Reports – “Brilliant Blend Of Brands” – Beyond vs La Demence “Pre-Cruise Party & Midnight Spectacular” – Sunday 1st May – Preview The Review

Having sampled Brussels’ best clubbing brand first hand back in February, when we made it over to the Belgian capital for La Demence, when news came through that it would be returning the favour and tripping across to London, its arrival simply had to be a date in our diary. But when the integral ingredient of Beyond was added to the mix, this became a party that we simply couldn’t miss, the news getting even better when the “official” D.J. line up was released, special guests & La Demence residents Steven Redant & Ben Manson flying in to join Beyond all stars that included The Oli, Fat Tony, Paul Christian, The Sharp Boys, Hifi Sean & Paul Heron. Now, normally that would be enough for any regular party, but this was no ordinary collaboration, so when we heard from the horse’s mouth that Steve Pitron would be going back-to-back with prolific partner in masterful mixing, Mikey D, nothing was going to keep us away, well apart from a little controversy that resulted in question marks over our allowed entry. However, arriving at Area just before 3 a.m., we were quickly given the green light and landed on The Terrace Room to catch the last moments of Jamie Heads set, The Oli then taking over and halting us in our advance to the main room, with some heavenly house hits, captivating classics neatly blended into up to date tunes that had the room rocking within minutes. And such was his pulsating performance that tiny trips into the other two rooms were just that, we returning to The Terrace in a trice to soak up the remainder of Oli’s outstanding overtures. So, with the gauntlet laid down, a quick liaison with Paul Heron in the Chapel room was shortly followed by soaking up the second half of Steven Redant’s splendid showing, whilst being in the knowledge that the best was yet to come, Steve Pitron’s arrival preluded by the now traditional text message, mixing partner Mikey D passing us on our spot simultaneously.

Now it was a case of strapping ourselves in as we prepared for another emotional rollercoaster ride that would put Alton Towers to shame, the duo quickly finding favour with a Beyond faithful on fine frolicking form, not one minute into the duo’s spectacular set, the tears of joy rolling down our cheeks & the goose bumps riding up our back as one terrific tune after the next hit our sweet spot, “What You Doing To Me”, “Offshore”, Right Here Waiting”, “Catch You”, & “Shine A Light” all invoking enormous emotional reactions, yet the Pitron classic “Here Comes The Rain” receiving the most rapturous response. And by this time it felt like a D.J.’s convention by our spot, as our captivating company included Paul Heron, Jamie Head, Nick Evans, & The Oli, interspersed by the dynamic duo taking turns to tap their dancing feet next to ours. With our thoughts swinging wildly between the brilliance of this Beyond and those across the miles in our minds eye, we were hugely grateful for the ever supporting Steve, his constant looks over the D.J. booth coupled with reassuring pep talks through the doorway to our spot, helped us lift sagging spirits much more easily and when final slot filler & the 2nd La Demence resident Ben Manson arrived, this prolific picture was complete. With Steve & Mikey’s 3 hour stunning set coming to a far too quick end, it was the Parisian’s turn to plunder the party and take Beyond on a delightfully different direction, his rip roaring rhythms reaching the most radical of ears and satisfying our desires for the remainder of our stay, the curtain call rendition of Danny Verde’s “Till We See The Sun” signalling our saunter home to reflect on this amazing amalgamation at Area, thus leaving us with so much more to say, meaning its “…ready steady, go for the review…” (DISCO MATT)