperMartXe ended up being a huge success, coatcheck problems or not!
Well, what was our view of SuperMartXe? We found the concept fantastic, although the parties in Spain & Ibiza have obviously created a president for London. However, with the massive turnout, not seen in The Coronet and indeed in many a club in many a year, there is clear in interest in the brand and an expectant party extraordinaire. Did we get that feeling from SuperMartXe? Well we can say, probably yes but in small chunks due to the personal issues we encountered. and for those into the kind of commercial tunes played around the London scene lately, you would be having a good time . For us, the move trend to underground and chunky tech-house is what we enjoy (the kind of music that emanates from many more clubs headlining the scene of late). But, it has to be said that the foot fall on this occasion proved that clubbing on a big scale can pull a crowd and maybe that is where the scene should head. The question is, can it continue to do so?
Having heard from the promoter, Logan, after the event, the planned New Year party (possibly 3rd January) is great news, both for the scene and for diversity. SuperMartXe has clearly captured the imagination and compared to (potential only) rivals Matinee & Revolver, it is not really competition. In a scene that has been dominated by trashy Vauxhall clubs in recent times, it is so refreshing that not only do we have quality brands like Revolver & Matinee (albeit Matinee is in Vauxhall), but we can now add SuperMartXe to the list. There is, in are our opinion, room for all three (and loads more actually), so welcome to the fold SuperMartXe, even if you are in E&C which stands for CH. (DISCO MATT)
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Ramon's 30th Birthday Party @ Apothecary - Special Review
SPECIAL REVIEW – RAMON’S 30TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
@ THE APOTHECARY – SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2008
REVIEW FOR DISCO MATT WEBSITES
Don’t we just adore birthdays and all the celebrations they can bring. With spectacular celebrations over the months, including a superb one at Industri for our friend Chris Wilcox just weeks ago, our weekend was littered with birthday boys, Kieran (aka Sweety Pants), Michael (celebrating 40 years) and Ramon, whom we have known for many years, spanning back to the heady days of Trade.
So with the backdrop of birthdays, mixed in with clubbing on all scales and having been invited to this special bash at Lawrence Malice’s new club space, Apothecary, next to Egg in Kings Cross, we were really looking forward to a great time, with great music and fantastic company and we were not to be disappointed.
Having originally planned our arrival around 6 p.m., the call of our pal & D.J. Lee Yeomans, meant an earlier arrival at 4 p.m. Lee, as we were close to doing, had been partying all night and with text call messages, dragged us out of slumber land to his aid, rushing up to Apothecary in the most inclement of weather, to find him waiting patently for our arrival. Catching up on news of the Egg party we had missed, this was shortly followed by the arrival of birthday boy himself, Ramon (and posse) signalling our entry into the maze that is Apothecary and into the solitary main room, where hurried preparations of the space were being made.
With Ramon’s crew armed with cakes a plenty, which were soon laid out in the corner of the room, we took a moments respite in advance of what was to become a solid celebration of dancing, mingling with beautiful people and having a right old knees up with the assembling crowd & our pal Lee. Looking round the room, which had a great stage space in one corner, a dominating screen in the other, showing “Trade” visuals (so appropriate to Ramon’s recent past) and a magnificent array of lighting across the ceiling, to rival many clubs twice or more the size, we were suitably impressed by Apothecary already.
With most of us gagging for a drink to get the party well and truly underway, we soon found Ramon playing bartender, in an impromptu move that delighted us all, so much so that camera’s clicked catching him in pose behind the bar. The music had started now, supplied by the fabulous D.J. Haden Crockett, who set about delivering a superb mix of commercially (promise we won’t use this word again!) twisted house vibes that got the ever increasing audience moving. Our friend Lee was impressed by Haden’s choices, telling us that the sounds were so reminiscent of Federation, a club he plays for in Manchester.
As more & more people turned up for this special occasion celebration, Haden handed over to D.J. talent, Jonny Evans, who took the music to a new & tougher level, delivering some superb Underground sounds intertwined with techhouse meets disco beats, which had us literally bouncing on our spot. Despite his marathon 16 hours of clubbing & partying, our friend Lee couldn’t resist strutting his stuff, bouncing up and down. It was with this that we chatted and both agreed that the launch of “bouncy house” had arrived, and don’t we just love a bit of trend-setting!
By now, the party was well and truly swinging, made even more exciting by the arrival of D.J’s Malcolm Duffy and the great Guy Williams who (like all the D.J’s) had leant their time free of charge & in aid of celebrating Ramon’s birthday. Guy came over not long after arriving and shared news of recent clubbing escapades with us, refusing the offer of a drink (on the wagon Guy!?!) saying he was taking a rest after a hectic last few months (he is one of the busiest D.J’s we know, you know).
Popping outside for a quick break from proceedings, it wasn’t long before we were back inside as Guy was now behind the decks pumping out his characteristic hard house & diet techno infused sounds, so typical of recent sets we have been privileged to hear him play, at such diverse clubs as Matinee, Trade & Breakfast @ Egg. Despite claims from our pal (told you we wouldn’t mention THAT word again) we were content that Guy’s sound was far from the c word, but most similar to his set in the lite lounge in Trade just weeks ago and a cut above everything we had heard. Actually, he is a huge fan of Guy’s and quite rightly so as the man is “cutting edge” with his music style.
To make the party well and truly complete, Egg & Apothecary owner and creator of one of the worlds most infamous club brands, Trade, the great Laurence Malice, wafted in to a rapturous welcome and it wasn’t long before he grabbed the microphone, interrupting Guy’s set. Having seen him do this so much in Trade (and clearly others in the crowd had too) an immediate roar went up, as he beckoned birthday boy Ramon forward to say a few words, immediately followed by a rendition of “Happy Birthday” in rap style to Guy’s music which had fired up again.
As Guy’s superb set came to an end, for which we had danced to furiously virtually none stop, Trade veteran (well Guy is one too we guess) Malcolm Duffy took over the reigns, taking the music in yet another direction, this time very much more drum & base infused with funky techno. However, by now, as much as we wanted to carry on partying, our energy levels were shot to pieces, so we said our fond farewells to a collection of folk including Lee & birthday boy Ramon and meandered our way out of Apothecary and home to our special Singapore Fried Rice takeaway!
Well, you couldn’t have asked to be in better company on a Sunday afternoon & evening. Ramon is such a lovely guy and his collection of friends are some of the friendliest we have met. No-one was standing on ceremony and we were truly proud to be part of the whole celebration, listening to brilliant music and rubbing shoulders with greats like Laurence, Malcolm & Guy. What an end to the weekend & if only Sunday’s were always like this. We toast Ramon for reaching the “big three O”, happy birthday young man. (DISCO MATT)
@ THE APOTHECARY – SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2008
REVIEW FOR DISCO MATT WEBSITES
Don’t we just adore birthdays and all the celebrations they can bring. With spectacular celebrations over the months, including a superb one at Industri for our friend Chris Wilcox just weeks ago, our weekend was littered with birthday boys, Kieran (aka Sweety Pants), Michael (celebrating 40 years) and Ramon, whom we have known for many years, spanning back to the heady days of Trade.
So with the backdrop of birthdays, mixed in with clubbing on all scales and having been invited to this special bash at Lawrence Malice’s new club space, Apothecary, next to Egg in Kings Cross, we were really looking forward to a great time, with great music and fantastic company and we were not to be disappointed.
Having originally planned our arrival around 6 p.m., the call of our pal & D.J. Lee Yeomans, meant an earlier arrival at 4 p.m. Lee, as we were close to doing, had been partying all night and with text call messages, dragged us out of slumber land to his aid, rushing up to Apothecary in the most inclement of weather, to find him waiting patently for our arrival. Catching up on news of the Egg party we had missed, this was shortly followed by the arrival of birthday boy himself, Ramon (and posse) signalling our entry into the maze that is Apothecary and into the solitary main room, where hurried preparations of the space were being made.
