Club Labrynth
For many of us regular ravers around London Town,
Saturday night marks the weekly pilgrimage to 12 Dalston Lane, the
home of London’s one and only Happy Hardcore club. Club Labrynth is
in many ways unique providing the unmatched atmosphere that only a
rave can create on a weekly basis, with top guest DJ’s such as Sy,
Billy Bunter, Slipmatt, Ramos and Vinylgroover playing almost every
week. In addition to these Jimmy J regularly graces the DJ box and
with MC on the MIC, you are guaranteed a wicked night whenever you
go. For those not quite up to stomping the night away, two further
rooms offer a selection of House, Old Skool and Trance provided by
various competent DJ’s.
On first visiting Labrynth I was rather apprehensive, Hackney not
being somewhere I would rather choose to go for my Saturday nights
entertainment. Arriving by bus my heart sunk as I waited nervously
outside a dingy doorway which I had been assured was my destination.
As the time drew nearer 11pm a queue began to from and from then on
my night just got better and better. As I got chatting to people in
the queue it soon became clear I was in for a treat and after about
half an hour, following a quick but efficient search, I was inside.
“Small is beautiful” is perhaps the most appropriate description of
Labrynth as what looked initially small and none too impressive soon
became a mass of bodies heaving to the music.
After putting away my coat, a remarkably painless experience and
buying the essential bottle of water for a mere £1, I proceeded to
the chill-out garden to talk to people while the dance floor filled
up. One of the first things you notice about Labrynth is the
atmosphere, it is in fact this which makes the club. Everyone,
almost without exception is friendly, making you feel immediately at
home in what could almost be described as a family atmosphere.
Attitude is almost unheard of, and whether you be a white gloved
yellow jacketed exhibitionist like myself or someone who prefers a
more intimate dancing atmosphere you will find like-minded people
and indeed a choice of dancing areas. I myself went straight to the
stage and this was in fact where I remained for most of the night.
With the DJ box clearly visible for all to see behind the stage we
all knew who we were dancing for and with the prospect of seeing and
hearing Supreme, Vinyl Trixter, Jimmy J and Demo play the night
away, I was ready to dance till I dropped.
Given the size of the main room the sound was appropriately loud and
clear wherever you went, and was well complemented by the lights
which although not spectacular were more than adequate. Packed, as
it was, there was enough room to dance on the main floor although on
the stage, as might be expected, we were packed together all
fighting for the attention of the crowd. The music was absolutely
rinsing all night long as all the DJ’s particularly Supreme, played
one wicked tune after another. With Ruff’s ever impressive lyrics
working the crowd up even more, I was reluctant to leave even for a
moment although thirst compelled me at last to get a drink.
Venturing downstairs to the toilets I saw the House room was also
pumping and I was even tempted to wind down there for a while. In
actual fact the sounds of ‘Take me Away’ caused me to sprint back to
the main room and as I forced my way onto the front of the stage, I
felt that oneness and unity of the crowd which makes raving the
ultimate experience it undoubtedly is. Any club that can create such
an atmosphere is well worth going to in my books.
Overall I had a absolutely amazing night and must have met more
wicked people than I would have ever thought possible. As a club, it
obviously doesn’t compare to events specially produced for
thousands, but if you live anywhere near London I would strongly
advise you to check it out. For me it epitomises what raving is all
about and I now go there almost every week. The atmosphere and the
music itself more than compensates for anything the club lacks in
size or décor and it’s even safe to use the toilets. If you haven’t
been there, then get down to it as soon as possible and if you have,
then you know how good it is.
Back to top
|
