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Tuesday 5 May 2009

"Hype" - Club Review


“HYPE” – SATURDAY 2ND MAY 2009
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN



Well, with our weekend already off to a healthy start, what with a 12th Birthday celebration in Soho, followed by our weekly homage to Industri, then a pre-party bash, we were very much looking forward to our Saturday night, on so many occasions being “super” Saturday, but perhaps with the second Bank Holiday of the year upon us (so soon!?!), would Saturday prove to be the lost relation in a longer than usual weekend?

Ever since news of “Hype” hit our desks, we have, perhaps like many others, anticipated what certainly, well as far as the billing was concerned anyway, seemed a party to rival the success of bigger sister SuperMartXe. Indeed, with the ingredients looking much the same, it was surely destined for success, but as sometimes is the case, to much of a good thing can run against the form, despite all best intentions. So was “Hype” a case in point? Well, what do you think!?!

Having warmed ourselves up in the usual way, with a trip to Barcode Soho, in the hands of you know who and with pal Stephen accompanying us, our Saturday certainly got off to a healthy start, just the warm up we wanted and which has always done the trick, providing a superb curtain raiser to an amazing night at The Coronet. And it was Elephant & Castle where we were bound, arriving at the doors of “Hype’s” home at our now usual fashionably late time of nearly an hour past midnight. Now, we were expecting a bit of a queue, but having been kindly put onto a list, we didn’t have to wait long at all and with the security checks safely negotiated, paid our dues (a tad on the expensive side for a concessions list we thought!!) and then found our way to the outside(ish) coatcheck, where again a wait was expected, but on this occasion (a Coronet first!), nothing of it.

So, into the main room we sped, to find it, we have to say, far from full, in fact looking around we reckoned not more than 600 people, many looking very Fire like (oh dear!), but with a smattering of Matinee or should we say SuperMartXe faithful's, wanting to get their piece of this, how was it explained now?, a “Limited Edition” event, with the aim to be much more about the music and the P.A. performances rather than the big style stage settings and shows. Indeed, with the D.J. booth taking prime spot on the massive stage front and an elevated area in the middle of the dancefloor, it seemed to have all the trappings of what had been promised., what was it again, oh yes, the music and the P.A., well remembered!

We found our way down to the front of the massive main room, in no way the usual feat of squeezing past seething bodies, moreover a easy journey hardly impeded, where we spotted scene legend Steve Pitron in control of the decks. Now, in years gone by, with so many heady Crash & Beyond parties under our belt, perhaps we were expecting great things of this incredible D.J. talent, and maybe that’s where we went wrong, as, if we were being honest, Steve’s performance was a little on the average side, maybe perhaps due to the fact that he was first on, or that our expectations were running a little too high. Nevertheless, we made the most of his set, finding our pace with relative ease, even though we had plenty of room to stretch our legs (we do like our dancing space). With a few familiar faces around us, some spotting us as Disco Matt, others just plain old Matt, we did feel somewhat at home, even if the atmosphere was not quite as electric as we had anticipated it would be and so it was that we saw out the remainder of Steve’s set, without leaving our spot, working ourselves into the “Hype” rhythm as only we knew best.

With Steve’s set over and the D.J. reigns handed over to Spanish & Matinee import, Rafa Ariza, who took the music on an altogether much tougher & euro style direction, we took a moments respite back up towards the bar, which actually felt busier than the dancefloor. It was evident that the crowd was building considerably and with friendly faces a plenty, including Clington Forbes, Cliff Jackson (he was loving the music) and Clinton Goldsmith, as well as a much more SuperMartXe feeling audience up here, we pondered on a return to the dancefloor proper for a while. Standing immediately behind the massive lighting & effects enclosure, it was a perfect place to see the full magnitude of this gigantic Coronet space and, just what a task lay ahead to fill it. Indeed it was fair to say that the effects were magnificent, albeit sometimes on the bright side, exposing the empty spaces below us.