With Ramon’s crew armed with cakes a plenty, which were soon laid out in the corner of the room, we took a moments respite in advance of what was to become a solid celebration of dancing, mingling with beautiful people and having a right old knees up with the assembling crowd & our pal Lee. Looking round the room, which had a great stage space in one corner, a dominating screen in the other, showing “Trade” visuals (so appropriate to Ramon’s recent past) and a magnificent array of lighting across the ceiling, to rival many clubs twice or more the size, we were suitably impressed by Apothecary already.
With most of us gagging for a drink to get the party well and truly underway, we soon found Ramon playing bartender, in an impromptu move that delighted us all, so much so that camera’s clicked catching him in pose behind the bar. The music had started now, supplied by the fabulous D.J. Haden Crockett, who set about delivering a superb mix of commercially (promise we won’t use this word again!) twisted house vibes that got the ever increasing audience moving. Our friend Lee was impressed by Haden’s choices, telling us that the sounds were so reminiscent of Federation, a club he plays for in Manchester.
As more & more people turned up for this special occasion celebration, Haden handed over to D.J. talent, Jonny Evans, who took the music to a new & tougher level, delivering some superb Underground sounds intertwined with techhouse meets disco beats, which had us literally bouncing on our spot. Despite his marathon 16 hours of clubbing & partying, our friend Lee couldn’t resist strutting his stuff, bouncing up and down. It was with this that we chatted and both agreed that the launch of “bouncy house” had arrived, and don’t we just love a bit of trend-setting!
By now, the party was well and truly swinging, made even more exciting by the arrival of D.J’s Malcolm Duffy and the great Guy Williams who (like all the D.J’s) had leant their time free of charge & in aid of celebrating Ramon’s birthday. Guy came over not long after arriving and shared news of recent clubbing escapades with us, refusing the offer of a drink (on the wagon Guy!?!) saying he was taking a rest after a hectic last few months (he is one of the busiest D.J’s we know, you know).
Popping outside for a quick break from proceedings, it wasn’t long before we were back inside as Guy was now behind the decks pumping out his characteristic hard house & diet techno infused sounds, so typical of recent sets we have been privileged to hear him play, at such diverse clubs as Matinee, Trade & Breakfast @ Egg. Despite claims from our pal (told you we wouldn’t mention THAT word again) we were content that Guy’s sound was far from the c word, but most similar to his set in the lite lounge in Trade just weeks ago and a cut above everything we had heard. Actually, he is a huge fan of Guy’s and quite rightly so as the man is “cutting edge” with his music style.
To make the party well and truly complete, Egg & Apothecary owner and creator of one of the worlds most infamous club brands, Trade, the great Laurence Malice, wafted in to a rapturous welcome and it wasn’t long before he grabbed the microphone, interrupting Guy’s set. Having seen him do this so much in Trade (and clearly others in the crowd had too) an immediate roar went up, as he beckoned birthday boy Ramon forward to say a few words, immediately followed by a rendition of “Happy Birthday” in rap style to Guy’s music which had fired up again.
As Guy’s superb set came to an end, for which we had danced to furiously virtually none stop, Trade veteran (well Guy is one too we guess) Malcolm Duffy took over the reigns, taking the music in yet another direction, this time very much more drum & base infused with funky techno. However, by now, as much as we wanted to carry on partying, our energy levels were shot to pieces, so we said our fond farewells to a collection of folk including Lee & birthday boy Ramon and meandered our way out of Apothecary and home to our special Singapore Fried Rice takeaway!
Well, you couldn’t have asked to be in better company on a Sunday afternoon & evening. Ramon is such a lovely guy and his collection of friends are some of the friendliest we have met. No-one was standing on ceremony and we were truly proud to be part of the whole celebration, listening to brilliant music and rubbing shoulders with greats like Laurence, Malcolm & Guy. What an end to the weekend & if only Sunday’s were always like this. We toast Ramon for reaching the “big three O”, happy birthday young man. (DISCO MATT)
Revolver _ The last Astoria - Club Review
REVOLVER AT THE ASTORIA – SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEEQUEEN
Since it’s launch back in May, Revolver has been at the forefront of a step change in gay clubbing in London, spearheading the move to superb production, lighting, sparkling stage shows and cutting edge (if sometimes daring) music styles which have set it apart from the “commercial” offerings which have so often had a stranglehold on the scene.
At it’s initial home, Scala in Kings Cross, Revolver proved that spectacular cinema style venues was just what the brand needed and a chain of awesome shows combined with scene favourite & talented D.J’s, drew a fabulous mix of latino’s, scene faces, party boys & girls who (like us) were tempted not just by great music, but by all round entertainment in truly circuit style surroundings. Despite all on offer, it is fair to say that turnout was modest, some pointing the blame at the locale rather than the brand.
With this backdrop, a bold decision was made to move Revolver from Scala to a West End location, choosing The Astoria as its new home. As part of this move, the promotions team opted to go for the daring step and make Revolver a weekly event. The launch was a huge success, with stunning visuals from massive screens, amazing go-go dancers performing, a superb PA on stage, wonderful lighting and a transformation of Astoria never seen before. Evolved Events (the promotion engine for Revolver & Matinee) really put “their money where their mouth was” and expectations already high were certainly met in this launch party.
So, just four weeks after moving to Astoria and having supported each weekly party since hitting the West End, we once again opted to attend Revolver in a the wake of a Saturday offering little or no choice of “big style” clubbing, making our decision very easy indeed. Having warmed ourselves up with a pre-club circuit roving trip to Ku-Klub, Rupert St & Barcode Vauxhall (the latter in the hands of Revolver residents Nick Tcherniak & Brent Nicholls – what a warm up!) we were raring to go upon arriving at Astoria’s steps to the welcoming arms of Minty who was managing to door in her usual fantastic fashion. Now, as you are probably already familiar, the night couldn’t go any further without offering up shots of Sambuca, ideal for chasing away the artic style conditions outside, something that has become a tradition between us & Minty.
Moving into the club and on the promise of hooking up with friends, Lee Yeomans & Max Sanna (both acclaimed D.J’s/Producers) as well as Industri pals Chris & Stephen, we hit the main room and instantly recognised a change to the layout. The massive stage had been shrunk by a huge black backdrop and with the D.J. booth moved right forward to give the room a more intimate feel. Three dancing podiums were in place on the expanse of the dancefloor and go-go dancers had already assumed position to entertain the crowd, gyrating to the tunes of Oliver M, who was in command of the decks. Immediately spotting him, we ran up to greet him and savoured his usual warm welcome, sharing, momentarily, news before he was torn away back to his D.J. duties.
Retiring through the crowd towards the back of the room, we soon bumped into all our pals, Chris, Stephen & Lee, almost missing our tallest friend Max (how could we not see him!) and caught up on the evening’s events, also spotting other familiar faces who, just like us, were here to support one of our favourite club concepts around. Nevertheless, it was clear that the small crowd was speaking volumes and despite the great music being delivered by Oliver and the go-go dancers making every effort, the atmosphere was nothing like previous parties and the move to make the room more intimate, whilst probably sensible, in some ways took away the whole ethos of Revolver, massive production, superb stage shows & sparkling entertainment.
Being joined by Minty and also spotting and being greeted by Pagano as he arrived for D.J. duties, we continued to dance & socialise with our pals, further added by the arrival of the cute and cuddly Eduardo De La Torre, with whom we are soon to be privileged to share the same birthday week, Eduardo lined up to deliver the last set of the evening. With Oliver handing over to Pagano, the great music continued, although his task was difficult as the dancefloor remained far from full and indeed the crowd was most “un-Revolver” like. Despite all efforts by the team, despite our efforts to inject energy by dancing away, despite the superb company we were holding (Lee, Max, Chris, Stephen, Minty & more) and despite the brilliant music, the atmosphere just wasn’t there and we soon decided our time at Revolver was up.
