“FROM DTPM WITH LOVE” – SUNDAY 14TH FEBRUARY
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
There are only few clubs that have graced the gAylist scene in London that command the kind of attention that turns them from popular to iconic then to legendary, in fact for all the years we have been frolicking around the countless clubs that have made it big in a vibrant cosmopolitan capital city, we can count on just one hand, those club events/brands that hold this very special distinction. Yes, there have been plenty of protagonists to the legendary crown, but in truth, it takes an exceptional string of experiences, that indescribably brilliant feel of anticipation, excitement & fulfilment and the kind of respect that truly sets it aside from the mass of other offerings, for a club to reach the dizzy heights of this sought after status.
But in amongst this elite list shines one such club brand which, after being put into early retirement by its promoter, decided to come back in true style, not just making waves, but causing the kind of stir virtually unprecedented, so much so that the first event was a sell-out within days of the ticket release and was followed by a similar reaction to its NYD party. Yes, DTPM was back and seemingly riding on the crest of a tsunami style wave, hitting the headlines and brushing away the competition like houses in the path of a tornado. So, it seemed that with the build up for their Valentine’s Day outing “From DTPM With Love” suitably poised, another repeat was on the cards, or was it? As news of the latest instalment was released, which was followed by furious sale of early bird tickets, all seem set fair, although there was something holding back our pledge to making it down to host venue Jalouse, with reviews talking of heavy handed security & drinks prices to match.
But with plenty of prodding & cajoling, not least from our clubbing pal Joel, a last minute decision was made to add it to an already hectic “love” weekend schedule and, still reeling from another brilliant Beyond party in the superb hands of Steve Pitron & co, we refreshed ourselves and made our delicate way into central London and the glamorous venue to the stars, arriving at a fashionable 6.30 p.m. With little or no queue to negotiate and being treated perfectly by a very friendly door host and security, our start couldn’t have been better and as we descended into the basement space, all things seemed well, although with the controversial fingerprinting coatcheck system in place, we reluctantly gave our details, allowing us to deposit our belongs and begin this latest DTPM extravaganza.
Entering the space, which very much had the feel of a classy bar & members club, rather than the all out & overt venues that have been home to DTPM’s of old, there was a definite sedate feel to proceedings, although the myriad of circular lights spread across the ceiling made an impact and the multi levelled seating areas, all pointing towards the compact dancefloor, leant to an altogether intimate feel. The sweeping bar was our first port of call, where some familiar faces had gathered, including promoter Lee Freeman, who greeted us warmly before going about his duties. We paused for refreshments and whilst we were expecting the prices to be somewhat exaggerated, were slightly taken aback by the £5 charge for a energy drink, but then if the place entertains the likes of Maria Carey, Leonardo Di Caprio & Pixie Geldof, who were we to argue.
Turning towards the dance area, we came across the D.J. booth, which was suitably perched above the space, giving the incumbent jocks a real sense of being in amongst the party goers rather than being cocooned in a sterile space, we catching eye with The House Husbands who were injecting their own passion into proceedings, sharing the decks in harmony and choosing some raw edged tunes to stimulate a crowd that seemed more in sociable rather than dancing mood. Mind you, with the level of security parading around the venue, there was little chance of indulging in much naughtiness, there being a real feeling of restraint. Although there was no shortage of familiar faces as a selection of pals arrived, first Clington Forbes, whom we had not seen for quite a while, then Tamsin Roberts who was one of those eager to ensure our presence at this latest DT outing, as well as Jerry Boston & his troupe of pals, whom we had rubbed shoulders with less than 12 hours before. Then finally, close clubbing pal Joel arrived, resplendent with a smart new haircut and still sporting a bit of a tan from his South Africa trip (or was it fake darling?!), with the lovely yet crazy Julian in tow, so we knew in an instant our night was about to perk up considerably.