Having made our presence felt with organiser Logan (who had his hands full preparing for the impending show), with a burst of pyrotechnics out came P.A. Rebekka Brown, who just days ago had celebrated her birthday, to attempt to ignite the atmosphere and crowd, in her inimitable fashion, with a string of anthems including her new track, “Don’t let this moment end”. This heralded the arrival & joining on the centre performing island, floating above the dancefloor, of violinist extraordinaire, Micah, with his powerful acoustic instrument and amazing neon lit bow, cutting an impressive stride next to Rebekka, complimenting both her vocals and the house beats pumping out, quite brilliantly. This proved to be, not one, not two, but three appearances by the duo, clearly on strict orders to get the party motoring, just the way that SuperMartXe had been so great in achieving before now.

Now we were well and truly into our stride, although it has to be said, given the smaller crowd, we felt the music was a little on the tough side and was holding some back from the full on dancefloor vibe, with only shades of truly hands in the air house favourites to lighten the mood. So, this kind of signalled our somewhat restless to-ing & fro-ing between the dancing expanse and the more elevated & comforting bar area, where we got the chance to catch up with Steve Pitron, see incumbent D.J. D’Johnny as well as Industri & Matinee pals, Sofie & Romano, amongst others, like us savouring, the “Hype” journey that was being laid out in front of us. Arming ourselves with much needed energy & assistance boosts, we ventured back down to where we started the evening, with a number of people asking of our supposed valuable view of proceedings (quite flattering really), pointing our focus onto what we were going to report.

With the night wearing on and Rafa Ariza eventually giving way to homegrown talent Mr D’Johnny, our anticipation levels never really reached our expectations and, yet again, like both the music maestro’s before him, D’Johnny only monetarily showed sparks of true house hedonism, with a track of the moment, which would have gone down a storm had the crowd been there to enjoy it. However, with only small pockets of the dancefloor remaining busy and the bar area now feeling considerably diminished of bodies, it didn’t! and, despite our best intentions to see out the remainder of the nights delights, called in our early bath ticket, at just before 6 a.m., sliding into the grasp of a chilly early May morning and home to ponder on a night that, in some (well in lots actually) respects, didn’t quite do it for us.

So what was all the “Hype” about? Well we don’t know really. Feeling from the outset that it was trying hard to emulate the SuerMartXe feel of success, for some reason it didn’t hit the mark. Was it because, as we have said before, Saturday, on a Bank Holiday weekend, is the poor relation? Was it that many were holding back, saving their pennies for the rich pickings of Sunday? Or was it, as we suspected, that many had seen “Hype” as a money making exercise, rather than an extension of the SuperMartXe success story, with all the trappings looking curiously the same, yet not delivering! Were we too “hyper” critical, we think not, as whilst many reported enjoying the experience, we, as always, have reflected our personal opinion, for what it is worth.

On reflection, if “Hype” is to take-off as the promoter wishes, in our view, it has to be a very “Limited Edition” and targeted perhaps in a time when there is genuine desire by the faithful to give it the support it deserves. There is no doubt that, when full, the theatre space that is the Cornet works, but on this occasion it only served to detract from the atmosphere. There were so many elements that should have worked, yet didn’t and we only hope that the audience has not been put off and that the “Limited Edition Hype” and it doesn’t become a one-off!! We guess only time will tell on that score (DISCO MATT)

24 comments:

rosjab7752@yahoo.co.uk said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

DUDE... HYPE WAS A FUCKING GOOD NITE!!!
PRODUCTION WAS SLICK, PA WAS HOT AND INNOVATIVE (A SCARCITY IN CLUBLAND NOWADAYS) AND THE CROWD WAS HOT... YES IT WASNT RAMMED WITH 3 THOUSAND PEOPLE LIKE EASTER BUT THE CLUB WAS "FULL" AND FULL WITH THOSE WHO WERE VERY VERY "HOT"... I BEEN TO SPACE IN IBIZA AND SUPERMARTXE IN MADRID AND FRANKY HYPE WAS "UP THERE"... WELL ANYWAY I SURE GOT MORE THAN MY MONEY'S WORTH THAT NITE SO... SHAME U DIDNT HAVE FUN! MAYBE U WERE TOO BUSY WRITING ON THE DANCELFOOR.

Anonymous said...