Leaving our friends behind, shunning a trip to Egg in favour of a return to Barcode Vauxhall, we fell on Evolved Events supremo Oliver M & his boyfriend outside Astoria, both with disappointment written across their faces. We consoled them but given the lack of turnout tonight, claimed that moving to weekly was always going to be tough. We agreed that swapping from Scala to the West End was probably the right move, but with Astoria’s history and reputation, we suspect that choosing the venue was probably the wrong move. Oliver continued to talk about his passion for everything, the music, the shows, the production but mostly putting on a great party and we agreed that he is very much renowned for all of this. There was no doubt that this enthusiasm had shown through in previous Revolver parties and is trademark Matinee London, so typically Evolved Events. Nevertheless, the writing for the immediate future of Revolver was “on the wall” and Oliver confirmed to us that the club would be no more at Astoria. With this stark news on our minds we headed back across south of the river to forget the woeful end to weekly Revolver’s.
So, does this mean the end of this club brand, well definitely not! More likely is that it will take a well deserved break and then come back bigger & better than before. Given the fact that few weekly clubs of this size work, currently, it is doubtful that Revolver will ever be that again, but it is possible that its ties with Matinee (THE most successful club in gay London) will become closer and we can look forward to some amazing parties from a potentially combined effort.
Revolver, on this occasion, sadly fired blanks, but over its short history has been fully loaded & charged and has made a considerable impact on the scene. It our eyes, it changed the whole face of gay clubbing and we will miss it tremendously but hope to see it return soon. (DISCO MATT)
REVIEW FOR SEEQUEEN
Since it’s launch back in May, Revolver has been at the forefront of a step change in gay clubbing in London, spearheading the move to superb production, lighting, sparkling stage shows and cutting edge (if sometimes daring) music styles which have set it apart from the “commercial” offerings which have so often had a stranglehold on the scene.
At it’s initial home, Scala in Kings Cross, Revolver proved that spectacular cinema style venues was just what the brand needed and a chain of awesome shows combined with scene favourite & talented D.J’s, drew a fabulous mix of latino’s, scene faces, party boys & girls who (like us) were tempted not just by great music, but by all round entertainment in truly circuit style surroundings. Despite all on offer, it is fair to say that turnout was modest, some pointing the blame at the locale rather than the brand.
With this backdrop, a bold decision was made to move Revolver from Scala to a West End location, choosing The Astoria as its new home. As part of this move, the promotions team opted to go for the daring step and make Revolver a weekly event. The launch was a huge success, with stunning visuals from massive screens, amazing go-go dancers performing, a superb PA on stage, wonderful lighting and a transformation of Astoria never seen before. Evolved Events (the promotion engine for Revolver & Matinee) really put “their money where their mouth was” and expectations already high were certainly met in this launch party.
So, just four weeks after moving to Astoria and having supported each weekly party since hitting the West End, we once again opted to attend Revolver in a the wake of a Saturday offering little or no choice of “big style” clubbing, making our decision very easy indeed. Having warmed ourselves up with a pre-club circuit roving trip to Ku-Klub, Rupert St & Barcode Vauxhall (the latter in the hands of Revolver residents Nick Tcherniak & Brent Nicholls – what a warm up!) we were raring to go upon arriving at Astoria’s steps to the welcoming arms of Minty who was managing to door in her usual fantastic fashion. Now, as you are probably already familiar, the night couldn’t go any further without offering up shots of Sambuca, ideal for chasing away the artic style conditions outside, something that has become a tradition between us & Minty.
Moving into the club and on the promise of hooking up with friends, Lee Yeomans & Max Sanna (both acclaimed D.J’s/Producers) as well as Industri pals Chris & Stephen, we hit the main room and instantly recognised a change to the layout. The massive stage had been shrunk by a huge black backdrop and with the D.J. booth moved right forward to give the room a more intimate feel. Three dancing podiums were in place on the expanse of the dancefloor and go-go dancers had already assumed position to entertain the crowd, gyrating to the tunes of Oliver M, who was in command of the decks. Immediately spotting him, we ran up to greet him and savoured his usual warm welcome, sharing, momentarily, news before he was torn away back to his D.J. duties.
Retiring through the crowd towards the back of the room, we soon bumped into all our pals, Chris, Stephen & Lee, almost missing our tallest friend Max (how could we not see him!) and caught up on the evening’s events, also spotting other familiar faces who, just like us, were here to support one of our favourite club concepts around. Nevertheless, it was clear that the small crowd was speaking volumes and despite the great music being delivered by Oliver and the go-go dancers making every effort, the atmosphere was nothing like previous parties and the move to make the room more intimate, whilst probably sensible, in some ways took away the whole ethos of Revolver, massive production, superb stage shows & sparkling entertainment.
Being joined by Minty and also spotting and being greeted by Pagano as he arrived for D.J. duties, we continued to dance & socialise with our pals, further added by the arrival of the cute and cuddly Eduardo De La Torre, with whom we are soon to be privileged to share the same birthday week, Eduardo lined up to deliver the last set of the evening. With Oliver handing over to Pagano, the great music continued, although his task was difficult as the dancefloor remained far from full and indeed the crowd was most “un-Revolver” like. Despite all efforts by the team, despite our efforts to inject energy by dancing away, despite the superb company we were holding (Lee, Max, Chris, Stephen, Minty & more) and despite the brilliant music, the atmosphere just wasn’t there and we soon decided our time at Revolver was up.
Leaving our friends behind, shunning a trip to Egg in favour of a return to Barcode Vauxhall, we fell on Evolved Events supremo Oliver M & his boyfriend outside Astoria, both with disappointment written across their faces. We consoled them but given the lack of turnout tonight, claimed that moving to weekly was always going to be tough. We agreed that swapping from Scala to the West End was probably the right move, but with Astoria’s history and reputation, we suspect that choosing the venue was probably the wrong move. Oliver continued to talk about his passion for everything, the music, the shows, the production but mostly putting on a great party and we agreed that he is very much renowned for all of this. There was no doubt that this enthusiasm had shown through in previous Revolver parties and is trademark Matinee London, so typically Evolved Events. Nevertheless, the writing for the immediate future of Revolver was “on the wall” and Oliver confirmed to us that the club would be no more at Astoria. With this stark news on our minds we headed back across south of the river to forget the woeful end to weekly Revolver’s.
So, does this mean the end of this club brand, well definitely not! More likely is that it will take a well deserved break and then come back bigger & better than before. Given the fact that few weekly clubs of this size work, currently, it is doubtful that Revolver will ever be that again, but it is possible that its ties with Matinee (THE most successful club in gay London) will become closer and we can look forward to some amazing parties from a potentially combined effort.
Revolver, on this occasion, sadly fired blanks, but over its short history has been fully loaded & charged and has made a considerable impact on the scene. It our eyes, it changed the whole face of gay clubbing and we will miss it tremendously but hope to see it return soon. (DISCO MATT)
Tuesday 18 November 2008
"Sundays" at Barcode Vauxhall - Club Review
“SUNDAYS” AT BARCODE VAUXHALL – SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
When the Barcode expansion machine hit Vauxhall just over two years ago, we were delighted to see one of our favourite bar brands make an impact change on the gay village south of the river. It immediately became popular both with clubbers using it as a warm up to the likes of Crash, Matinee, Juicy & other clubbing nights and soon established itself as a popular clubbing venue itself, particularly on a Friday & Saturday.
Sunday’s were also very popular from the outset, with both the front bar and the club behind being open & busy, attracting a gorgeous mix of Latino’s, scene faces & party goers either finishing off their weekends or re-launching their night out before trips to late night Sunday clubs. With a rotating D.J. line up, including Gonzalo, Alan X, Luke Hope & Brent Nicholls in the club & Stewart Who taking care of proceedings in the front room, Sunday’s at Barcode Vauxhall became unmissable for us.
But times they changed and soon the popularity of clubbing on Sunday waned, which affected many venues, Barcode Vauxhall not being alone in feeling the pinch. As a result, the closure of the club space soon followed, with energies then being directed to the front bar and the dream team of Stewart Who and Brent Nicholls reigned supreme every Sunday, with special nights like Balearic & Diablo amongst others to keep up interest and in an attempt to continue to secure Barcode’s Sunday’s. But when Stewart Who & Brent Nicholls became just Brent Nicholls and then no D.J. at all, the bottom fell out of the weekender and subsequent attempts to re-launch the night failed (we won’t mention the disastrous themes or D.J. choices), resulting on Sunday at our favourite local coming to a halt.