And perk up it certainly did, as Nick Tcherniak & boyf Tom graced Jalouse’s doors, Nick setting about shifting the music into top gear while Tom honed in on our by now trademark DTPM accessory, our braces, giving them a massive twang to heighten the mood more. But having said our hello’s to both, our attention was on Joel, whom we hadn’t seen since Christmas, although both him & Julian were keen to find their bearings around the club, not that there was a massive amount to see. But we left them to drift for a bit, while we sank into the serious sounds Nick was selecting, the delight written across our faces when he picked out Celada’s “The Underground”, a track that has made an impact on us right from the first day of the year and may well form one of those illustrious top ten come then end.
With Joel & Julian back and in close attendance, we tried to step up our dancing pace and whilst we were loving Nick’s choices, there seemed to be something holding us back and were even reluctant to strip down to our waist in usual fashion, although it seemed that a few around us were being more brave, so we soon succumbed, letting ourselves go and sinking into the hard & progressive house, tinged with tribal that Mr Tcherniak was treating us to. With Joel looking to boost his night with trips both to the bar and then off to powder his nose, we continued to circle close to the D.J. booth, spotting Industri regulars David & Stuart who were very much in the mood to party and when the vivacious Tony Tansley & the fulsome Frank joined the fray, it seemed everyone that should have been present was.
Now we were well into our stride, choosing to mingle with the crowd, spotting faces we had seen pop up at previous parties, like us, seemingly not wanting their “love” weekend to end, plenty of muscle mary’s mixed in with hardcore DT fans as well as plenty more along for the ride, although it would be fair to say that the club never seemed packed and the feel of restraint never seemed to go away. Not that the music was showing any forms of restraint, Nick continuing to deliver one hard hitting tune after the next, he looking very much in the zone and loving the experience. But there was going to be more, as the legend that is Steve “Janet” Thomas appeared to say hello and with him due to take over from Nick, we knew we were in for yet more musical magic and were certainly not to be disappointed as a sequence of pure gems lifted our sagging mood, including Joey Negro’s “Can’t Get High Without U” (yes that record again!) that got our feet well & truly tapping, as did what seems to be a bit of a “Janet” anthem, a superb remix rendition of the classic “Show Me Love” and then diving deep back into some heavenly hard house to send us on a divine musical direction.
However, with the witching hour drawing closer, Joel & Julian were looking to take their partying south of the river, to continue the story of their weekend and of ours, at Orange. So agreeing that a momentary chill in the hands of Barcode would be a good idea, we did a quick run around, making our excuses to those people left, including Nick who was re-charging his glass at the bar, then retreated to the coatcheck to collect our belongings, before saying goodbye to Jalouse and the band of beauties still looking to bop their night away in the confines of this exclusive venue.
Now, what did we think of “From DTPM With Love”? and how do we see future parties panning out? Well, if we are honest, this event wasn’t a patch on the October outing, virtually in every respect. Yes the crowd was as friendly as before and the music in the hands of Nick & Steve was superb, but there was something that was missing. The venue was glamorous enough, don’t get us wrong, but it just didn’t seem to suit the style of DTPM. The overriding feel that you were being watched by the overpowering numbers of security present, in many ways held the party back from being the downright debaucherous & decadent affairs DT have been known for. So despite the efforts of the D.J’s and the lovely people in our presence, we were far from in love with Jalouse and what could have been another delectable DTPM.
So, what of future parties? Well, there is no doubt there is still passion for DTPM as a brand, evidenced by the rocketing ticket sales of the first two “come-back” events, but perhaps people are actually looking for that big party feel, which promoter Lee & his team always seemed to pull off perfectly at Fabric. In our view some of the old resident D.J’s were definitely missing and having got the formula so right at Paramount, we are not sure why this was changed. Planning the next party for Easter Sunday should ensure a return to success, so we hope that the team choose a suitable venue that allows the capacity to match the demand, although if exclusivity is what the new DTPM is about, then we regret to say that many look like being disappointed. We have no doubt the demand is there, but if people don’t get a look in, then they are likely to turn their backs on this undoubted legend of a club brand. (DISCO MATT)
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN
There are only few clubs that have graced the gAylist scene in London that command the kind of attention that turns them from popular to iconic then to legendary, in fact for all the years we have been frolicking around the countless clubs that have made it big in a vibrant cosmopolitan capital city, we can count on just one hand, those club events/brands that hold this very special distinction. Yes, there have been plenty of protagonists to the legendary crown, but in truth, it takes an exceptional string of experiences, that indescribably brilliant feel of anticipation, excitement & fulfilment and the kind of respect that truly sets it aside from the mass of other offerings, for a club to reach the dizzy heights of this sought after status.
