After nine successful years of Sydney’s longest running Anthems event, Rave Back In Time had returned once again. Since 1995 DJ and Promotor Shade has been staging these parties which focus predominantly on the rave music of the early to mid nineties and in my opinion – the best of it (before it got too cheese ridden). This was the era of the new rave culture – uncomplicated, melodic and timeless and Shade truly captures this vibe with all of his Rave Back In Time events. He is dedicated, passionate and a very talented DJ with many years of experience.

The night offered us an array of brilliant talent with a most impressive line up of DJs. In my opinion – Sydney’s finest! I felt so lucky that I had the chance to see them all under one roof! I really liked the overall set up which consisted of two arenas. Arena One was “Classic Anthems – 1991 – 1996” which speaks for itself and Arena Two was called “Back To The Future” which delivered to us the new rave sound of the present day. Of course it wouldn’t be Rave Back In Time without the giveaways and prizes that were given out. At around 3.15 am DJ Shade called the winning raffle ticket with everyone checking their tickets and reaching out for the t-shirt and cd’s on offer. Oh it was such cool straightforward fun! Everyone was laughing and smiling. The crowd was super friendly with a happy vibe and to me that was so refreshing. I think everyone appreciates a safe environment and a place where you can have real fun. Lets face it – these days most promoters do not even consider the “safe and fun” stuff to be an issue important enough to address. It was a lovely change so thanks Shade (S-Productions).

The perfectly selected DJs of the night were chosen to play their specific style of rave from that particular era with each DJ showing their obvious expertise in their sets. DJ Shade opened the show with his usual flawless mixing which always looks so effortless. Some beautiful blends and overlaying of tracks that were just classic after classic. He was working the lasers at the same time too which were gorgeous pyramids of green light shooting into the crowd then turning into a bright green laser running across the back wall saying RAVE BACK IN TIME. Most uplifting! Shade had now set the scene for a euphoric buzz that was building in the room with tracks from the likes of Sy and Unknown, Magic Marmalade, Force and Styles. Pure gold.

Fenix was up next to play his set of Happy Hard and the crowd just knew he would deliver the goods. Fenix has such a great energy and you just cant help but get totally immersed in his music and his unbelievable killer tracks that he was pulling out. He has so much fun with his crowd and everyone loves him. He seriously played the best happy hard set Ive heard in yonks. Rare gems of tracks that kept us bouncing. Fenix has done a lot for this style of music and I admire him for never compromising and selling out even when happy hard was not as popular as it is now becoming again.

While Fenix was playing, Arena Two was commencing its musical journey. Shade was now playing in that room and one of the tracks I heard was Beam-Amun (Cosmic Gate Mix). Matrix was up after him and his sets are always energized and pumping. He is such a well respected DJ around Sydney and this a result of his sheer love and experience with his music. I must say I spent most of the time in Arena One but that was only through my own preferred choice of music.

Now back to Arena One and Crisis was next up on the decks. He is the hardcore king around here that’s for sure and you can see why he is so popular with his dedicated band of followers. His hardcore style is the best and his mixing and track selection was exhilarating. He is full of unexpected surprise tracks too which hes well known for.

Arena Two was now full of people dancing to Lil Chris who was so great, along with Paul Holden and Chester who were to be the last on in this room. I was in Arena One when Paul Holden took to the decks and wasn’t going to miss him for the world. Precise and snappy mixing is his style as is his total professionalism. Such a consistent DJ, producer and performer, this man is a legend and has this ability to control the dance floor everywhere he plays. He is one of the reasons we are still partying to rave music.

I had to leave while Chester was still playing Arena One but the few tracks I heard from him were fast and furious and had driven the crowd into a frenzy. We all love Chester! All in all it was a fabulous night full of smiling satisfied people. Rave Back In Time should definitely not be missed next time for those of you who couldn’t make it to this one. This really and truly was the Ultimate Anthem Experience!