Fortunately for us, Sunday’s were soon replaced by Thursday’s, in the form of the brilliant social soiree, Industri, although it is fair to say the last day of the weekend still has a special place in our heart. So, were we excited or what!? when news of the return of Sundays at Barcode Vauxhall was announced. Pioneered by the enigmatic and popular Faye Lanson, a name synonymous with Barcode, the night, aptly named “Sundays” promised fresh new D.J. talent, superb music, great drinks offers and most importantly both rooms open. Well, we simply couldn’t miss out on this one could we?
So, arriving at just turned 8.30 p.m., we were greeted on the door by a smiling Emilio who waved us straight through into the front room, which was pleasantly full of a truly eclectic mix of people, clubbers, scene faces, bears & off duty D.J’s, all intent on savouring the return of Sundays to Barcode Vauxhall. Depositing our bits & bobs into the coatcheck, we advanced further into the club space, finding a smattering of cutie’s dancing away to the sounds of Faye herself, who had assumed control of the decks before the arrival of Hi-Fi Sean, swapping places with Tony Junior, who had the front room captivated with a truly commercial & upbeat set of tunes.
We paused briefly, catching up with new D.J. talent, Astroboy, who was clearly excited about the launch of “Sundays” and is one of a few new names/faces gracing Barcode Vauxhall’s doors, others including Emma Miswhite and Steven Artis, both accomplished talents in their own right. The line up genuinely seemed to be all about showcasing something different and we were very much looking forward to seeing Hi-Fi Sean in action, having only savoured his musical mixes at Hard On!.
Wandering back up into the front room, we fell on Industri pal Ian (with friend) and chatted away about the merits of Sundays as well as catching up on the weekend & other bits of news. In amidst our conversation, lots of familiar faces appeared, including D.J.’s Paul Coles & Tim Mclone and for a while the crowd seemed like a mini “Tonker” gathering. This was much to the delight of the cute and sexy Hugh Stevenson, who soon arrived and joined us to recollect on the fabulous time we had together on the Matinee dancefloor just over a week ago. We go back a few years with Hugh and it was great to catch up with him and learn of his latest exploits, although sadly little or no D.J.’ing for him at the moment.
When Hugh got distracted, we wandered back down into the club space, to find proceedings had been wound down and hugged a disappointed Faye, who was clearly expecting a much bigger turnout. Consoling her and together with Astroboy, we discussed the need to persevere as it was clear the front room was quite popular, so with a few tweaks here & there, the club space would work too.
We left Faye to pack up and with just the front room now open, Tony Junior continued to push out a collection of commercial & up to date tracks to keep the atmosphere buoyant. We carried on socialising with familiar faces and Barcode regulars, although we were ever conscious of our early start to work the following day. So, at an uncharacteristic early departure just over a couple of hours after arriving, we headed home to reflect on a night which sadly didn’t quite deliver to expectations, but resplendent in the thought that Sundays at Barcode Vauxhall may yet still be back on the agenda. According to reliable sources, not long after we left, there was some sort of security alert at MI5 across the road (or was it a certain club promoter putting the boot in,!?!) which halted the whole of Albert Embankment, effectively killing off any further “Sundays” activity, not the start (or was it end!) the night really needed.
There is no doubt that “Sundays” as a venture faces an up hill battle. There is stiff local competition in the form of both the R.V.T and Eagle Bar, who have established & popular nights (S.LA.G.S. & Horse Meat Disco), but also with the Embankment bar steeling BCV custom (albeit it was closed tonight) and with generally difficult trading conditions, there may need to be much gritting of teeth to see it become a success. We genuinely believe the introduction of some “heavyweight” D.J. talent is the way to go and linking in with a later running club might also be an idea. Whatever happens, we hope our Sundays are back, we hope that this new night gets the support it deserves (it has ours) but only time (if they let it) will tell. (DISCO MATT)
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
When the Barcode expansion machine hit Vauxhall just over two years ago, we were delighted to see one of our favourite bar brands make an impact change on the gay village south of the river. It immediately became popular both with clubbers using it as a warm up to the likes of Crash, Matinee, Juicy & other clubbing nights and soon established itself as a popular clubbing venue itself, particularly on a Friday & Saturday.
Sunday’s were also very popular from the outset, with both the front bar and the club behind being open & busy, attracting a gorgeous mix of Latino’s, scene faces & party goers either finishing off their weekends or re-launching their night out before trips to late night Sunday clubs. With a rotating D.J. line up, including Gonzalo, Alan X, Luke Hope & Brent Nicholls in the club & Stewart Who taking care of proceedings in the front room, Sunday’s at Barcode Vauxhall became unmissable for us.
But times they changed and soon the popularity of clubbing on Sunday waned, which affected many venues, Barcode Vauxhall not being alone in feeling the pinch. As a result, the closure of the club space soon followed, with energies then being directed to the front bar and the dream team of Stewart Who and Brent Nicholls reigned supreme every Sunday, with special nights like Balearic & Diablo amongst others to keep up interest and in an attempt to continue to secure Barcode’s Sunday’s. But when Stewart Who & Brent Nicholls became just Brent Nicholls and then no D.J. at all, the bottom fell out of the weekender and subsequent attempts to re-launch the night failed (we won’t mention the disastrous themes or D.J. choices), resulting on Sunday at our favourite local coming to a halt.
Fortunately for us, Sunday’s were soon replaced by Thursday’s, in the form of the brilliant social soiree, Industri, although it is fair to say the last day of the weekend still has a special place in our heart. So, were we excited or what!? when news of the return of Sundays at Barcode Vauxhall was announced. Pioneered by the enigmatic and popular Faye Lanson, a name synonymous with Barcode, the night, aptly named “Sundays” promised fresh new D.J. talent, superb music, great drinks offers and most importantly both rooms open. Well, we simply couldn’t miss out on this one could we?
So, arriving at just turned 8.30 p.m., we were greeted on the door by a smiling Emilio who waved us straight through into the front room, which was pleasantly full of a truly eclectic mix of people, clubbers, scene faces, bears & off duty D.J’s, all intent on savouring the return of Sundays to Barcode Vauxhall. Depositing our bits & bobs into the coatcheck, we advanced further into the club space, finding a smattering of cutie’s dancing away to the sounds of Faye herself, who had assumed control of the decks before the arrival of Hi-Fi Sean, swapping places with Tony Junior, who had the front room captivated with a truly commercial & upbeat set of tunes.
We paused briefly, catching up with new D.J. talent, Astroboy, who was clearly excited about the launch of “Sundays” and is one of a few new names/faces gracing Barcode Vauxhall’s doors, others including Emma Miswhite and Steven Artis, both accomplished talents in their own right. The line up genuinely seemed to be all about showcasing something different and we were very much looking forward to seeing Hi-Fi Sean in action, having only savoured his musical mixes at Hard On!.
Wandering back up into the front room, we fell on Industri pal Ian (with friend) and chatted away about the merits of Sundays as well as catching up on the weekend & other bits of news. In amidst our conversation, lots of familiar faces appeared, including D.J.’s Paul Coles & Tim Mclone and for a while the crowd seemed like a mini “Tonker” gathering. This was much to the delight of the cute and sexy Hugh Stevenson, who soon arrived and joined us to recollect on the fabulous time we had together on the Matinee dancefloor just over a week ago. We go back a few years with Hugh and it was great to catch up with him and learn of his latest exploits, although sadly little or no D.J.’ing for him at the moment.
When Hugh got distracted, we wandered back down into the club space, to find proceedings had been wound down and hugged a disappointed Faye, who was clearly expecting a much bigger turnout. Consoling her and together with Astroboy, we discussed the need to persevere as it was clear the front room was quite popular, so with a few tweaks here & there, the club space would work too.
