Tonight’s destination was Gas, clubbing home to many and tonight they had a special event, Frantic. We arrived around 11.30 to a considerable line-up, many smiling faces and as always, friendly security. The line consisted of those waiting to go into Frantic but also into Bohem. I was very excited at the prospect of this night’s line-up; Steve Nichols, Lab-4 and Phil Reynolds mixed up with great local DJs Yoshi and Mickey D who always have a reliable following. So expectations were high… and I was ready to party!
For those that haven’t been to Frantic before, the word Frantic = Hard House. First off was Mickey D who definitely got the crowd warmed up for this hard house special. Gas was on the brink of becoming a full house and everyone on the dance floor was caning it! The night started off hard and remained so until the lights came on. From the railing above Gas I got a birds-eye view of the stage layout. The stage was complete with decks (of course) but also keyboards (plural); hmm who could this be for? Any one who has seen Lab-4 before will know this equipment is part of their ‘live act’, excellent!
I have to say one ‘new’ thing I did come across in Gas was the 3d cigarette promo… complete with life size cardboard cut out, plastic holding stand for cigarettes AND a guy and chick standing next to the cigarettes selling the merchandise ALL NIGHT! At least they would have been entertained! (in one form or another).
Steve Nichols suddenly appeared and he wound up the pace a little more, the crowd responded according. Steve Nichols who was previously based in England has now become a Frantic regular, of which I am sure hard house fans are very happy about.
Lab-4 (Lez and Adam) played from 1.45-2.30, only a 45min set but the sheer energy they created was amazing. They look like rock gods and the out of it thing is, when you see them perform they head bang like rock stars as they play hard house. They were cool; they lived up to past performances and delivered a consistent set. If you ever have the chance they are worth checking out, they get my points for originality and consistency. The banging can be too much for my liking but they are definitely awesome performers.
Phil Renyolds played Frantic number four, at least at my count. The crowd danced hard and were very appreciative of his set. He is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in hard house, which is a reflection on his ability as a DJ.
Yoshi finished the night off with what was a perfect set to follow the night’s proceedings. He played harder and bangier than his normal hard trance sets but in perfect follow up from the other DJs. He mixed in some of his favourites and new tracks and whilst the dance floor cleared it was due to exhaustion of the crowd and no reflection on his set!
All in all another awesome party staged by Gas, Frantic, the promoters, those who played, those who danced and those who just lurked around. I left exhausted, I felt like the air had been banged out of me, but I was completely satisfied. Many thanks to all that participated!