But in amongst this elite list shines one such club brand which, after being put into early retirement by its promoter, decided to come back in true style, not just making waves, but causing the kind of stir virtually unprecedented, so much so that the first event was a sell-out within days of the ticket release and was followed by a similar reaction to its NYD party. Yes, DTPM was back and seemingly riding on the crest of a tsunami style wave, hitting the headlines and brushing away the competition like houses in the path of a tornado. So, it seemed that with the build up for their Valentine’s Day outing “From DTPM With Love” suitably poised, another repeat was on the cards, or was it? As news of the latest instalment was released, which was followed by furious sale of early bird tickets, all seem set fair, although there was something holding back our pledge to making it down to host venue Jalouse, with reviews talking of heavy handed security & drinks prices to match.
But with plenty of prodding & cajoling, not least from our clubbing pal Joel, a last minute decision was made to add it to an already hectic “love” weekend schedule and, still reeling from another brilliant Beyond party in the superb hands of Steve Pitron & co, we refreshed ourselves and made our delicate way into central London and the glamorous venue to the stars, arriving at a fashionable 6.30 p.m. With little or no queue to negotiate and being treated perfectly by a very friendly door host and security, our start couldn’t have been better and as we descended into the basement space, all things seemed well, although with the controversial fingerprinting coatcheck system in place, we reluctantly gave our details, allowing us to deposit our belongs and begin this latest DTPM extravaganza.
Entering the space, which very much had the feel of a classy bar & members club, rather than the all out & overt venues that have been home to DTPM’s of old, there was a definite sedate feel to proceedings, although the myriad of circular lights spread across the ceiling made an impact and the multi levelled seating areas, all pointing towards the compact dancefloor, leant to an altogether intimate feel. The sweeping bar was our first port of call, where some familiar faces had gathered, including promoter Lee Freeman, who greeted us warmly before going about his duties. We paused for refreshments and whilst we were expecting the prices to be somewhat exaggerated, were slightly taken aback by the £5 charge for a energy drink, but then if the place entertains the likes of Maria Carey, Leonardo Di Caprio & Pixie Geldof, who were we to argue.
Turning towards the dance area, we came across the D.J. booth, which was suitably perched above the space, giving the incumbent jocks a real sense of being in amongst the party goers rather than being cocooned in a sterile space, we catching eye with The House Husbands who were injecting their own passion into proceedings, sharing the decks in harmony and choosing some raw edged tunes to stimulate a crowd that seemed more in sociable rather than dancing mood. Mind you, with the level of security parading around the venue, there was little chance of indulging in much naughtiness, there being a real feeling of restraint. Although there was no shortage of familiar faces as a selection of pals arrived, first Clington Forbes, whom we had not seen for quite a while, then Tamsin Roberts who was one of those eager to ensure our presence at this latest DT outing, as well as Jerry Boston & his troupe of pals, whom we had rubbed shoulders with less than 12 hours before. Then finally, close clubbing pal Joel arrived, resplendent with a smart new haircut and still sporting a bit of a tan from his South Africa trip (or was it fake darling?!), with the lovely yet crazy Julian in tow, so we knew in an instant our night was about to perk up considerably.