We left Faye to pack up and with just the front room now open, Tony Junior continued to push out a collection of commercial & up to date tracks to keep the atmosphere buoyant. We carried on socialising with familiar faces and Barcode regulars, although we were ever conscious of our early start to work the following day. So, at an uncharacteristic early departure just over a couple of hours after arriving, we headed home to reflect on a night which sadly didn’t quite deliver to expectations, but resplendent in the thought that Sundays at Barcode Vauxhall may yet still be back on the agenda. According to reliable sources, not long after we left, there was some sort of security alert at MI5 across the road (or was it a certain club promoter putting the boot in,!?!) which halted the whole of Albert Embankment, effectively killing off any further “Sundays” activity, not the start (or was it end!) the night really needed.
There is no doubt that “Sundays” as a venture faces an up hill battle. There is stiff local competition in the form of both the R.V.T and Eagle Bar, who have established & popular nights (S.LA.G.S. & Horse Meat Disco), but also with the Embankment bar steeling BCV custom (albeit it was closed tonight) and with generally difficult trading conditions, there may need to be much gritting of teeth to see it become a success. We genuinely believe the introduction of some “heavyweight” D.J. talent is the way to go and linking in with a later running club might also be an idea. Whatever happens, we hope our Sundays are back, we hope that this new night gets the support it deserves (it has ours) but only time (if they let it) will tell. (DISCO MATT)
Tuesday 11 November 2008
Matinee Space Invaders - Club Review
MATINEE SPACE INVADERS – SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
Well it is fair to say that this monthly clubbing event has become like a religious homage for us, with hardly anything stopping us from attending. And this month was no exception, despite a gruelling work schedule, lack of sleep and no real time to ourselves, but then we are extremely obliging with our commitments to others, just look at our five club reviews in one night last weekend.
So, amidst the kind of weather that would keep most people firmly indoors, we headed off to Vauxhall and the temptations of this Spanish influenced phononemum of a party. With expectations for a high turnout and with thoughts that sister club Revolver, also running on the same night, would suffer dramatically, we opted to go south of the river calling in at Barcode Vauxhall, both to meet up with friends also going to Matinee and as, has been proven in the past, an ideal warm up to the main event itself.
On this occasion, however, we couldn’t have been more wrong, as we struggled to get into the bar to begin with, then drama’s ensued on the coat check and the club, in general, was filled with the most bizarre mix of people, (definately not those off to Matinee!). We desperately looked for our friends, soon realising that they had done what we were resigned to do, just aimed for Colosseum instead.
Leaving Barcode behind, we arrived at Matinee’s doors at just turned midnight to find only a smattering of people waiting in the guest list queue and armed with a ticket we had no wait at all, clearly the earlier arrival time being the reason. Saying hello briefly to Minty, who was busy sorting out her list, we got inside and joined what seemed a massive line of people waiting to put their bits & bobs into the coatcheck, After a frustrating 20 minutes to get our bags in, the service at the bar when ordering Sambuca for Minty & us, was simply appaling (we won’t bore you with the story!), all of which was enough to push us over the edge. So, in some “hissy queeny” fit we proceeded to lay into poor old Oliver M outside the club (it wasn’t his fault) and the club owner (who’s fault it definitely was) who just making matters worse with excuse after excuse.
Whilst this was not the start we had planned to our evening, we retreated into the club, up the stairs and into the main room, hotly pursued by an apologetic Oliver, but by now we had calmed down and repeated our claim that it wasn’t his fault. Looking around room 1, it was filling nicely with a much friendlier and gorgeous looking collection of latino’s, scene faces, and muscle queens, all soaking up the building atmosphere, masterfully orchestrated by the man on the decks, Guy Williams, who was pumping out some amazing hard edged diet techno infused house tracks mixed in with what can only be described as future disco tunes. This had us captivated for much of his set and with memories of our arrival long gone, we mingled with Industri friends on the dancefloor bumping into more familiar faces, including our friends lost in Barcode, as we settled on out spot by the backstage, next to the D.J. booth. The troupe of infamous Matinee dancers were out in force, suitably dressed in superb “starship trouper” headgear, amongst them, the lovely Dilmar, performing brilliantly as the dancers found positions across the dancefloor, to delight the crowd. The usual Matinee magic production was present, if a little understated than usual. Space ship mobiles were hanging from the ceiling and the fabulous wall of neon lights behind the D.J. booth served as the focal point, a unique touch that Matinee is becoming famous for.
So good had been the music, the atmosphere and the company we had enjoyed, under the control of the magnificent Guy Williams, we had hardly noticed the time as he handed over to Spanish superstar & Matinee Barcelona resident, Enrico Argentini. However, something seemed to be drawing us to room 2, albeit a long jaunt downstairs. Leaving our friends behind, we ventured off the hot & packed main floor and down the stairs into second space. That had been the draw, as we found Brent Nicholls behind the decks delivering an altogether faster paced chunky, funky, latino twisted bunch of tunes to a room that was sadly far from full. We were mystified when the team had decided to use this room last time and the small crowd once again proved that this space just doesn’t work. D.J. Alessandro was present, due to follow on after Brent but the look on his face said it all!! Despite great efforts with the lighting and the brilliant set delivered by Brent, which had us furiously dancing, (brought memories of his set in Trade’s lite lounge two weeks ago flooding back) room 2 just lacked the bodies to make it special, like the VIP room had done at Matinee Viva. Bring back the VIP room we cry (the D.J’s want it too!!).
Back in the main room, we caught the tail end of Enrico Argentini’s set, wedging our way past a brimming to capacity crowd and finding a small spot right next to the D.J. booth and the huge smoke cannon. With Pagano moving into position, what then ensued was simply amazing, as he set about taking the adorning Matinee party goers on a journey of exquisite music choices, one track after the next making us draw breath in amazement. The atmosphere took on a new direction and it was clear room 1 was the place to be as it continued to fill with more & more people, we spotting the likes of our pals Lee Yeomans & Max Sanna, as well as Hugh Stevenson, the lovely Paul Heron and even Brent Nicholls, who was determined to soak up the delights of the room, having finished his D.J. duties downstairs (and they all looked like they were enjoying it!). Like Guy’s set, we were so enthralled by Pagano’s music, that time literally flew and when the cute & lovely Eduardo De La Torre was set ready to take over, we knew night had turned into day.
By now our energy levels were sapping, although a few of our friends had already fallen by the wayside, and we retired to the bar to attempt to recover from the hours of magnificent music in the hands of Guy, Brent & Pagano. Yet as much as we tried, we couldn’t step up to the plate any longer and with work looming, we soon hung up our boots and retired home.
So, how do we rate this latest Matinee instalment, Space Invaders? Well, looking at the various elements, actually very well. Despite the shambolic coatcheck organisation (we waited 15 minutes when leaving!), the dreadful first experience at the bar and the poor choice of a second room (this must change for next time!), Matinee Space Invaders for us was all about the music. And what brilliant music it was. Our hats go off to ALL the D.J’s, Nathan 6, Alessandro, Enrico Argentini & Eduardo De La Torre (all four names so characteristic to Matinee line ups who never fail to disappoint) but we were simply bowled over by first Guy Willams, then Brent Nicholls and finally by Pagano, absolutely awesome were these guys’ performances.
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
Well it is fair to say that this monthly clubbing event has become like a religious homage for us, with hardly anything stopping us from attending. And this month was no exception, despite a gruelling work schedule, lack of sleep and no real time to ourselves, but then we are extremely obliging with our commitments to others, just look at our five club reviews in one night last weekend.
So, amidst the kind of weather that would keep most people firmly indoors, we headed off to Vauxhall and the temptations of this Spanish influenced phononemum of a party. With expectations for a high turnout and with thoughts that sister club Revolver, also running on the same night, would suffer dramatically, we opted to go south of the river calling in at Barcode Vauxhall, both to meet up with friends also going to Matinee and as, has been proven in the past, an ideal warm up to the main event itself.
