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Review of Tilt at Studio 33, 1st November 2003
Reported by Sharon B
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Submitted 03-11-03 20:41
It’s just after 1pm on an Autumnal Saturday afternoon. The air is crisp as the leaves scatter down to the ground and Vauxhall seems quiet except for a few passing cars as a group of friends and I exit the underground and head over to Tilt at Studio 33. When we enter the club it seems like we immediately leave autumn behind and head right back into summer as we are greeted by the uplifting sounds of Fluchlight’s “Icarus” whilst the deep yellow lights flash back and forth across the dance floor. This is my first time at Tilt and I must admit that I had mentally prepared myself or an afternoon of what I termed “Trance”, namely tunes by Paul van Dyk, Armin Van Buuren and Tiesto. All great sounds and artists, but for me I had wondered how well this style of music would entertain me over a whole day’s event. However 10 minutes in and I was already bouncing away to some seriously pounding tunes with the energy of hard trance/dance that retained the uplifting melodies of pure trance, and as Laka’s “Spring Time” came on I started to feel the butterflies of excitement build in my stomach and I got ready for what would undoubtedly be a perfect Saturday afternoon of hands-in-the-air, Cheshire-cat-grinning, silly-dancing Trancetastic fun!
Nicely laid out and decorated, Studio 33 offers two decent dance areas and a great sound system, and prior to its refurbishment was famously known as The Chunnel Club. Having never been to The Chunnel Club myself I was informed by many people during the day that the place had been markedly improved with the new décor and with over £1.5 million spent stripping it back to the arches alone and a totally new layout put in anyone that had ever been to the Chunnel club would find it hard to believe it is even the same place. As I looked around at the sumptuous black leather sofas located all around the bar area the overall feeling was definitely one of comfort. The staff were very friendly and whilst security was present they were never over-bearing and seemed to keep a firm control of the event whilst remaining pretty hidden from the crowd.
As we walked in Benz is on the decks in the Tilt Bar. At only 19 this DJ has accomplished a lot in the 4 years that he has been playing out and his talent clearly shows through in his set. As mixture of funky and soulful through to hard and uplifting trance pump out of the speakers I got out my notebook, put on my reviewer’s hat and got ready to get scribbling. Watching Benz mix it is noticeable that he normally plays out a harder style of dance music. Most trance DJ’s tend to blend their tunes, mixing the melodies as well as the beats and creating a seamless sound, but Benz uses his hard style mixing skills with the trance tunes he selects and really succeeds at creating a sound that is unique and intriguing, and most definitely works. Playing heavily on the mixer, teasing in tunes and cutting in snares from incoming tracks, he displays a real talent and flair for taking trance to another level.
As Steve Hill & The Nu Renegades “Everything is Go” mixed into System F "Out of the Blue" I am completely blown away by Benz. Whilst playing slightly too hard for a warm up set, in my opinion, the enthusiasm and skill that he displays shows that this boy has talent and Tilt have stumbled across a real gem in this young DJ.
At 2pm the main room opens its doors and first to grace the decks is Redcat, playing tunes that have a heavy, soulful base beat with piano melodies – the type of tunes that seem to reverberate right through you, getting the blood pumping and bodies jumping. As his set progressed the base beats became heavier, almost tribal in sound, giving a real edge and an excellent alternative to Bar Tilt’s euphoric uplifting sounds. Tracks such as Shusnik Luna’s “Sun” and Ingo Vs Daz “Tranceptor” gave Redcat’s set a real style of its own. Making use of piano and techno-based riffs over a dark beat proved that Trance isn’t a sound that can be bracketed as easily as I had initially thought and really opened my eyes to just how wide a breadth this genre has.
Walking back into the Tilt Bar and Benz is still pounding them out. E J Doubell’s “Corstar One” and James Lawson & Steve Hill’s “You and Me” are right up my street, but again many people comment that the set is a little too hard and energetic for that time of the event. Nevertheless it had me jumping around like a loon, and I wasn’t the only one, although Benz did pull his set back a little towards the end with The Space Brothers’ “Shine” and ending on Next Exit’s “Rise of Nation”, I began to wonder how the day would progress with such a hard sound so early on in the day.
