One Nation Event Review - Club UN - 10th February 1996

At last it’s that time of year again when romance is in the air, pancakes are being tossed in every household up and down the country – but more importantly – it’s the time of year when we are guaranteed a wicked night out as the One Nation team put on their annual, festive ‘Valentine Experience’.  Back in full effect, looking as impressive as ever with yet another legendary showdown of first class DJ’s, MC’s and top notch production – plus a new choice of venue to boot! As the One Nation crew held their event at the United National building (appropriately named for tonight's event) – a club becoming more and more popular amongst promoters lately.  One Nation is best known for it’s success of one-off events over the last three years – packing out every venue and attracting a wicked, jungle vibe.  Not forgetting it’s recent secured weekly slot at the Rhythm Station which built up it’s reputation as a wicked club too.

Before entering the venue we were stalked by the few hopefuls who’d obviously thought they’d be able to buy a ticket on the door.  Their optimism was soon shattered though when they realised just how much of a sell out tonight was and no-one was parting with their tickets – gutted!

The flyer remained true to it’s word when it promised an earth trembling sound system as this was the first thing to greet us – 80k of pure boom, pumping out some favoured up-front jungle!  A decent system always does wonders to heighten the overall atmosphere of an event – especially if there is a tearing Bass line.  It’s always worrying if it is too easy to have a conversation with someone without having to yell in their ear as it means the system isn’t loud enough.  But there was no chance of this tonight, with loads of confused people about (as people just nodded their head to a conversation they couldn’t really hear!) – we were sure of a pounding system! 

 I was also impressed to discover that the One Nation team had managed to overcome the usual problem with this venue.  This being that when you stand too near Arena 1 when in Arena 2 (or vice-versa), you are distracted by the tunes in the other room.  Thankfully this had been sorted for this event and we weren’t reminded of the tunes next door while we were trying to appreciate the ones where we were.  Full marks to production.

Attending a do at UN is raving how it should be done.  For a start, the 4 licensed bars mean, if all else fails, you can still be guaranteed a decent night out!  Plus with the venue being so recently refurbished you feel like you are in a club worth spending almost a score to get in (as opposed to other events who charge the same but seem more like a squat than a respectable venue!).  Not wanting to be deemed unoriginal, UN is also kitted out with a Jacuzzi – just in case the mood takes you – what an alternative way to cool down with the one you love!  And with tonight being a ‘Valentine Experience’ as well – I’m sure for many this proved a welcome option. 

By about 1.00am the herds of queues outside must have all been inside the venue as the place was comfortably ram jammed.  Each set pumped out of the main arena was spot on – raising the temperature higher and higher and making the crowd hyper.  All DJ’s playing what the crowd wanted to hear and rewinding any tune which got enough attention – raising the roof!  It’s important that DJ’s remember they are there to please the paying public before themselves and their selection of tunes they play should reflect this.  It’s the selfless DJ who will go far – to please the crowd before themselves – although usually the two are very closely linked.

Andy C gets full marks for his stomper of a set, proving he is the man of the moment who knows exactly what tunes to drop, Mickey Finn and Darren Jay’s back to back  set also tore down the place with musical bliss as these two prove a force to be reckoned with when sharing the decks – rough!  Hype scratched it up as he knows best with his legendary dog bark and strategically in time scratches – proving to be a master of wrist action (sorry, no pun intended!). 

Other DJ’s gracing the decks for the lurve special were the great Grooverider, Brockie, Randall, Jumping Jack Frost, Kenny Ken, Dr S Gatchet and Marvellous Cain.  MC’s (bringing the vibe and keeping the vibe bubbling) were only the best for the One Nation team, Fearless, Stevie Hyper plus Flux and MC GQ – rocking the crowd totally with rough lyrics.  I don’t think MC’s ever get the full credit they deserve as an MC can make or break a tune – a good MC (like the ones on parade tonight) contribute to the overall atmosphere in the house making sure you have it just that little bit more!

It’s not very often you can genuinely say that the second arena is just as good as the first – but tonight it was.  This room stayed rammed with people appreciating eye rolling days in the past.  Instead of the usual house or garage, One Nation went for an old skool room which definitely kept the masses content, remembering the classic years of 1990-1996 (the DJ’s deviated from the flyers promise with this decision).  Phantasy treated us to an original selection of early tunes which made me feel old that I could actually remember them!  Full respect goes out to Ray Keith who dropped a cracker of a set, just keeping me in that room from start to finish.  Taking us on a musical journey dropping favourites throughout raving history from the past through to the present. 

It was wicked to hear some of the 1994-1995 classics as this was when, for me anyway, I have my fondest memories of raving and Ray Keith took me back to these hassle-free times of the past as it’s been ages since I last heard these tunes played out.  I don’t know why DJ’s don’t sneak in a sly old tune to their sets, as from the reaction Ray Keith got, it would be hugely appreciated – we shouldn’t forget our roots after all.  This aside I can’t big up Ray Keith enough, teasing the crowd with rough mixes like ‘Tall Dark Stranger’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’ – wicked every time.

What about the intense laser show in store for us tonight with two multi-coloured lasers, video screens and backdrops.  Plus wicked stage visuals as this area was occupied by the ‘Ambition’ dancers who are being used by every big promoter at the moment.

The security inside the venue was as good as it could, being friendly and keeping those who came to party capable of doing this in a trouble free zone.  However, obviously the security could not be everywhere and it is not the responsibility of the promoter or the security to ensure what goes on outside the venue.  But, of late, too many incidents have been occurring outside this venue.  Personally I have never had any trouble, perhaps being a girl means that I’m less of a target – but whatever it is, too many people are getting mugged outside this venue and this has happened at the last few events that have been held here – and the problem is intensifying. 

I know that from now on there is a comfort.  The reason I’m writing about this is just to remind people of what going out is all about – it’s about enjoying the music, people should be free to keep themselves to themselves if they want in a club – Jungle already has a wrongly stereo typed misconception of negative vibes and obviously no one person can change this but this isn’t what the Jungle scene is about and to all those who ruin things for the majority – remember what goes around comes around – your turn will soon come!  But on that note a big respect goes out to the One Nation security – recognising trouble and keeping it well outside the venue, ensuring the vibe inside stayed hyped till the end.

This was a true stamina night as it all continued until 8.00am in the morning but, whilst the raves around me remained in full swing I had to retire myself to seats past the 5.00am hour as the amount of alcohol took it’s toll!

Overall a wicked night with no complaints at all about the club – wicked vibe, wicked people there to appreciate the music (and the Moschino and Versace gear!) excellent security, sound system and DJ’s and production.  Make sure you are there for the next one.  As the flyer says ‘One love, one vibe, One Nation!’.

Over and out…