On this occasion, however, we couldn’t have been more wrong, as we struggled to get into the bar to begin with, then drama’s ensued on the coat check and the club, in general, was filled with the most bizarre mix of people, (definately not those off to Matinee!). We desperately looked for our friends, soon realising that they had done what we were resigned to do, just aimed for Colosseum instead.
Leaving Barcode behind, we arrived at Matinee’s doors at just turned midnight to find only a smattering of people waiting in the guest list queue and armed with a ticket we had no wait at all, clearly the earlier arrival time being the reason. Saying hello briefly to Minty, who was busy sorting out her list, we got inside and joined what seemed a massive line of people waiting to put their bits & bobs into the coatcheck, After a frustrating 20 minutes to get our bags in, the service at the bar when ordering Sambuca for Minty & us, was simply appaling (we won’t bore you with the story!), all of which was enough to push us over the edge. So, in some “hissy queeny” fit we proceeded to lay into poor old Oliver M outside the club (it wasn’t his fault) and the club owner (who’s fault it definitely was) who just making matters worse with excuse after excuse.
Whilst this was not the start we had planned to our evening, we retreated into the club, up the stairs and into the main room, hotly pursued by an apologetic Oliver, but by now we had calmed down and repeated our claim that it wasn’t his fault. Looking around room 1, it was filling nicely with a much friendlier and gorgeous looking collection of latino’s, scene faces, and muscle queens, all soaking up the building atmosphere, masterfully orchestrated by the man on the decks, Guy Williams, who was pumping out some amazing hard edged diet techno infused house tracks mixed in with what can only be described as future disco tunes. This had us captivated for much of his set and with memories of our arrival long gone, we mingled with Industri friends on the dancefloor bumping into more familiar faces, including our friends lost in Barcode, as we settled on out spot by the backstage, next to the D.J. booth. The troupe of infamous Matinee dancers were out in force, suitably dressed in superb “starship trouper” headgear, amongst them, the lovely Dilmar, performing brilliantly as the dancers found positions across the dancefloor, to delight the crowd. The usual Matinee magic production was present, if a little understated than usual. Space ship mobiles were hanging from the ceiling and the fabulous wall of neon lights behind the D.J. booth served as the focal point, a unique touch that Matinee is becoming famous for.
So good had been the music, the atmosphere and the company we had enjoyed, under the control of the magnificent Guy Williams, we had hardly noticed the time as he handed over to Spanish superstar & Matinee Barcelona resident, Enrico Argentini. However, something seemed to be drawing us to room 2, albeit a long jaunt downstairs. Leaving our friends behind, we ventured off the hot & packed main floor and down the stairs into second space. That had been the draw, as we found Brent Nicholls behind the decks delivering an altogether faster paced chunky, funky, latino twisted bunch of tunes to a room that was sadly far from full. We were mystified when the team had decided to use this room last time and the small crowd once again proved that this space just doesn’t work. D.J. Alessandro was present, due to follow on after Brent but the look on his face said it all!! Despite great efforts with the lighting and the brilliant set delivered by Brent, which had us furiously dancing, (brought memories of his set in Trade’s lite lounge two weeks ago flooding back) room 2 just lacked the bodies to make it special, like the VIP room had done at Matinee Viva. Bring back the VIP room we cry (the D.J’s want it too!!).
Back in the main room, we caught the tail end of Enrico Argentini’s set, wedging our way past a brimming to capacity crowd and finding a small spot right next to the D.J. booth and the huge smoke cannon. With Pagano moving into position, what then ensued was simply amazing, as he set about taking the adorning Matinee party goers on a journey of exquisite music choices, one track after the next making us draw breath in amazement. The atmosphere took on a new direction and it was clear room 1 was the place to be as it continued to fill with more & more people, we spotting the likes of our pals Lee Yeomans & Max Sanna, as well as Hugh Stevenson, the lovely Paul Heron and even Brent Nicholls, who was determined to soak up the delights of the room, having finished his D.J. duties downstairs (and they all looked like they were enjoying it!). Like Guy’s set, we were so enthralled by Pagano’s music, that time literally flew and when the cute & lovely Eduardo De La Torre was set ready to take over, we knew night had turned into day.
By now our energy levels were sapping, although a few of our friends had already fallen by the wayside, and we retired to the bar to attempt to recover from the hours of magnificent music in the hands of Guy, Brent & Pagano. Yet as much as we tried, we couldn’t step up to the plate any longer and with work looming, we soon hung up our boots and retired home.
So, how do we rate this latest Matinee instalment, Space Invaders? Well, looking at the various elements, actually very well. Despite the shambolic coatcheck organisation (we waited 15 minutes when leaving!), the dreadful first experience at the bar and the poor choice of a second room (this must change for next time!), Matinee Space Invaders for us was all about the music. And what brilliant music it was. Our hats go off to ALL the D.J’s, Nathan 6, Alessandro, Enrico Argentini & Eduardo De La Torre (all four names so characteristic to Matinee line ups who never fail to disappoint) but we were simply bowled over by first Guy Willams, then Brent Nicholls and finally by Pagano, absolutely awesome were these guys’ performances.
A Great clubbing experience is not always about the music, but if it was, then Matinee would be streets ahead of any other club (actually it is anyway!). Well done Oliver & the Evolved Events team, you have done it again!! (DISCO MATT)
Thursday 6 November 2008
Soho Saturday - Five Clubs in one night - Special review
“SOHO SATURDAY”
RUPERT ST, KU-KLUB, BARCODE SOHO, REVOLVER, LO PROFILE
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
We love a challenge and when the call of a handful of club promoters and D.J.’s beckoned our presence, we simply couldn’t say no to the prospect of fitting in 5 venues in one night into a Saturday in Soho. Did we have the stamina? Well, it seems we had, as the temptations of this gayest of areas in the gay capital of the world (well we think London is!) were too much to resist.
Familiarity breeds discontent, in this case, most definitely not, as we landed at Barcode in Archer Street, which was to form our base for further launch onto two well known venues, hosting special nights. So, dropping our heavies (bags not bouncers!) into the coatcheck and popping, briefly, downstairs to wave at D.J. Brent Nicholls, we made our way around to our first venue, the ever popular Rupert St. bar in, yes you guessed it, Rupert Street. Wedging our way through the door, the space inside was packed full of a stylish & cosmopolitan mix of boys & girls, intent on having a good time, and for good reason, as Manager Cathy & her team had put on some extra special entertainment in the form of some gorgeously sexy go-go dancers, all in aid of showing of a new range of “police” styled underwear from top smalls designer Andrew Christian.
Well, apart from being extremely scantly dressed (brave, given the wintry & wet conditions outside) in New York Style Cop caps and aptly badged ties, the boys gyrated up and down the bar, dodging pints of beer, bottles of champagne & cocktails (stop it!) a plenty, to the fabulous sounds emanating from the decks under the control of Rupert St resident, D.J. Alessandro. As if these stunning go-go’s weren’t enough to pop out our eyes, the staff had also joined in, and beefy good lookers they were too, doing their best to trade poses with the dancers, sporting complimentary Andrew Christian necklaces (thanks for mine Vlad x) to compliment the underwear peeping out from under their jeans. Whilst we only caught the tail end of the show, it was enough to send our pulses racing and got us well into the mood for our sprint venue marathon around Soho.
So, all too soon, waving goodbye to Cathy, her boys & Alessandro with his moreish house/electro tunes playing in our ears, we headed off across China Town to make our first visitation to Ku Bar’s underground venue, Ku-Klub, and the special night, Surge. Hosted by the enigmatic Lee Yeomans, we had promised a trip here for a while, and a review to boot! Paying our way and clambering down into the Tardis like club space, we immediately spotted Lee by the D.J. booth, with our newbie pal, J.C., in control of the music, playing out to a pop/indie crowd who were lapping up his dance rich tunes, clearly having fun, fun & more fun. Lee greeted us with open arms and immediately introduced us to family friends, who had also made the special trip. Where Rupert St had given us “raunch” Surge at Ku-Klub gave us downright dance, meets camp, meets vamp, the space being adorned with Halloween décor to give it a extra special feel. Despite the space being quite small, the best was made of it, with sound quality which would put some bigger venues to shame & lighting to match.