At 3pm Ian Betts got behind the decks, with a slight look of bemusement crossing his face as he dove into his record bag to find the right tune to follow on from Benz and mix into his set he came up trumps with the recently released “K3”. As the funky bass beat came in whoops of excitement erupted from the already heaving Tilt Bar, filled with boys jumping, girl’s strutting and speakers thumping. Using the almost dreamlike quality of the trance riff of “K3” as his starting point, Ian blended in Tomcraft’s “Loneliness”, giving an almost ethereal quality to his set, and as the melodies glided over the soundwaves you knew that the Trancemaster had arrived!
The choice between the two rooms made me wish that I could somehow split myself in two and be in both places at once. I already foresaw a day of much to’ing and fro’ing as I bounced from one room to the other. Tilt have managed to not only capture but rule a much needed niche in the dance market. Whilst events such as Becomeone are most definitely on a par when it comes to upmarket classy Saturday afternoon promotions, Tilt have managed to create the same warm sense of intimacy amongst the crowd on a bigger scale, and as Heat have moved the majority of their events to night time promotions it seems that Tilt are vying for the crown when it comes to day time clubbing. What impressed me most was the venue and the crowd. Clean to the extent of spotless and with a very even ratio of men to women you could tell that the Tilt crew had worked tirelessly at creating an event with an atmosphere and sound that appealed to an older generation of clubbers who wanted to continue their love and appreciation of dance music in a venue that wasn’t the usual dark and dinghy club that you would usually associate with hard dance music.
It seemed that the men too had taken note of the abundance of women at the event and were more than a little appreciative, although some bemoaned the fact that they were being distracted from the music by the bevy of dancing "Tilt Trance Totty!" The fact that there were a lot of women out clubbing was most definitely a welcome change. I was asked on more than one occasion if I knew where all the glamorous trance-loving ladies could usually be found when not at Tilt, so I approached a group of women and asked why they had come to Tilt and how they had heard of it. Most said that they were not regular clubbers, but one of the group was on the mailing list and another had friends who often came to Tilt and were encouraged by word of mouth. Most said that they usually only went clubbing at Fabric but found Tilt to be a new favourite amongst them.
The Tilt organisers had definitely done their homework and managed to place each DJ and their unique sounds in the perfect order to create what was a magical afternoon. The euphoric uplifting sounds found in Tilt Bar weighed perfectly against the darker, more tribal and funky style of the main room, and from the looks on the faces of everyone in the crowd I was not the only one who was mightily impressed. I had never been to Tilt before, now I doubt I will ever miss another event again. Some argue that club land is dying, numbers falling and crowds getting tired of the ‘same old, same old’, but if Saturday afternoon was anything to go by then those rumours can definitely be dispelled.
Heading back into the main room as Redcat came to the end of what was a superb starting set with K-Traxx’s “Hardventure”, Charlie Rox donned his headphones to take over the decks and keep the party rocking. What was very noticeable was that you could tell just how much thought and effort had been put into the event by the DJ’s themselves. Following on smoothly from Redcat, displaying excellent cutting skills and mixing style Charlie Rox started off with a tune from Well Wicked (I didn’t manage to catch the title of the track) before moving into a much funkier sound as both he and the crowd bounced along in unison to the music. As “Continental Chaos” was mixed in I couldn’t help but put my notebook and paper down to run onto the dancefloor and throw my hands in the air.
Bouncing through the crowds back into the Tilt Bar Ian Betts was still spinning his magic and the crowd were going wild to what Shaun Rowland of Becomeone names as his ‘Tune of the Year’ Andain’s “Beautiful Things”, but the highlight of his set had to be when Ian dropped his own tune “Love Resurrection” and the place turned into a frenzy of serious arm waving and stomping. Ransom’s “My Dance” brought in a more electronic sound to the set and kept the event building nicely on a crescendo of euphoria and when Ian played his remixed version of Heat resident Marc French’s anthemic “Killer Disco” he had the whole room hollering with appreciation. Ending his set with JFK vs Revolution 9 “Metropolis” and Zed X “Hard On” it was without a doubt that Ian’s set was the best of the day and he proved once again just why it is that he is currently the most talked about Trance DJ in London. Not only does he have impeccable taste when it comes to tune selection, he possesses and innate ability to read the crowd perfectly and give them exactly what it is they want to hear.