DUDE... HYPE WAS A FUCKING GOOD NITE!!!
PRODUCTION WAS SLICK, PA WAS HOT AND INNOVATIVE (A SCARCITY IN CLUBLAND NOWADAYS) AND THE CROWD WAS HOT... YES IT WASNT RAMMED WITH 3 THOUSAND PEOPLE LIKE EASTER BUT THE CLUB WAS "FULL" AND FULL WITH THOSE WHO WERE VERY VERY "HOT"... I BEEN TO SPACE IN IBIZA AND SUPERMARTXE IN MADRID AND FRANKY HYPE WAS "UP THERE"... WELL ANYWAY I SURE GOT MORE THAN MY MONEY'S WORTH THAT NITE SO... SHAME U DIDNT HAVE FUN! MAYBE U WERE TOO BUSY WRITING ON THE DANCELFOOR.

RAPHAEL SOLOMON

Anonymous said...

Is this guy for real? Does he reside on the same planet as the rest of us?

Everyone I spoke to had a fantastic night! The crowd (1200 people counted at the door before 2am - fact) was smiley, very friendly and looking hot! The production, yet again, exceeded all expectations, not to mention superb live PA!

What is the point in doing a write up on a club night if it's not objective? Who cares about his personal experience?

Disco Matt is like the mainstream media - presenting you with blatant lies while secretly supporting someone else's agenda! Joke really!

Sunny Lochab said...

Wow... shocked by your review and I'm sure everyone that attended will be.

I love reading your reviews normally - even sometimes feel jealous that I may have missed out on a good night… but I feel you made a HUGE mistake with this one (which is why I'm commenting).

I agree that ‘Limited Edition - HYPE’ wasn't as busy as SuperMartXe normally is - however you have to be playing when you say there was around 600 peeps there. I'd say there was 1200+ peeps in there. I quite enjoyed the space...it had a much more personal feel to it. At times I felt like I was at a concert and not in a club.

Remember its quality not quantity. The crowd was friendly, blazing HOT (sexy) and all up for having a good time (grin). All my mates and I stayed till the very end and enjoyed every second… hot dancers, hot MUSIC (Steve’s set was HELLA HOT!!!! - if you got there at around midnight - you missed most of it as he was doing the warm up) and the SHOW… AMAZE! Come to the next SuperMartXe (23rd May) - take a good friend or group that know how to have a good time… I hope you enjoy it… cuz you know we will.

Jean Claude Trichet said...

Hi Disco Matt,
It is sad you did not enjoy HYPE party.
I am sorry but I disagree on many points...

I hesitated before going out for this party and I do not regret...
It was just fantastic...
I liked the lights, the disco balls projection all around the theatre at different speed, the lights around the DJ table, the 2 massive lamps above the decks.
I liked the smoke coming out of the central stage with the big white halogen spot.
I liked the dress of the automate performers.
Dancers were glamorous, I liked their style.
The music was excellent... from Steve Pitron to D'johnny. And I stayed until the end... I felt like I was in Spain!
The show was amazing, I had goose bumps for the acapella of "Heart Of The Sun" at the final of Rebeka!
It was a privilege to hear the unreleased yet track "Millenium" Live !! ... That was *H*Y*P*E* LIMITED EDITION!
I do not know Logan personally but I sent him a message after the party just to say "thank you".
I have been stunned by the attention to the details of the production. I am sure it is a hard work...
I am glad London has this kind of party because this is all I love.
I wish all the best to HYPE and look forward to attending the second one!
Again... Merci! Merci! Merci!

Jean Claude Trichet said...

Oh... and I forgot to talk about the screen behind the DJs... Impressive!
I love HYPE !!
I want more !!!

