Eight years ago I arrived in Melbourne from Sydney and the first club I attended was Bass Station in McKillop St. I had been a regular at Ice Box and Plastic in Sydney so was looking for something similar in Melbourne and Bass Station was that place. For the next few years I frequented Bass and followed it from McKillop Street, to Zos and finally to the Palace. I loved the music, the crowd and the acceptance I received, particularly as I was definitely one of the oldest “kandy ravers” there. Phat pants and fluro became my standard attire and I have many wonderful memories, as well as photos, of my times at the old Bass Station.

When the Palace closed it was the end an era for many of us. Friday nights weren’t the same anymore. Something was missing. My friends and I found alternative places to go but we would often remember with fondness, our Bass Station moments.

I really didn’t think it would ever return, so I was cautiously pleased, when I heard that Bass Station was reopening at Platform 1. I say cautiously, because quite a few trance clubs have started up in Melbourne over the last couple of years but for some reason or another, have not survived. Why would a revival of Bass Station be any different then?

It was with this thought in mind that I went along to the re-opening. I wanted to see if the magic was still there. I knew it wouldn’t be exactly the same as the organisers were clearly trying to change the focus of the night in order to deter certain elements of the scene which have been detrimental towards it. The new venue, dress-code and line-up were all designed to attract a more mature and appreciative crowd and for the most part, I feel that Jason and Mark Midro achieved this goal.

The refreshed dress-code is “minimal rave” which was a clever way to minimise over-the-top fluro whilst allowing enough freedom for those of us who love our phat-pants. It would appear that most people have out-grown the kandy-raver look anyway and dressed for comfort without being too conservative. There was a smattering of fluro on the dance-floor but fluffy gaiters were absent. There are plenty of big events in Melbourne for them to make an appearance.

With regards to the new line-up, that was only partially true. It was more a case of a couple of new-comers joining the crew while the rest of the DJs were old Bass Station residents with a slightly re-vamped sound. The old Bass Station was renowned for its pumping hard trance and hard-style. I, for one, am very pleased that hard-style is not going to be played very often. However, the odd hard-style track is fine and the younger clubbers will appreciate it.

I was a little concerned that the music would be too soft and Melbourne really doesn’t need another UMT (uplifting melodic trance) night with Interview, Undertone, White Sands, Sunset and Substance. 3D and Bubble are where you go for the harder sounds and high BPMs. Where and how, then, was Bass Station going to fit in?

The two new-comers, Kat and Steve Strangis, both superb DJs, brought their own unique sounds but added harder and faster elements which were ideal for the start of the night. Steve knows his genres and can adapt to whatever the occasion requires. He is a joy to listen and dance to and the main-room was packed with punters from start to finish. The place was pumping by the time Bexta, an old favourite and one of Australia’s best hard trance DJs, hit the decks. Bexta has changed over the years but definitely for the better. Her tracks are more melodic but still hard enough. I think she encompasses the new Bass Station perfectly. Not quite the same but still fantastic!

You could feel the excitement in the room tangibly increase when Mr Bass Station himself, Jason Midro, took over from Bexta. Here is a man who ran (along with his brother Mark) the old Bass Station for several years before taking a break for various reasons. He has been up North, found personal happiness, and returned to try again. Any doubts that he had lost his edge were quickly dismissed as he jumped around behind the console, twiddled those knobs as only Jason can and played anthem after anthem including I Feel Wonderful, Exploration of Space and Follow Me. He yelled out his famous catch-phrases to the crowd and we loved it. Jason is back and it was like he had never been away!

Jewelz was up next and is another Melbourne icon of the dance scene who never fails to inspire and entertain. She is a lady in every sense of the word but boy can she play. I have had Thunder in Paradise in my head since leaving the night. On a few occasions I glanced across the dance floor and caught the eye of an old friend, nodding knowingly at each and remembering other times at Bass Station when big tunes like this filled us with joy.

Last up for the night was Kaos, another Melbourne stalwart. After a slightly shaky start, he let it rip and just got better and better. The roof of Platform 1 lifted off when he played Running and Silence, keeping the place packed until the last tune was dropped.

In my opinion, the re-opening of Bass Station was a resounding success. There were a few minor problems which are to be expected at any new night but I am sure these will be ironed out. For me, the old Bass Station was like an extension of my family. I made friends there who I still see today. Jason and Mark Midro have worked hard to bring Bass Station back to Melbourne and in order for it to continue, we, the punters, must respect and look after each other. The only requirements for attendance are a good attitude, love of the music and responsible behaviour. Not a lot to ask and the rewards will be huge.