Renegade Hardware vs Valve - The Renaissance Rooms (25/08/06)

Drum n Bass ravers are always spoiled for choice on carnival weekend and this year was no execption. Despite the competition, I can honestly say that Renegade Hardware vs Valve was one the best raves i've been to in a long time. Held at the increasingly popular 'Renaissance Rooms', the promotors made full use of the venue's three arenas, and the diversity of music spread across these was undoubtedly a major factor in drawing the sell-out crowd.

On entering the venue I couldn't help but be reminded of the days of raving at Bagley's, from the metal detectors to the warehouse feel of the main two arenas. Nostalgia was soon replaced by the feeling of being smacked in the face by the valve soundsystem! The line up in the Hardware/Valve room didn't exactly leave room for a 'warm up' dj, and it was no surprise to walk in at 11.00 pm to the tearing sounds of Vicious Circle and Chase n Status. The Sound System held it up all night but was undoubtedly put through its paces with some of the most disgusting music i've ever heard! I feel sorry for ravers that arrived late and missed Andy C and Friction. I was interested to see how Andy would adapt his style to a Hardware crowd, and it's safe to say that he didn't disappoint: the usual ram rollers were in full effect, but the selection was spot on with tunes such as 'Neo' and 'All Aboard', which sounded beyond epic on that system. It was Hardware that gave Friction his break and he clearly felt right at home drawing for some of the classic highlights of the night including;  'Watermelon' , 'Nasty Ways' and the eternally gurn-inducing 'Messiah'. Other Highlights of the Hardware arena were Calyx and Teebee's whole set and when Noisia unleasehed their remix of 'Masochist' - Instant   rewind!!!!

Its Always a good sign when you end up hopping between two arenas and can't decide which one is better. The Essence of Chi room complimented the main room perfectly. Although the sound did not compare to valve, It held it up well and the vibe in the room was live all night. Soulful vibes were prominent but Doc Scott's Speed set took it deep and dirty with tunes like 'Spacefunk' and 'Far Away'. Intalex was definately the Highlight, working his way through liquid and Tech-step sounds then uplifting the mood once again with logistics' remix of 'The Burial' followed by Capones 'Friday'. Bryan G's selection was equally impressive, dominated by reggae flavours he captured the mood perfectly and even when he took things a little more jump up, he still retained complete control of the crowd.

I didn't venture into the dubstep room much, but caught snippets of Slaughter Mob, Skream and Youngsta and the room was bubblin all night. Overall the rave was wicked, the sound systems worked well with the venue, the choice of djs was impeccable and the vibe was pleasant. My only complaint was waiting at the bar watching possibly the slowest bar tenders i have ever seen, however it was a small price to pay for a top night out. Massive respect to the Hardware, Valve and Essence of Chi crews.

Words. Jason Donovan

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