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Hardware 13 - Planet Rhythm

Author: Nikky
Sunday, January 1, 1995
EVENT: Hardware 13 @ Shed 14, Victoria Docks, 5 September 1998

ATTRACTIONS: After 8 years the Hardware crew still live up to their promises. Three international DJ's, Sweden's Adam Beyer, Cari Lekebusch and Germany's Christian Smith, alongside the Melbourne boys.

CROWD: Hardware parties have a loyal following! You would have to be loyal to brave the freezing ocean breeze that night. The essence of Melbourne's rave community was there. Small groups came with their fairy wings, glitter and glowsticks and claimed their patch of the dance floor. Lots of friendly smiles from familiar faces.

THE SCORE: No matter how many times you have been to a dock party, there is still the excited anticipation of how a raver's playground has been created. On one side of the door there was an impressive virtual reality ride and on the other arcade style games. The entrance to the main room was free of any obstacles, allowing you to be drawn to the mind altering lasers and thumping beats coming from the DJ box in the centre of the room.

The crowd was truly hyped by the time Adam Beyer took to the decks. He played a set of hard banging techno; the music progressed to Cari Lekebuch's warm baselines with screams of appreciation from the crowd between each set. Christian Smith rocked everyone until early morning before allowing the local guys to play the famous morning classics.

The cold didn't prove to be a problem as intervals from dancing could be spent crouched next to a powerful blow heater. The second room was full of hardcore dancers and acidy tunes. Although, I dedicated some of my time to finding the chill out room- unless sit was well hidden - there didn't appear to be one :o(

Melbourne has needed a like that for a while. I am looking forward to the next episode in the Hardware story.

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