And perk up it certainly did, as Nick Tcherniak & boyf Tom graced Jalouse’s doors, Nick setting about shifting the music into top gear while Tom honed in on our by now trademark DTPM accessory, our braces, giving them a massive twang to heighten the mood more. But having said our hello’s to both, our attention was on Joel, whom we hadn’t seen since Christmas, although both him & Julian were keen to find their bearings around the club, not that there was a massive amount to see. But we left them to drift for a bit, while we sank into the serious sounds Nick was selecting, the delight written across our faces when he picked out Celada’s “The Underground”, a track that has made an impact on us right from the first day of the year and may well form one of those illustrious top ten come then end.
With Joel & Julian back and in close attendance, we tried to step up our dancing pace and whilst we were loving Nick’s choices, there seemed to be something holding us back and were even reluctant to strip down to our waist in usual fashion, although it seemed that a few around us were being more brave, so we soon succumbed, letting ourselves go and sinking into the hard & progressive house, tinged with tribal that Mr Tcherniak was treating us to. With Joel looking to boost his night with trips both to the bar and then off to powder his nose, we continued to circle close to the D.J. booth, spotting Industri regulars David & Stuart who were very much in the mood to party and when the vivacious Tony Tansley & the fulsome Frank joined the fray, it seemed everyone that should have been present was.
Now we were well into our stride, choosing to mingle with the crowd, spotting faces we had seen pop up at previous parties, like us, seemingly not wanting their “love” weekend to end, plenty of muscle mary’s mixed in with hardcore DT fans as well as plenty more along for the ride, although it would be fair to say that the club never seemed packed and the feel of restraint never seemed to go away. Not that the music was showing any forms of restraint, Nick continuing to deliver one hard hitting tune after the next, he looking very much in the zone and loving the experience. But there was going to be more, as the legend that is Steve “Janet” Thomas appeared to say hello and with him due to take over from Nick, we knew we were in for yet more musical magic and were certainly not to be disappointed as a sequence of pure gems lifted our sagging mood, including Joey Negro’s “Can’t Get High Without U” (yes that record again!) that got our feet well & truly tapping, as did what seems to be a bit of a “Janet” anthem, a superb remix rendition of the classic “Show Me Love” and then diving deep back into some heavenly hard house to send us on a divine musical direction.
However, with the witching hour drawing closer, Joel & Julian were looking to take their partying south of the river, to continue the story of their weekend and of ours, at Orange. So agreeing that a momentary chill in the hands of Barcode would be a good idea, we did a quick run around, making our excuses to those people left, including Nick who was re-charging his glass at the bar, then retreated to the coatcheck to collect our belongings, before saying goodbye to Jalouse and the band of beauties still looking to bop their night away in the confines of this exclusive venue.
Now, what did we think of “From DTPM With Love”? and how do we see future parties panning out? Well, if we are honest, this event wasn’t a patch on the October outing, virtually in every respect. Yes the crowd was as friendly as before and the music in the hands of Nick & Steve was superb, but there was something that was missing. The venue was glamorous enough, don’t get us wrong, but it just didn’t seem to suit the style of DTPM. The overriding feel that you were being watched by the overpowering numbers of security present, in many ways held the party back from being the downright debaucherous & decadent affairs DT have been known for. So despite the efforts of the D.J’s and the lovely people in our presence, we were far from in love with Jalouse and what could have been another delectable DTPM.
So, what of future parties? Well, there is no doubt there is still passion for DTPM as a brand, evidenced by the rocketing ticket sales of the first two “come-back” events, but perhaps people are actually looking for that big party feel, which promoter Lee & his team always seemed to pull off perfectly at Fabric. In our view some of the old resident D.J’s were definitely missing and having got the formula so right at Paramount, we are not sure why this was changed. Planning the next party for Easter Sunday should ensure a return to success, so we hope that the team choose a suitable venue that allows the capacity to match the demand, although if exclusivity is what the new DTPM is about, then we regret to say that many look like being disappointed. We have no doubt the demand is there, but if people don’t get a look in, then they are likely to turn their backs on this undoubted legend of a club brand. (DISCO MATT)
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