At 4:30 Raymondo took over the decks in the Tilt Bar starting off with Todd Tobias’s “Under 1”, a funky, soulful bouncing track that brought an edgier sound to the dancefloor. Three and a half hours in from the start and the club was heaving. As “Tears of an Angel” mixed in you could tell that we were in for a set that encompassed the deeper sounds of trance. As the main room got funky the bar room got soulful, but both kept true to the trance based nature of the event. I decided to ask around and get some feedback from clubbers about the event. Clubber Marc Antoine said that he had been coming along to Tilt for the last six months and was an avid follower of the event. When I asked him why, he said that “it’s the best thing happening in London at this time. Good vibe, good people, good music, good DJ’s and a nice venue as well. Everything is here!”.
As the crowds got bigger and bigger and the temperature continued to rise it became a real struggle to choose which room to stay in. Raymondo’s set progressed into hard dance as Prime Mover’s “Come on” and Tony De Vit’s “Gimme a Reason” were played out whilst in the main room Simon Rutherford had taken control of the decks and was playing out Digital Pressure’s “Aftershock”.
Simon Rutherford is renown for being one of London’s best up-and-coming DJ’s, but with the amount of times this man has played out, matched with his impressive mixing skills and tune selection, I’d argue that this is a DJ that has most definitely arrived, and considering he has been made a resident, the Tilt crew would most definitely agree! Simon has a real talent at lifting the atmosphere of a room, playing out tracks that have a down and dirty bass beat overlapped with euphoric high’s and melodic mid-riffs, he never fails to get the dancefloor going. As John Doe’s “Reaching Hard” belted out of the sound system the room suddenly erupted into a sea of waving arms as the lasers reflected off the disco balls making the room an awesome spectacle to witness. Everywhere you looked there were smiling faces, dancing bodies and loved-up clubbers – exactly what clubbing is all about!
As Raymondo ended his set with Barry Diston’s “Holding On” Tilt resident Dave Lochrie took over for the final set of the day, starting off with an all time classic “Lost in Love” and proving once again why it is that this DJ and producer is making serious waves within the dance world. I could no longer resist the urge for some serious stomping and finally laid down my notebook and pen, took off my reviewer’s hat and firmly put on my dancing shoes! I was seriously torn between remaining in the bar area or heading into the main room. Dave Lochrie’s set was the perfect end to the sound and style of Tilt Bar, whilst in the main room Redcat, Charlie Rox and Simon Rutherford played an exclusive 3-way back-to-back playing out what was termed as “Classic Trance” but was more akin to “Trance Anthems”. The room was one big dance-fest for the entire final hour spectacular and ending with Daniel Ro’s legendary “Remedy” was the prefect way to end a perfect day and had the place heaving away right through until the very end.
Before I had gone to Tilt I wasn’t sure as to whether I would appreciate or even like a trance based event. Whilst I enjoy trance as a warm-up sound or at chill-out’s, my previous opinion of trance was more akin to the classic trance sound and I wasn’t aware that the genre could have such a wide and diverse range. I doubted that my attention could be held for an entire day’s worth of clubbing or that I would enjoy the event as much as I did. Now I will never doubt again. There will never be a need.
The next Tilt is on Saturday 6th December at Studio 33. For full details on this event click here.
With thanks to Amy & Anders for the use of their photos 
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Other Features By Sharon B:
What's it all about? Alfie! - Getting Technikal with Alf Bamford
Heat UK presents....SW4!!! - Interview with Damian Gelle
Interview with TWIST promoter Steve Darragh
Interview with Innovate Resident Nick Sentience
Interview with Ferry Corsten
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: Shaun on 4th Nov 2003 11:09.12
Tilt Trance Totty (c) 
Great review Sharon
From: ~deleted3264 on 4th Nov 2003 11:11.08
Fantastic review, which pretty much hit all the nails on the head. This indeed was one of the best parties this year that I have been to, I am still grinning now.....Can't wait until December 6. DJ's, venue and most importantly an appreciative crowd, made for a unique environment
From: Dom on 4th Nov 2003 11:14.44
How the hell did you remember all of that?? Oh wait - you weren't out the night before  Great review Shazza!
