What a night – from start to finish I don't think I lost this stupid grin (whaddya mean I still have it?? Oh yes....) Before last night I would have said with absolutely no hesitation that I did NOT like hardcore, or MCs. For me it's all about the Hardstyle, live it, breathe it and dance to it at every opportunity I get, any line-up that includes Cally & Juice with MC Shocker is bound to get my attention, particularly when I don't have to travel too far to get to it. Organ Donors, Wragg, Louk, Chubba, Limpstar (I've heard your hard trance mix, don't try to deny it) being on was enough to satisfy me that I was sure to enjoy the night; I didn't bargain on enjoying it as much as I did, nor did I ever think I would actually dance to a hardcore MC and DJ, several as it turned out.

When I first walked in the first thing I noticed was the decor, The Palace was done up like, well, a palace and looked stunning. After a brief stint in the main room and taking in the awesome sound system, I went off to investigate the 2nd room which is where Firewall promote the up and coming DJs, something that's part of why Firewall is so popular; it's all about giving new, usually local talent the opportunity to play at a top event alongside bigger names. The only other time I'd been to Firewall the 2nd room was closed for a refurbishment. I was really impressed with how it all now looks, spacious and clean with gorgeous leather sofas that although comfortable, strangely weren't used that much because nearly everybody was dancing.

I knew from my last visit that the place would be packed out, the last time I'd felt like a sardine and although it was just as busy, in fact last night was their busiest ever, the 2nd room reduced the pressure enough so that it was relatively easy to move around. It was also easy to spot people and once I'd found Chubba (after his storming set with G-Dub) who I knew was a part of the Firewall family, he was able to locate Henry (oldskoolmadman) and we went to meet some of the DJs and MCs.

Walking through the crowds would have been much harder if it wasn't for the fact that everybody is so friendly. There's lots of things I'll remember about last night but the friendliness of absolutely everybody is what really blew me away. Everybody I asked – and quite a few that didn't – told me that they thought Firewall was the best night in the south west; “Can't beat a Firewall” was said to me more than once. The DJs/MCs were just as friendly and happily chatted to me about how pleased they were to be there, in fact most of them spent the night having as good a time as the rest of us and when not behind the decks or mic then would just as likely be in the crowd. I noticed how hard everyone was working, really getting everyone involved and it's how I began to lighten up on the subject of MCs; the guys there really worked with the DJs to give the clubbers what they wanted – good, solid tunes to keep you on your feet.

I don't know if I would choose to go to any other nights which feature hardcore so prominently but I am so glad that Henry gave me the opportunity to come to this one. I saw first-hand how dedicated everybody is to putting on a great night; I know that Henry and Chubba are regularly contributing on DSI, talking about the events and keeping an eye on the Top Mixes group which is where they get to hear all the up and coming DJs they promote for every Firewall – something that is very important to them. There is a team spirit that makes you feel like you're part of a family. The success of Firewall lies to a huge extent with that team effort, which starts at the top with Jason (Mr Firewall) through to those doing the flyering and all the acts booked. It includes Jay Frantic, he travels all the way from Derby to organise these events and now I understand why; the feedback and the warmth from the crowds is unbeatable and I can't wait for the next one. For those that really can't wait for the 27th December then you can catch Firewall vs Grooveswitch next Sunday, 31st August at Back to da Roots Pt 2 in Taunton for more hardcore, hard trance and Hardstyle......see you at the front?

Wicked review luvving-it, I agree that firewall is a very friendly place. Its great to see everyone you walk past with a huge grin on their face like they just got the cream. lol

Going to the christmas one for sure so see ya there if you are! =) (is that the grin you were talkin about lol)

Oh dear - you've seen the grin then, lol! But it was an awesome night and I had the best time I think I've ever had, with my clothes on anyway...... ;0)

Sorry it's so long, i got a bit carried away!

Oh - and you bet I want to be there for christmas!!

How much did Henry pay you for this comprehensive and positive review? Lol


Glad u enjoyed the night. Twas 'avin it'


:-)

didnt need to bugsie.....was the best night ....looking forward to the next

I did ;o))

Top review there luvvin it and i was the same as you where/are about hardcore when i first ventured to my first Firewall but,i quickly started to enjoy it alot more and i now i would go as far as too say i have been converted to the 180 bpm ways ! ! !

Will always luv my hard trance and hardstylee but hardcore/freeform has sneaked its way in the list as well,truelly awesome soundz ! ! !

Glad ya enjoyed yourself hun,see you out and about soon and thank you for the review,think ya covered most bases there :O)) x x

sssshhhhh!

Oh god yes - and Cally & Juice fooking ROCKED!!! Even though they were about 30bpm slower than anybody else that night.......

Awesome!!

I noticed that with the Donors set as well,but WoW were`nt the tunes off there new album awesome :O)

Never heard C+J which i was hugely dissapointed about :O(

Still I`m sure i will hear them again soon enough ! !


Whoooops ;o))

It's what I love and can't stop loving......erm......?


Why don't you come to Plymouth a week Sat? Chuck-E is playing too so lots of hard trance - ooer is that spamming? I'm planning on going anyway so give us a shout if you want, road trip, lol!

Oh and bin listening to your CD non-stop, it's fooking great - absolutely stomping, many thanx for that!

Let me guess,your off to LaLaLand as well ;o))

Was nice to meet you again and thank you for the offer of a Plymouth roadtrip,i have heard C+J mixing it up though,a few times this year already but cos i left early i never heard there Firewall set :O(

Glad ya like the Cd,it`s a bit of an old un now,so when i see ya next make sure you ask me for A Big Dollop of Hardstyle cos that`s my newest one i am giving out,you`ll luv that one even more so (i hope).

Take care hun and hopefully see ya out and about very soon :O))

I think we can be sure of that babes!

As sure as apples dropping off a tree onto the floor ;o))

Lol,philosophy is`nt my strong point and neithers spelling ;o))

erm......ain't that physics? Newton and gravity? But science & philosophy ain't mine either - apart from about 5 in the morning - I can chat for HOURS then . . . . . well it makes sense to me anyway!

Lol,yeah your right,see anything a bit scientific and my brain goes to mush,well that and the fact i was out last night/this morning until 5am . . . . . ........ .. .

SEE THATS ALL....STRANGE CHAT.....CAN WE GET BACK TO BOL~~CKS CHAT PLEASE

i thought i was!!! meh..........

Nah,this is relatively normal convo for our Oldschoolmadman,ya should hear him @ bout 2 am on a Firewall night,random rambling.randomness.rus.com :OS

hahahahaha