*In case you're wondering why it is so late... This was a review I had written on behalf of T&B for the Ravin Eye Magazine, but unfortunately they had no space in the corresponding issue (so rendered it out of date.. and useless!). Felt it was better to post it up here rather than sit as a word file until I deleted it. Anyway, hope you enjoy :)


With the Hardcore Weekender just around the corner, scores of Scottish ravers descended on Glasgow for a warm-up like no other, as Twisted & Brainfire presented the official launch party: ‘Hardcore Heaven Scotland’ at the Ferry. The event provided an impressive array of live sets from start to finish, featuring no less than 16 DJ’s and MC’s (nine of which will be appearing in Southport this May). Opening festivities were the local pairing of Kev Gee & Andy G, who set the night off in the right direction with an hour of carefully crafted bouncy hardcore. It’s always interesting to watch these support acts, as often the DJ’s give that little bit extra in terms of energy in their display. Kev & Andy were no exception, fully embracing their slot at this prestigious event and relishing every second. Following this cracking opening, Sebo provided something totally different with an upfront hardstyle set. This change in tempo was unexpected, yet was fully welcomed by those on the floor. The young DJ held his own, unveiling quality track after track and more than deservedly had the crowd chanting his name towards the end of the set.

Al Twisted took time out from ensuring the whole event could run smoothly to do what he does best, this time joining forces with Mikk to provide a huge injection of hard-hitting gabber. The impressive duo presented a host of kick-drum driven tracks, including their own respective exclusive productions: “Darkside” and “Time To Go Crazy”, and a pleasing collaboration entitled “Start The Program” (F/C Darkside Unleashed). With barely time to catch breath, the crowd were hit with another back to back special, as T&B favourite Mikey Motion teamed up with the legendary Doctor to drop a banging UK hardcore set. This performance certainly had the dance floor going throughout, with Mikey deftly displaying his scratching skills and even throwing in a verse of MC-ing for good measure! Such antics made for good viewing, and added a refreshing twist to the conventional view of “how a DJ should act” when playing out.

Throughout the entirety of the evening, proceedings behind the decks were helped on their way by a number of other important factors. T&B’s resident group of MC’s (Flee, Bobby G & Kirk) and the highly revered Loco, kept everyone on their toes with lyrics and banter designed to give the crowd an extra lift (if that was possible). The men complemented every set and were a welcome addition on the night, supplying a new dimension to an already memorable show. As well as this, the collection of provocative female stage dancers supplied some interesting eye-candy, not to mention inspiration to keep moving. Away from the music, the team of stewards operated in an efficient and professional manner as always, with their activities on the whole going relatively unnoticed. This fact ensured a safe and totally unhindered environment for ravers solely looking to enjoy the music.

Just after midnight, the packed dance floor waited in anticipation for the UK debut of Neophyte Records recent signing, Kasparov. The Dutch hardcore powerhouse unleashed a myriad of blistering tracks that clearly met with the approval of the Scottish audience, as they stomped relentlessly to every beat on offer. The set reached new heights with the introduction of his 2009 anthem “Part of The Project”, a track that was truly appropriate given the crowd’s response, which could be categorised as nothing else but 100% hardcore. Scotland always savours its big-name gabber imports and this time was no exception, with the hour flying past thanks much in part to crisp mixing and the strong sounds exhibited. Certainly on this outing, it is clear that Kasparov will be more than welcome to grace the T&B stage again in the near future.

For the second part of this huge double-headliner, hardcore’s most prolific personality Darren Styles, made his first T&B appearance for a number of years. Backed up by the always-emphatic Whizzkid, he entertained for over an hour with some prime cuts of mainstream UK hardcore. This set went down a treat, as Styles utilised an impressive stock of tracks, ranging from the vocal “Come Running” and “Outta My Head”, to more experimental and minimalist efforts – exemplifying a new and encouraging direction for his sound. Whizzkid’s lyrical input kept the crowd moving and was especially memorable as he made a conscious effort to engage with individual ravers on numerous occasions – a gracious skill that definitely helped to enhance enjoyment for all involved. Another pleasing aspect was the fact that virtually every raver who had been enjoying the hard beats of Kasparov was still in place during the set. This in itself highlighted the quality on show, and really served as a testament to the audience – who could clearly appreciate a multitude of hardcore styles. As the special guests made their departure, while politely taking time out to chat with fans, a strong contingent of ravers congregated on the floor seeking one last chance to sample some grade ‘A’ hardcore. These calls were answered in the only way Twisted & Brainfire knows how, as Smurf & Rob Da Rhythm took things back to the dark side for the final set of the night. The intensity of the tracks was only matched by the intensity of the DJ’s, who furiously pounded the air in appreciation of the powerful beats. This seemed to rub off on the remaining ravers, re-igniting them into a final frenzy right up until that always-unpopular point in time – when the last tune had run its course. Despite that inevitability, it could definitely be argued that those in attendance went home more than satisfied with their evening’s worth of hardcore.

This event will be remembered for the great musical variation it provided, successfully blending genres from hardstyle to European gabber, while at the same time ensuring the boat kept rocking into the early hours of the morning. The slick operation of these nights and the big-name DJ’s they continue to attract, really serves to highlight why Twisted & Brainfire is undisputedly, Scotland’s number one hardcore promotion. Certainly, if this evening was anything to go by, you will not want to miss the T&B ‘Darkside Arena’ at the Hardcore Weekender in May, as it promises an all-star selection of artists more than ready to bring on the noise once again.

Shame no one comes on DSI anymore apart from me, and I dont like hardcore so didn't read it. Soz bud.