Review of Sunrise 03/03/2006

I cannot believe how long the film "The Postman" is. With all the adverts and the protractive storyline it was past 11pm by the time I realised that I needed to leave to get to Sunrise. Icy roads outside and a cock up with the bus pass. But this passed into insignificance for the night turned out to be the best Sunrise ever.

The Music Box was not too packed and the music was spot on. Ed Tangent was throwing on tunes that varied in style but sounded quite close to Dark Soho and Rinkadink (ironic as there is another night in 3 weeks time where they are both playing in Manchester!). I slam danced for an hour then in the chillout was Gerry Aum and his brand of psychedelic ozrics and shpongleness. Then I took a pill and the night got even better.

A live DJ/PA was on the main floor which sounded a lot like Lab4 with psychedelic overtones (also ironic as Lab4 are playing at Sin:ergy this Friday). This is 160bpm acid trance with lush synthesiser riffs. It turned out that he was cheating by playing one track on Cubase and using the MIDI keyboard and mixing desk to introduce effects. So in effect he has got away without quite DJing or playing live. Um. Quality stuff. Also, the visuals were great (apart from the 2D transitions in Motiondive) and a vast improvement on those used in the past. I am thinking of doing 3D animated visual storylines that hook people in and that can be followed even after not watching for a few minutes.

Also, the venue has had a facelift. There are less seating areas and the stalls are situated in the corner by the stage. Also, the sound system is revitalised from last time I went (about a year ago). I met and danced with many people there and caught up with some friends. Then the unthinkable happened - I met the girl of my dreams (and I am the man from her dreams too...)