Anonymous said...

no offence, but the review you made is clearly made to trash the party rather than telling the actual story here.
I will start with the beginning- first of all there were double the amount of people you mentioned. I agree that it wasn't overcrowded, but this made everything more pleasant and enjoyable.
The crowd was nothing, but good looking people, not exactly the same crowd I saw @ Matinee the following day ( that's worse than Fire's crowd). I'm looking forward to read the review for that party, but let me guess, it will all be fantastic and great, right?
I quite don't get it why the music didn't pleased you- it was more than perfect!
EVERYBODY I asked had an AMAZING time and the party was much better than any other SuperMartXe party.
Just because you are against Logan/Fire, doesn't give you the right to be unfair and to publish a review which clearly is on other side (Oliver M, Steve Elliot etc).
One more thing- keep it real! It will be much better. PS. I'm looking forward to read your review about Matinee, but let me guess- it will be all fantastic and shiny...

Anonymous said...

ARE YOU SERIOUS??!!
I have been all around the world to some the biggest parties: Madrid,Barcelona,Ibiza,Sao Paolo,Sydney... and I can say without a doubt that Hype was production wise up there with the best of them. The music was amazing,all three dj's gave a great set, music which you rarely get anywhere in the London scene! finally some more progressive stuff that is the true Supermartxe musical style.
Rebeka brown performed with Micha the violinist and both were superb.She performed her new song Millenium which is going to be a massive hit. The production,dancers and the rest of the special effects were outstanding.The only down side was that the place was not packed like Supermartxe is usually.Still there were at least 1000 people there as the main dance floor was pretty full. I rarely make an effort to find the promoter of the party to congratulate and thank him for an amazing party and this time I had to!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm truly mystified by this review - which is totally at odds with my experience of the night. From your assessment of the attendance (you were easily off by 50%) to the 'Fire Factor', when it was easily one of the most attractive crowds seen in London for a long time. In addition to this the investment in the Production was truly impressive. Do you think that the LCD screen the height and width of the main stage was cheap? Or the lighting? Or the entertainment. Go-gos are a dime a dozen - if you are condemning the show just because it didn't have loads and loads of dancers then you are sadly mistaken.

I am not sure if this is just one of those screw ups that any critic is entitled to make - after all, opinion is what makes for such a varied and interesting life - or if it has a more calculated and sinister intent. But my advice is that if you are going to pass yourself off as a published voice then you have a duty to at least keeping close to the facts.

Read the comments that you have garnered from this toxic piece of fantasy you have written... there is a clue there if you would only care to see it. I for one will be returning to the next Hype with eager anticipation. Hopefully you will follow your own instincts and head to Fire.

Dave Byron said...

Well, I'm not sure you were actually at the same HYPE Limited Edition that I attended last Saturday. By no means a club party connoisseur, but this party was THE BEST I have ever attended. The set, the dancers, the light shows, fireworks, the DJs and the PA. And what a PA - not your usual few minutes to simply make an appearance, Rebeka & Micah were determined to entertain and entertain they did - fabulously. I normally hate the interruption of PAs during a dance night, but by the time Rebeka & Micah had finished I was still wanting more! The attention to detail and the precision of the performances was outstanding - Logan must be one hell of a tough task master - a real perfectionist. I can't wait for the next party Logan throws and I've already emailed him for the dates for the remainder of the year so I can be sure to be there.

Anonymous said...

HYPE was one of those amazing nights that happens so rarely, great crowd, right buzz, live shows with a twist, uplifting music and visuals that were out of this world, as well as a space that was re-arranged and mixed up just enough to set it apart from supermartxé.

i'm not sure how you got to your review, but I think most of us that were there would disagree with most of what you wrote, all in all, i think logan managed to offer something outstanding on the bank holiday. something i wish there was more of.

Anonymous said...

I feel sorry for Logan – A promoter trying to do something different, trying to bring some well deserved life back into the London gay scene. If I were Logan I would ban Disco Matt from his parties.

The review has obviously hidden agendas and loyalties lie elsewhere. When Matt reviews Famous, Matinee, Revolver the parties are always fantastic, brilliant, hanging out with the promoters in the VIP Area blah blah blah. Evolved Events are struggling since Logan left and the likes of Matinee, Revolver & BPM are going down hill fast – I believe the next Matinee 24th May at the Fridge (published on Matineegroup.com’s website) has been cancelled. Logan’s parties are getting stronger and better each time. Logan should be encouraged and commended for his enthusiasm and work instead of trying to pull him down.!!