Stepping outside briefly, we caught up with Lee, who made an attempt to secure our company at Breakfast @ Egg, but with three more venues to go yet, we resisted his kind guest list offer, rather dragging him back into Surge and plying him with lager to keep him happy (it doesn’t take much you know!). J.C. was well into his stride and whilst not to our usual music taste, had us swinging our pants, but we did want to get a piece of Lee’s up-coming set, he also itching to get behind the decks. However, time was moving on in our limited & tight schedule, so we had to say farewell to the boys and head back across Soho. With planned improvements to Ku-Klub on the cards, Surge is set to go from strength to strength and is well worth a visit. We will certainly go again, different to our usual haunts, but then we like to be different!
By now Saturday had turned into Sunday and we found ourselves back at base camp Barcode and the delights of the club space downstairs. After a disspointingly quiet start (probably due to the filthy weather) the room was now packed, helped along in big portions & dollops of funky electro beats combined with happy house mixes from the man behind the decks, Brent Nicholls. An altogether different atmosphere to Surge, Barcode’s club in his hands is guaranteed to get us dancing and smiling from cheek to cheek (yes face cheeks!). Plus, with the odd slip into camp & hands in the air tunes, we find Brent’s influence on the feel, vibe and resultant success of the night out in Barcode Soho, truly satisfying, as we are sure do the Barcode team.
Since it’s revamp back in May, this West End gay mainstay venue has captured the imagination of many newcomers as well as old regulars and the space downstairs is dramatically better than the old, with much more space, better lighting (the lasers are amazing) and an overall more glamorous look, so much so, that it feels like a club destination in its own right. We count it as one of our favourites and recommend that if late night clubbing is not your thing, then you can do far more wrong than making Barcode your destination. We often see the 1 a.m. close time, and with superb music & company to match, tonight was no exception, so why not?
With our agenda well underway, Brent joined us for our jaunt back over gay-land Soho to the now weekly outing, Revolver, at The Astoria on Charing Cross Road. Catching up on gossip and discussing the merits of the re-focussing of this once monthly event, we soon arrived at Revolver’s doors and were greeted by the effervescent Minty, who beckoned us up past the VIP queue an up to her host station just inside the club. It immediately seemed like a “mini” Industri reunion, with just Paul Heron missing from our clan, so this alone started our visit to Astoria off on the right foot. With Minty doing the biz, we skipped up the steps and with Brent courteously waiting while we dropped our bags into the check, more stairwell steps lead us into the massive main room, which was reasonably filled out with ardent clubbers, who had clearly been there a while.
We left Brent to make his way to behind the D.J. booth afar, to drop off his records (well music C.D.'s, etc, you know what we mean!) by ascending the stage and being subjected to the same advances by the overzealous security guard that had tripped us up two weeks before (what is wrong with that man, does he not know who we are!?) while we headed for the front of the stage, joining our Matinee pals who had come along to support the cute & sexy Beppe (Craig in English), who was part of the dance troupe performing on stage. With Pagano behind the decks, we knew we were in for a great time and before we knew it, we dancing merrily on our spot, although, again, in just the blink of an eye, the show began. With a dramatic huge red draped infused acrobatic introduction & decent from the ceiling, two lithe & toned gymnasts captured the, by now, huge crowd’s attention, with one entertaining us to an energetic floor routine to marvel. The newly formed Revolver dance team were soon out on stage and we spotted the lovely Beppe who was, like the others, aptly garbed for the “Twisted Circus”/Halloween theme, giving us the look from his spot on the stage. With the now characteristically amazing visuals matching the dancers costume theme, & the space around them dominated by a massive scary clown face as well as plenty of other production touches, it was clear that no expense had been spared, so typical of the effort always put into Revolver, by organiser Oliver Mohns & his Evolved Events team. The show was spectacular and it was clear our Matinee posse were all enjoying it too, not to mention Minty, who had joined us from her door duties. Her arrival signalled the inevitable dice of death with the Sambuca bottle as we traded glass after glass enforcing back & forth trips to the bar.
With the show over and Pagano arresting control and commencing delivery of some mind blowing tracks (he is in a music purple patch at the moment), the man himself Oliver, found us at the front of the stage and gave us his usual heart warming collection of hugs & kisses. Not long after that, Brent, having taken plenty of video & picture shots joined us at our newly assumed rest spot at the back of the main room, to compare notes on the night so far, the venue, the show & moreover the people, before taking his leave, to retire home to his man. This also signalled our retreat, conscious that our final venue visit beckoned, so we slipped quietly out to zig zag back over Soho to Lo-Profile.
Despite initial reservations, we were pleasantly surprised by how busy Revolver was and with reports coming in that G.A.Y. was quiet and many other venues in a similar boat, Oliver should be pleased with the turnout he was graced with, albeit that he admitted to us that the event had been an expensive one for him. Bringing fresh, cutting edge club experiences to the West End comes at a cost, but this man is not scared to do it and we take our hat off to him for that.
It was now our final destination of the night, but the vagaries of the Sambuca burst were telling as we arrived on Wardour Street, fortunately meeting D,J, Alessandro outside Lo-Profile (he had popped out for a sneaky one!) which was a blessing in disguise. With our aide by our side we weaved down the brightly lit corridor and down into the club to find a select bunch of well dressed, good looking and sophisticated clubbers, so different to the, dare I say it (no I won’t) previously experienced lot (phew!, I managed to avoid the C.H. phrase! – Brent please note). Alessandro’s tunes kind of brought us full circle from our first venture, Rupert St. Bar, although his selection was slightly harder than before, and rightly so, we loved it (get his new C.D., it’s great!).
With our previous two experiences of Lo-Profile looming heavy in our minds, we are pleasantly surprised to say that we actually enjoyed this one much more. For all the reservations we had before, we decided to dispel them in favour of a good time, and that we had. It has to be said however, for us, it is no Barcode, no Surge, especially no Revolver, clearly set apart from Rupert St., but it has a rightful place in any “potential” Soho circuit and we are pleased we included it in our list of visiting venues on this Saturday night outing.
Well, were we proud of our feat of fitting in 5 venues in one night? Yes Indeed, and five more individual places you couldn’t have chosen. With elements of the great pretender to the gay village phenomenon, Vauxhall, struggling, the West End seems to be coming back into its own. So, if it is circuit style club/pub/bar hopping you want from your free Saturday night, look no further than Soho. The five we made, represent only a handful of what’s on offer, but they rank as our top choices. If you haven’t done so already, try them out, we pretty much guarantee you won’t be disappointed. (DISCO MATT)
RUPERT ST, KU-KLUB, BARCODE SOHO, REVOLVER, LO PROFILE
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
We love a challenge and when the call of a handful of club promoters and D.J.’s beckoned our presence, we simply couldn’t say no to the prospect of fitting in 5 venues in one night into a Saturday in Soho. Did we have the stamina? Well, it seems we had, as the temptations of this gayest of areas in the gay capital of the world (well we think London is!) were too much to resist.
Familiarity breeds discontent, in this case, most definitely not, as we landed at Barcode in Archer Street, which was to form our base for further launch onto two well known venues, hosting special nights. So, dropping our heavies (bags not bouncers!) into the coatcheck and popping, briefly, downstairs to wave at D.J. Brent Nicholls, we made our way around to our first venue, the ever popular Rupert St. bar in, yes you guessed it, Rupert Street. Wedging our way through the door, the space inside was packed full of a stylish & cosmopolitan mix of boys & girls, intent on having a good time, and for good reason, as Manager Cathy & her team had put on some extra special entertainment in the form of some gorgeously sexy go-go dancers, all in aid of showing of a new range of “police” styled underwear from top smalls designer Andrew Christian.
