There was a comfortable vibe to Innerdance from the very beginning of the night. Geary Lane was transformed into a welcoming, open space. Convenient stone benches had been installed outside since the last time I had been to this venue. By 9:30 people had started to arrive, but it was 11 before the crowd really filled out.
Inside, Organic Family Promo Group really went out of their way to create the perfect atmosphere for this event. The décor felt equally eastern-influenced and psychedelic-inspired. The wall hangings took advantage of the UV black lights and glowed with mind-bending imagery and vivid colors. Comfy couches were arranged in a chill-out area in the back, and drinks and water were very reasonably priced.
All the sound and visual equipment was set up to effectively maximize sound quality and room on the dance floor. Mr. Kaizen’s amazing system provided crystal clear sound that relayed some amazing effects during the night, including moving “growls” that seemed to roll over the crowd and then along the floor while echoing with deep reverberations. The talented VJ’s created an ongoing narrative from handpicked static and live stream elements, blended to match the individual feel of each DJ’s set and increased in complexity as the night waned.
Ron Elf had already begun his set when I arrived. The only two hour set of the night, his active progressive style featured quick switches and interesting interspersed vocals, managing to change flavours without jarring the listener. Eastern elements were apparent in tracks with overlaid sitar melodies and the whole set had the continuous feel of a journey.
Lumen picked up the torch and carried on from 11 until after midnight with a bouncy, upbeat progressive-moving-into-Psytrance set. Graceful builds crescendoed into stunning drops. Almost techno-like near the beginning, this set had a cheerful, light feel. At one point, there was an underwater feel that was generated, as though the listener was travelling as light or water, through pipes and as rain – a beautiful effect.
Next up, controlling the decks until 2am was Kloud Nin9. The fade from the previous lighter progressive tones shifted completely over to full-on Psytrance with Kloud Nin9. With pinpoint precision, she delivered drops and shifts, all under an almost mystical sound theme. Crystalline overtones and deep, reverberating growls crisscrossed through the crowd, enveloping everyone in the venue and packing out the dance floor.
Laying down the second last set was AIO, whom I had been anticipating all night. My absolute favorite set of the night, AIO brought an ethereal ambience that highlighted her fierce and driving dark Psytrance. AIO’s intense beats, forest elements and beautiful accent vocals and effects created a highly immersive experience akin to running through a deep forest at night. Feeding off Kloud Nin9’s vibe, AIO ramped up the intensity and kept everyone dancing!
Closing out the evening was Plan B. Reading the evening, he continued moving through deeper and darker Psytrance. Powerful beats pushed through long solid builds, driving on to the end of the night. Leaving everyone wanting more, Plan B delivered a final encore that extended past the official end, and allowed those who had stayed to the very end the opportunity to dance a little bit longer as the tear down crew began to discreetly dismantle things in the background.
While the setup and the incredible musical talent certainly set the vibe, it was everyone who attended that really made this night spectacular. Psytrance fans were out in full regalia: some adopting a woodland theme – often sporting unique feather headpieces – and others taking advantage of the black lights to wear clothing and makeup that reacted reflectively.
The dance floor was packed from midnight on, particularly for Kloud Nin9 and AIO – these ladies delivered some of the best music of the night and got everyone moving. Flow artists were also out in force with glovers, poi spinners and Cornelia Creations CC each adding their personal touch to this event with their brilliant lights and colours, giving light shows and creating glowing body art that transformed dancers into living décor. I had an absolutely fantastic time and hope to attend further events hosted and supported by all the wonderful people who came together to give everyone an amazing night.
Happy Raving!
LINKS:
Mr Kaizen
SoundCloud
Lumen
Facebook
Soundcloud
Kloud Nin9
Facebook
Soundcloud
AIO
Facebook
Soundcloud
Jade – EDM TOR
