Reviews
RONG
- Words
- Reviews
- Clubs
Where Venus, Blackfriars, Manchester
When Every couple of months
Music The full spectrum of trance
The toilets are often the hub of speculation and debate in any club. Headliner Marco V is the current subject of discussion. While one fan reels off the pint-sized producer’s merits (length of service, his evolving sound and “the Café Del Mar remix” that received international acclaim back in 2002), a cynic dismisses his recent output as “cheese”. But whatever Marco has in store, all parties agree that there’s plenty on offer for all tastes on the trance spectrum.
Brainchild of resident DJ James Rigby and some fellow trance enthusiasts, Rong landed in Manchester in 2009. Since then it has built up quite a following, with punters making regular pilgrimages from all over the north-west. “Trance has become quite insular in recent years,” James says. “Though this means there are fewer people coming in from outside the scene, those who love it are happy to travel to see the best DJs.” With this in mind, James conscientiously maintains links with a number of promoters in the north in order to minimise clashes.
From the door staff to the manager, everyone at Venus does their bit to ensure punters have a good time. The layout helps, too, the venue’s low roof and the crowd’s proximity to the DJ creating an intimate atmosphere that’s unusual in the big-room world of trance.
Even before he takes to the stage, chants of ‘Marco V!’ are resonating through the room. By the time his second track lands the crowd is immersed in his blend of euphoric and tech-laden trance.
Next up, fellow Dutchman Richard Durand’s set switches between tech, electro and straight-up trance. He teases the crowd with snippets of his ‘Madagascar’ remix, finally unleashing it in its full glory at the end of his set. 10 minutes after the official closing time and there’s not one impatient bouncer to be seen. It’s strange in this day and age, but it’s almost as if they want us to stay.