Well, apart from being extremely scantly dressed (brave, given the wintry & wet conditions outside) in New York Style Cop caps and aptly badged ties, the boys gyrated up and down the bar, dodging pints of beer, bottles of champagne & cocktails (stop it!) a plenty, to the fabulous sounds emanating from the decks under the control of Rupert St resident, D.J. Alessandro. As if these stunning go-go’s weren’t enough to pop out our eyes, the staff had also joined in, and beefy good lookers they were too, doing their best to trade poses with the dancers, sporting complimentary Andrew Christian necklaces (thanks for mine Vlad x) to compliment the underwear peeping out from under their jeans. Whilst we only caught the tail end of the show, it was enough to send our pulses racing and got us well into the mood for our sprint venue marathon around Soho.
So, all too soon, waving goodbye to Cathy, her boys & Alessandro with his moreish house/electro tunes playing in our ears, we headed off across China Town to make our first visitation to Ku Bar’s underground venue, Ku-Klub, and the special night, Surge. Hosted by the enigmatic Lee Yeomans, we had promised a trip here for a while, and a review to boot! Paying our way and clambering down into the Tardis like club space, we immediately spotted Lee by the D.J. booth, with our newbie pal, J.C., in control of the music, playing out to a pop/indie crowd who were lapping up his dance rich tunes, clearly having fun, fun & more fun. Lee greeted us with open arms and immediately introduced us to family friends, who had also made the special trip. Where Rupert St had given us “raunch” Surge at Ku-Klub gave us downright dance, meets camp, meets vamp, the space being adorned with Halloween décor to give it a extra special feel. Despite the space being quite small, the best was made of it, with sound quality which would put some bigger venues to shame & lighting to match.
Stepping outside briefly, we caught up with Lee, who made an attempt to secure our company at Breakfast @ Egg, but with three more venues to go yet, we resisted his kind guest list offer, rather dragging him back into Surge and plying him with lager to keep him happy (it doesn’t take much you know!). J.C. was well into his stride and whilst not to our usual music taste, had us swinging our pants, but we did want to get a piece of Lee’s up-coming set, he also itching to get behind the decks. However, time was moving on in our limited & tight schedule, so we had to say farewell to the boys and head back across Soho. With planned improvements to Ku-Klub on the cards, Surge is set to go from strength to strength and is well worth a visit. We will certainly go again, different to our usual haunts, but then we like to be different!
By now Saturday had turned into Sunday and we found ourselves back at base camp Barcode and the delights of the club space downstairs. After a disspointingly quiet start (probably due to the filthy weather) the room was now packed, helped along in big portions & dollops of funky electro beats combined with happy house mixes from the man behind the decks, Brent Nicholls. An altogether different atmosphere to Surge, Barcode’s club in his hands is guaranteed to get us dancing and smiling from cheek to cheek (yes face cheeks!). Plus, with the odd slip into camp & hands in the air tunes, we find Brent’s influence on the feel, vibe and resultant success of the night out in Barcode Soho, truly satisfying, as we are sure do the Barcode team.
Since it’s revamp back in May, this West End gay mainstay venue has captured the imagination of many newcomers as well as old regulars and the space downstairs is dramatically better than the old, with much more space, better lighting (the lasers are amazing) and an overall more glamorous look, so much so, that it feels like a club destination in its own right. We count it as one of our favourites and recommend that if late night clubbing is not your thing, then you can do far more wrong than making Barcode your destination. We often see the 1 a.m. close time, and with superb music & company to match, tonight was no exception, so why not?
With our agenda well underway, Brent joined us for our jaunt back over gay-land Soho to the now weekly outing, Revolver, at The Astoria on Charing Cross Road. Catching up on gossip and discussing the merits of the re-focussing of this once monthly event, we soon arrived at Revolver’s doors and were greeted by the effervescent Minty, who beckoned us up past the VIP queue an up to her host station just inside the club. It immediately seemed like a “mini” Industri reunion, with just Paul Heron missing from our clan, so this alone started our visit to Astoria off on the right foot. With Minty doing the biz, we skipped up the steps and with Brent courteously waiting while we dropped our bags into the check, more stairwell steps lead us into the massive main room, which was reasonably filled out with ardent clubbers, who had clearly been there a while.
We left Brent to make his way to behind the D.J. booth afar, to drop off his records (well music C.D.'s, etc, you know what we mean!) by ascending the stage and being subjected to the same advances by the overzealous security guard that had tripped us up two weeks before (what is wrong with that man, does he not know who we are!?) while we headed for the front of the stage, joining our Matinee pals who had come along to support the cute & sexy Beppe (Craig in English), who was part of the dance troupe performing on stage. With Pagano behind the decks, we knew we were in for a great time and before we knew it, we dancing merrily on our spot, although, again, in just the blink of an eye, the show began. With a dramatic huge red draped infused acrobatic introduction & decent from the ceiling, two lithe & toned gymnasts captured the, by now, huge crowd’s attention, with one entertaining us to an energetic floor routine to marvel. The newly formed Revolver dance team were soon out on stage and we spotted the lovely Beppe who was, like the others, aptly garbed for the “Twisted Circus”/Halloween theme, giving us the look from his spot on the stage. With the now characteristically amazing visuals matching the dancers costume theme, & the space around them dominated by a massive scary clown face as well as plenty of other production touches, it was clear that no expense had been spared, so typical of the effort always put into Revolver, by organiser Oliver Mohns & his Evolved Events team. The show was spectacular and it was clear our Matinee posse were all enjoying it too, not to mention Minty, who had joined us from her door duties. Her arrival signalled the inevitable dice of death with the Sambuca bottle as we traded glass after glass enforcing back & forth trips to the bar.
With the show over and Pagano arresting control and commencing delivery of some mind blowing tracks (he is in a music purple patch at the moment), the man himself Oliver, found us at the front of the stage and gave us his usual heart warming collection of hugs & kisses. Not long after that, Brent, having taken plenty of video & picture shots joined us at our newly assumed rest spot at the back of the main room, to compare notes on the night so far, the venue, the show & moreover the people, before taking his leave, to retire home to his man. This also signalled our retreat, conscious that our final venue visit beckoned, so we slipped quietly out to zig zag back over Soho to Lo-Profile.
Despite initial reservations, we were pleasantly surprised by how busy Revolver was and with reports coming in that G.A.Y. was quiet and many other venues in a similar boat, Oliver should be pleased with the turnout he was graced with, albeit that he admitted to us that the event had been an expensive one for him. Bringing fresh, cutting edge club experiences to the West End comes at a cost, but this man is not scared to do it and we take our hat off to him for that.
It was now our final destination of the night, but the vagaries of the Sambuca burst were telling as we arrived on Wardour Street, fortunately meeting D,J, Alessandro outside Lo-Profile (he had popped out for a sneaky one!) which was a blessing in disguise. With our aide by our side we weaved down the brightly lit corridor and down into the club to find a select bunch of well dressed, good looking and sophisticated clubbers, so different to the, dare I say it (no I won’t) previously experienced lot (phew!, I managed to avoid the C.H. phrase! – Brent please note). Alessandro’s tunes kind of brought us full circle from our first venture, Rupert St. Bar, although his selection was slightly harder than before, and rightly so, we loved it (get his new C.D., it’s great!).
With our previous two experiences of Lo-Profile looming heavy in our minds, we are pleasantly surprised to say that we actually enjoyed this one much more. For all the reservations we had before, we decided to dispel them in favour of a good time, and that we had. It has to be said however, for us, it is no Barcode, no Surge, especially no Revolver, clearly set apart from Rupert St., but it has a rightful place in any “potential” Soho circuit and we are pleased we included it in our list of visiting venues on this Saturday night outing.
Well, were we proud of our feat of fitting in 5 venues in one night? Yes Indeed, and five more individual places you couldn’t have chosen. With elements of the great pretender to the gay village phenomenon, Vauxhall, struggling, the West End seems to be coming back into its own. So, if it is circuit style club/pub/bar hopping you want from your free Saturday night, look no further than Soho. The five we made, represent only a handful of what’s on offer, but they rank as our top choices. If you haven’t done so already, try them out, we pretty much guarantee you won’t be disappointed. (DISCO MATT)
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