This rave had all the makings of an unforgettable event; top quality line-up covering many styles of underground dance music, the most impressive lighting ever seen at St Pauls (Adelaide’s home of raving), perfect weather and a real buzz of excitement surrounding it! The only thing missing was heads through the door, continuing a worrying trend in Adelaide.
Notwithstanding, the lower than expected turn out – the lucky people that did attend were treated to an awesome party with all headline and local DJs delivering sets of the highest quality – no matter which of the 3 arenas you happened to be in.
US progressive trance DJ Christopher Lawrence came in at No.7 in the recent DJ Magazine Top 100. Highlighting his popularity and standing with dance fans worldwide. After witnessing his set at St Pauls it is not hard to see why he is held in such high esteem. Smooth, seamless mixing and perfect track selection (including many tracks from his two recent CD’s, Around the World and All or Nothing) ensured that he delivered a brilliant set of dance floor-friendly tunes.
Chris is undoubtedly at the top of his game right now, and it showed! Blending both techno and breaks influences in with his more traditional progressive trance sounds continued to keep the set sounding fresh and interesting. It was also great to see one of the world’s leading DJ’s wearing an Adelaide Techno Movement t-shirt!
The trance sound that is so popular in Europe has never held the same appeal with Adelaide’s dance fans who prefer their beats a lot harder and tougher. The La Lupa room was rammed and jumping from the minute locals Bongo and Matt Knowles took control of the decks and stayed that way as Narc (Live), Noddy vs H-Bomb and US hardcore legend Lenny Dee all took their turn to crank up the intensity for the packed dancefloor! Harder, faster, louder was definitely the right combination to welcome in Australia Day!
The main arena line up was already impressive – but the way the DJs all approached their task was nothing short of sensational! Frantic resident Phil Reynolds banged out a wild, hard trance onslaught that was irresistable. Nu Energy Collective rising star, ‘The Ting” was a real surprise package! She is a huge talent, a great performer and someone we will be hearing a lot more of. Her live show has to be experienced and it was great to see her front and centre for most of the night dancing to the other DJs. The future of hard dance is looking assured with this babe in its ranks!
Mixmag future hero and Goodgreef resident Alex Kidd was another of the international DJs that impressed – his hard dance melting pot of hardstyle, acid techno and slamming trance riffs kept the main room pumping and the dance floor going off, despite the intense heat inside St Pauls. With so many DJ’s and live acts playing in different arenas it was always going to be a challenge to hear everything on offer – yet the overall quality delivered by all performers was exceptional.
Global Force was a brilliant night out! It has set the benchmark for raving in 2005! A special mention also has to go to Yancey and Club Axis for the footage used to make the ‘10 years of Adelaide Raving’ presentation showing in the chill out room! A great addition to any upcoming events.
