Wow – what a night. First time ever I have written a review straight away on getting home. Something a little different – reverse chronological event review. If it freaks you out too much, start at the bottom.

I’m sitting outside with a milkshake close to day break. Pretty tired, but still wired. Got my laptop on – watched a slide show of the 70 or so shots I took. Its impossibly quiet and still outside after the heaving maelstrom of 5 hours at the palace. She’s tucked up in bed asleep and murmurs contentedly as I kiss her cheek and tell her I am home.

On the drive back we discussed the night. Its not every night you finish the evening by having an in depth conversation about trance, chords, minimalist techno….I can barely understand what this guy is saying, but hey, that’s clubbing conversation. For 10 minutes I heard every third word through thumping bass and a thick European accent.

He’s just recognised me from the interview pics I sent him and waved me over as we were leaving. I’m chatting to an excitable Ralph from Kyau and Albert. We’re standing off the side listening to Steve, Scott and Jules. Still loving the music from the Melbourne trance staples, but my legs are finished. Stephen had already wandered off for a drink and to unwind.

I was knackered. Ralph and Stephen, along with half a dozen other producers, spinners and DJ’s, were to blame. It was a great night – organisers would be stoked – sold out event, awesome vibe, the whole place heaving with people. Great lighting, lots of space to dance. It was the likes of the last main room act room we saw – Pilo and Scientist – that had continued the hard and fast pace set earlier in the evening. Seriously – this night had gone off and just “broken open.” Its was about 3:30am and the crowd heaved a sigh of relief – knowing that they’d had enough fun, but could have more if they wanted it.

Visually was good, although the black room was pretty dark, offset by awesome lasers. The white room was lighter. Funny that.

We’d walked out of Kyau and Albert who had just delivered some fine, uplifting, driving and at times, melodic trance to an appreciative crowd. I danced almost the whole 2 hours of their set. These guys are amongst my faves and it was tight, interesting and awesome to dance to. Quality act on a great night.

Half way through I wandered out and saw a bit of the “mystery guest” – no idea who it was. But I shit you not, the crowd was going ape to the dark, hard sounds filling every nook and cranny of that huge main room. There was a lot of real estate to move about on, and it was packed with a mixed crowd, bopping and shuffling into the small hours. Mystery Guest – high intensity. I’d stood on the overpass at the back of the Palace and soaked it in. The Palace is great for being able to get above the floor and look down on the massive, seething, banging crowd. Awesome.

K and A’s first hour was more broken up. Mark James had it banging – I mean great, but a lot harder than I’ve heard before from him. Would have been better if he played that after but hey – Mark James knows way better than me!! Kyau and Albert really needed to bring the pace back. Stephen from K & A was discussing it with us before he went on. Having said that, it was a “hard and fast” themed night; I think most the DJ’s played a bit harder, edgier and up tempo than usual and the crowd were lapping it up.

Considering it was early, I was amazed at how hard “Dark by Design” were – apt name. But this crowd just soaked it up. Very high energy, very friendly, very relaxed and a lot of them.

We’d warmed up to the beautiful Virginia Lee in a front room. Techy, edgy electro. There was still a massive line out front gradually progressing forward. Security were thorough, fair and concerned about a creating a safe environment. It felt very nice inside – good vibe.

Andrew said “yeah man – its all confidence” about how we’d walked to the front of the line, pulled doorlist, found our tickets and inside in 30 seconds. In the car on the way there we discussed life and how less we went clubbing after more than 5 years in the scene. The music was pretty cool – it was his. I think we were both a tad excited, if not knackered from a busy week at work. A bit of expectation as he started the car.

“This should be a good night mate.”

I kissed by wife goodbye just before we walked out the door

“So mate – ready to go.”