1200 people were there and word on the street is HYPE was AMAZING, something that has not been seen in London for a long time. Fireworks, Rebeka Brown, Micha, Top DJ’s playing some of the best music, Sexy Go Go’s, Sexy Crowd, Huge LED Wall, Co2 Cannons, Great Venue and a great atmosphere.

Matt keep it real – You are belittling yourself and the 1200 people at HYPE are not behind you on this – If you can’t give a honest and unbiased review you should hang up your pen.

www.sackdiscomatt.com

Disco Matt said...

Well, having read all of your comments so far, the first thing I would say is that everybody has the right to express their views & it is encouraging to see that so many of you have done so here. However, it seems remarkable that it is only when reviews of either SuperMartXe or in this case, Hype, seem to attract such vocal response, which seems to indicate that possibly people seem to be very protective of the events & the promoter. Why did no-one reposnd to the review of Rome, which was critical & to Matinee NYD which was similarily so?

Reading back through the review, there were quite a few instances of positivity but yes much objectivity and quite rightly so, as you cannot escape the fact that the party didn't deliver to expectations. SuperMartXe has consistently acheived well over 2000 clubbers and Hype didn't get close. Yes, at it's peak there were probably about 1200 in, but the Coronet is a massive venue to fill and more than many other venues across gAyland London needs to be full to hold the kind of atmosphere required. At the time of my arrival I felt it fair to report that the numbers were as I said and if you then read on further you will see that I did say "it was evident the crowd was buidling considerably" and moreover that Rebekka Brown & Micah were real highlights, this was reflected. But you cannot escape the fact that by 4 a.m. the venue felt quite empty with probably only the die hard "SuperMartXe", "Coronet" or (can we call them this) "Logan" supporters in attendance. Now there is nothing wrong it that, far from it, as for the record, my support of Logan and his ventures is no less than other promoters I am (sometimes unfairly) seen to back. If you read the review carefully I did indictate clearly that Hype deserves support & believe that the scene can only be richer for more diverse offerings as well as choices around. Furthermore, for those of you that feel I may be biased in my views, take a look at the "Orange Summer of Love" review which should dispell that theory, then have a look at the review of "Famous", "Hustlaball" & yes "Matinee" and it will be interesting to see who still thinks I am biased.

As far as some of the acuasations made are concerned may I say that I don't think I was being vindictive, rather reporting on what wasn't the sucess it was planned (speak to Logan, he will tell you). As for the review not being objective, it was just that, maybe the point trying to be made is that it didn't reflect that individuals view of proceedings. As for the "blatent lies", with the possible exception of the number 600, what else could be considered as a lie rather than a view!! Furthermore, the question over who's agenda is being followed is an ineteresting one here, I am following nobody's but whose is this individual following? I certainly hope that I won't be barred from Logan's events as suggested and think it would be really unfair to do so, simply for speaking my mind.

There are some very fair comments in the responses, all of which reflect personal views, so what more can I say, apart from the fact that the review is full of my perosnal views of the evening and clealry people do care about personal views and experiences, as if they did not, why would they go to such trouble to respond, which, by the way, I am pleased they have.

Gugs said...

I am usually eager to read your party reviews but your review of Hype was shite and just blatent untruths. Why did you do lie like you did? I don't get it... In past reviews I had noticed some bias but this just topped it. Apologise not for your allegience but for your bullshit. Logan's team brought to London something it had never experienced for a mere token of a cover charge. This production in any other country would have cost a concert fee. Quit writing if you cannot be impartial otherwise what's the point. Else, be straight up from the start that you are not independent.

Mike Wielding said...

There are very interesting comments on here regarding this review of HYPE but what I have heard from friends who attended they party they agree with Disco Matt's opinion.

I have to say looking at the artwork its far to similar to any supermartxe artwork to be creative and speaking to my group of friends who said the production wasn't all that.

Also guys don't forget that you can trace the IP adress from posters and if I would be Disco Matt I would do just that and I think he will find out most of these comments are posted from the same IP adress and the same group of people.

Mike

Michael C. said...

