Last Thursday saw the return of the renown Echo trance nights, this time at Gateway on Gouger Street. I was really looking forward to this one as not only had I not been able to attend an Echo night for a few months, but the headline act was one of stellar calibre – Matt Darey. With a top notch DJ and producer gracing our shores, how could this not be a fantastic show? I last saw Matt Darey in the Fridge nightclub in Brixton, London and with that in mind, I wasn’t expecting anything less. So in I went, keen to see if all the Echo faithful would be out in force.

Firstly, I just want to say what a great venue Gateway Nightclub is. I used to attend a few shows that were put on there when it was known as Black Cat White Cat. It’s spacious, there’s plenty of room to dance, there’s a nice sized bar and it’s matched by a large seating area which does not take over the entire club. It’s open enough without becoming cavernous, and can deliver an intimate clubbing experience. I mentioned this to Solace when I caught up with him, and he’s not ruling out future Echo nights at Gateway.

It is always good to hear quality tracks just as you enter a venue and it was already a really driving vibe when we arrived. I walked in to catch the tail-end of Dirty Harry’s set, treating myself to some progressive, groovy breaks.

Brett James and Ahmet hit the decks next and maintained a steady pace, yet held back from slamming us all too early. It was shaping up to be the perfect lead up. The crowd was given time to settle in yet the mood was set. As the progressive, mid tempo trance continued, the punters were slowly but steadily filling the place and you could already feel yourself surrounded by an awesome vibe. Thursday night events in Adelaide can be a bit hit and miss, but on this night, people were well up for it. My other half and I really stepped it up a gear early on the floor on hearing a trance mix of Miss You which just took the rising atmosphere to a different plane. By now, Gateway was really starting to fill. This was becoming a capacity night and anyone who has ever said ‘trance is dead in Adelaide’ can think again after seeing this crowd. As much as I was waiting for Matt Darey, I could quite easily have danced on to Brett James and Ahmet. They played a well structured, tight set which was awesome. Thumbs up to you guys, big kudos.

This was starting to shape out to be a perfect night, and had attracted a great mix of people. Some old school clubbers, some young clubbers but more importantly all were lovers of all things trance.
When Matt Darey stepped up, he blew the house down with the first track. I know my trance but have no idea what the intro track was but I can tell you it certainly grabbed the entire floor’s attention! It was upwards from here and my mind, ears and emotions were all being completely blown away. Matt once again was proving why he is one of the best in the business. Hands were constantly up and the crowd’s adrenalin was high. Words just escaped me as Matt just kept driving us all further into a dancing frenzy. Towards the end, the sounds started getting harder and bit more acid but the quality maintained. Matt then dropped a remix of the classic Gamemaster which made my ear drums explode and then topped it by following this with another remix of his own classic, Temptation. This was where Matt finished and I was left floating in a trance utopia and more than satisfied with my night out.

Echo founder Solace was up next, keeping the vibe going as always and is well deserved of his recent SADMA award although this was more on the trance vibe than progressive. Solace even started to get a touch funky before blending this back to uplifting trance. A well placed remix of She Needs to Feel by Super 8 and DJ Tab peaked the crowd once again. I would love to have stayed until the end but I had to leave during Solace’s set in order to pull my weight at my day job early on Friday. This was seriously one of the best nights Echo has put on during its four years in the game.

I also have to give a shout out to the Trance SA boys as well. Seriously, you guys would have to be the most passionate trance supporters in Adelaide and are always front and centre at any local trance gig. Love your work guys.