From: ~deleted1390 on 4th Nov 2003 11:29.09
She was taking notes all day.
From: SassyNassy on 4th Nov 2003 11:45.02
WICKED review, Sharon! & now the cat is out the bag officially - TILT! Rocks
From: Nathan on 4th Nov 2003 12:28.22
Total respect and much gratitude to ya Sharon - you've done more justice to TILT than I would have thought possible! Thank you!
From: Simon Rutherford on 4th Nov 2003 13:05.48
Fantastic review Sharon. You certainly did pick out every aspect that makes it so special and so damn good! Awesome (gorgeous) crowd, awesome music, awesome venue, and it's during the day, so much much easier to recover from.
Thanks for the kind comments too babe.
From: RedCaT on 4th Nov 2003 13:55.50
as always Sharon Big respect for a top quality review. it was great to chat with you hope we get another chance to chat soon Rich 
From: Charlie Rox on 4th Nov 2003 14:08.56
wow!!! fantastic and awesome review, thanx heaps sharon for your true account of such a firing party, defin.the best tilt yet and here's to many more.Day clubbing, we love ya!!!!!
From: shazzabazza on 4th Nov 2003 14:51.05
 Thank you guys! Glad you liked the review.
Big thanks and a huge well done to the TILT crew for throwing such an awesome party! Will definitely be at the next one!
From: Suya on 4th Nov 2003 17:19.14
And it will be fab to see you there - was great to see you bouncing around!  Great review too!!! Bring on Dec 6!!
From: Ian Betts on 4th Nov 2003 18:17.01
Brilliant review of a brilliant party Sharon (and thanks for your v.kind words ) Saturday afternoons are definitely back!
From: WEBBO on 4th Nov 2003 18:30.01
good review shazza i agree finishing off with remedy was
def the way to go i didnt wanna leave
From: tonyl on 4th Nov 2003 18:46.36
enjoyed the text. suprised that the "totty" r fabric regulars though as my mates LOVE fabric but HATE hh. guess its who yer with at the end of the day!
From: ~H~ on 4th Nov 2003 18:56.04
Well, I finally got my ass down to Tilt after threatening to since they first started. All I can say is I wish i had gone sooner! I had a great time and look forward to the next one!
From: Richard Launch on 4th Nov 2003 19:40.48
GET THE TILT RIGHT IN!
From: Stevi D on 4th Nov 2003 20:45.47
I kick myself for missing out on this!!"
From: Piers on 4th Nov 2003 23:13.57
Excellent review, and a superb afternoon - well done to all involved, I'll certainly be at the next one! The last hour in the main room was probably the highlight of my clubbing year to date. Anthem after anthem and a fantastic crowd going crazier by the second :o)
From: Piers on 4th Nov 2003 23:22.51
Excellent review, and a superb afternoon - well done to all involved, I'll certainly be at the next one! The last hour in the main room was probably the highlight of my clubbing year to date. Anthem after anthem and a fantastic crowd going crazier by the second :o)
From: RedCaT on 5th Nov 2003 00:58.40
Pink Kitty has put up the photos now http://www.harderfaster.net/?section=photos&action=showphotoset&rootpage=1&setid=2111
From: Ali Wilson on 6th Nov 2003 10:47.48
Wicked review! Can't wait for the next one! Lets get Tilted!
From: Bagel on 6th Nov 2003 11:26.16
Great review for a great party...you captured it all really well Sharon
From: spangledwench on 6th Nov 2003 11:36.55
Well done shazza, wot a wicked review! was gr8 2 c u all there, TILT gets better every time & we absolutely can't w8 2 c u all on december 6th - come & get TILTED!!!
From: Steve Prince on 6th Nov 2003 23:06.40
SOUNDS LIKE IT WAS A GOOD NIGHT OUT
From: Red5 on 9th Nov 2003 09:26.02
Top review Sharon. I wasn't sure about it either, but came away grinning from ear to ear. I'll definitely be back again
From: Matt Smallwood on 12th Nov 2003 20:03.10
Also had a top time and will deffo be attending on Dec 6th, bring it on!!
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