Reading your reviews regularly, i didnt think it was particularly bias or vendictive, in the past you have pointed out where nights have not fully delivered and there have been problems, which should be taken constructively by the promoters of said clubs. It does seem a bit strange that you get such a response on this one, and yet nothing was said about the earlier Famous review. A few of my friends went to Hype and said it wasnt full like supermartxe and the production was rather low budget. Here's the thing, if the artwork is the same and its on the same night with the same dancers, performers and Djs and in the same venue as another club and promoted by the same people then surely your gonna compare it to the original its copying. Supermartxe is amazing the production and the music is a slice of Ibiza clubbing, from what i gather this was a cut down low copy of Supermartxe. Why did the promoters even do it? if it had been a supermartxe party i would of gone as i had such a good time at the last one and yet no one responding to the review feels the need to compare Hype against Supermartxe also the same theme runs through the responses ie: slagging the promoters and clubs that are in competion with logan. I think the promoters may just have put their friends and promotional team into Fast Forward to flame what looks like a pretty impartial review.

Sunny Lochab said...

This is too funny... Im still gonna support Limited Edition and SuperMartXe... I love em. All u haters stay at home and everyone that knows how to have a good time come along to check it out for urself and make ur own mind up. The London scene is big enough for all these club. Don't think just dance.

Daniel LB. said...

Are these post all from the same person? lots of the same PR. words are running through the anonomous posts: slick, maticulous,exceeded all expectations,innovative, precision of the performances(sounds like the Hype press release!) and they all seem to have an inside knowledge of the other promoters knowing them all by name.
They dont sound like regular clubbers 2 me and of all the forums I've read, its the first time I've seen 1 post(and here there are 2) saying that they have personally sent an email 2 the promoter 2 congratulate them/stay in the loop (such adoration!).
It all reads quite strange, the posts start off trying to sound street then roll into a PR/promotional post for said club.
Nothing is what it seems these days and promoters are willing to do anything to make it look like they and their club are the best and that includes manipulating such forums to their own ends.
From my experience its more about their ego than anything else.
I for one read Matts posts to get a feel for the night if i didnt get to go and i can read his previous reviews to c how independant they are. U cant do that with posters that have no posting history.
This is the first time ive felt compelled to write anything myself even when there have been things Ive disagreed with in reviews in the past.
So I find it amazing you guys felt such a need to write posts that r so aggresive and personal for what is just a club night,
These posts read more like a jaded attempt to attack, bully and dis-credit matt rather than legitimate criticism..
I guess if you feel so strongly about it you could always set up your own review site and show Matt how its done!

Lets go with Anon for this one.. said...

Holy Tulsa batman!!!

....whats this coming in.... the gossip machine is in full swing...a pretty little bird told me that a certain un-named club promoter and stage hoofer took exception to one of Disco-Matts reviews so he put the word out amongst his 'close' friends and entorage that the review should b flamed and Matt slated....
For fear of exposing my source (who is obviosly not as close to said promoter as he may think)i will not mention the review or indeed said promoter!!!
But yes i agree Daniel, things r never what they seem.....

Miquel Cortez said...

Hmmmmmm
Interrresting, it's fair enough that if you got a friend that uou stand up for him and trying to protect him.

But why these nasty tactics in trying to ruin other very good and succsessfull club promotions and the promoter associated with spreading nasty rumours ??

I guess karma will get the posters of those comments at one stage in life.

Sam

Miquel Cortez said...

Sorry because of my poor english some people might misunderstand my comment about the Karma.
My comment was directed to the posters who have attacked MATINEE ,Famous etc and have praised HYpe.

There is no need for such nastiness on the gay scene I think .

Angry from Woking said...

come on guys,
no one would be that sad surely, you make it sound like these 'super promoters' are just sad twatts troll through message boards all day looking for comments that might bruise their hyper inflated egos.
I for one dont believe it as i'm sure their days are full, what with manicurists, dog parlours and the make-up counter at Superdrug, would they really have the time or the ability? and what numpties would bother posting for them anyhow??

Anonymous said...

Never mind the review (which by the way reads like it was written by a man with a mental age of about 9), who the hell publishes yellow text against a beige background?? It's unreadable by every single standard.