The first thing I noticed when I got to the Ice House was the sound volume. The car alarms in the parking lot were going off from the powerful base. My bones were vibrating even before I got inside. I can't believe the cops let it be that loud. Whatever Swell pulled off with the city worked great.

I was told there were numerous cops and undercover agents at the party (I didn't really notice that many). The security however did seem more intense (I thought forbidding people from resting and relaxing in the back yard was really dumb). But maybe that's why they let them play that loud and maybe that's why the party didn't get busted. People complain that so much law enforcement force would ruin the buzz. Maybe. This was not a "real" underground rave. But, don't we always say it's all about the music and not drugs? Sure, sometimes I complain too. But I think a true raver should be able to dance like mad even in the middle of an Amish convention.

Well, in the end, it IS all about the music. Almost 2000 people showed up and enjoyed great sets by a few great DJs. Pete Salaz was spinning house in the courtyard when I got there. Emile followed up with some dark breaks but not so much retro mix as he usually does. Focus spun Hip Hop in the Sliver Room followed by Z-Trip who did a great mix of The Who's Bubba O'Riley. The Cathedral Room was nicely decorated with dancing lights and draped sheets where Captain Kirk, Timmi, Kevin Brown and Nimh spun anything from tribal to house to techno. Dave Clarke was the headliner and he did provide a great set for the courtyard crowd and brought them all to their feet.

RC Lair followed up but shortly after that, at 4 am, they turned the music off in the yard (for noise ordinance, I'm sure) and everyone went inside for more music. I was too beat by then and left shortly after that. This was no British Technic and they only had warm water to sell. It was very small by Swell's old standards. But I think it's because they need to save every penny they can for their new store and I hope they come back next time with the old glory. Swell has gotten some bad rap from a few people but those who care about the music and the soul of our scene will continue to support and appreciate them for all they've done.

Thanks guys. Looking forward to the next big event.

Ramy

Musik has had some bad reputations in the past. This was my first attendance to a Musik Party.

All in all, the courtyard was one of the best I has seen at the Icehouse. There was a really nice, and very large stage, but the dance area was still huge. That was probably one of Emile and Radar's best sets. Normally I think they suck, but they did pretty good. Dave Clark spun an incredible set outside. RC Lair did a great job following up too.

The Silver room had some cool hip hop, but the MCs weren't all that great. I didn't spend to much time in here. But I heard Rock Raidas set was good.

I have no clue who spun in the Cathedral room. But it was completely packed the whole time with happy dancing ravers. Just what I like to see. =) The people doing a show on the high stage were interesting. But were they really trying to make it look like they were shoving that green glowing palm tree thing up their... nevermind.

All in all, one of Swell's best parties. I hope they can continue the trend, and build up a positive reputation in AZ. But for the price we paid to get in, you would think water that small would bee $1.00.

Antonio
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I wish I would have gonE to this party. I was so freaked out about what happEnEd at luckE charms i thought this party would surEly gEt bustEd. hopE EvErybody had a grEat timE and i'll be surE to sEE you at thE next party:)

sEd1 aka pudgE
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Whats up Ramy, After going to Musik 97,{one of the best parties I have Ever been to}Musik 2000 wasnt all that great. Dave Clarke in my mind wasnt very good. He had a few tight records, but a dissappointment for all of the hype they built him up to be. Lord Vishnu was tight but the WHACK-ASS Mc's they had totally ruined it. I wasnt having a very good time so I left at around 3. I heard Roc Raida tore it up as usuall that kid is DOPE!I hope all of you got the big AUDIOTISTIC flyers that me and my Skeam Team put on your cars,and handed out in the party. AUDIOTISTIC is going to BLOW THE FUCK UP!!!! I suggest if you are going you buy your tickets on-line cause that shit is gonna sell out for SURE! And i would hate it if all of you Az kids go out to Represent and cant get in for that stupid reason! So come to Audiotistic and Represent Az!!!!!!!

Wes and Ryan
www.audiotistic.com

My first thoughts were this party was going to be something else. I saw ravers and cops EVERYWHERE outside. It seemed to me like the cops were just waiting for any legit reason to shut the party down besides the fact that the incredibly powerfull bass was tripping car alarms. I got in the door to find the most incredible visual screen i had ever seen in my life. the dj was setup at the end of a catwalk. i was disapointed to see not a whole whole lot of people were dancing around that area. I spent most of the night in the cathedral where DJ Timmi spun one of the best sets ive ever heard. Excellent techno house music. I was so impressed i had to distract him and shake the guys hand. Later i got up back and i talked to him. I had to give him props. He had that whole room on their feet. The only disapointments of the night were the strictly hiphoppish room and the fact that that dopeass setup outside was shutdown at 4am. All in all it was a GREAT party. I drove up from tucson and it was definately worth it. I cant fucking wait for audiotistic!! youd all better be there and represent Az!! peace.

Thankss!!!
Brian
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SWELL....CONGRATS for not getting shut down. Now, to give props where deserved... I came in right as Emile's set began and was immediately blown away at his set. My hat is off to you Emile !!! As Dave Clarke started, I was still in awe at Emile's set, but after a few minutes it was evident that this was going to be a great 2 hrs of music. I can't believe the vibe that was captured in the courtyard. And kudos to RC for keeping the music alive into the wee hours of the morning.

Thanx again SWELL !!!

Uno Ojo
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SWELL...FROM ALL THE HYPE MUSIK2000 GOT WE WERE HOPING FOR A LITTLE MORE ACTION AND DEFINITELY MORE OF A PARTY VIBE.ASLO WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THE SPIRIT AND LIVELYNESS ARE RAVES USED TO HAVEWE HOPE NEXT TIME WE SEE MORE PEOPLE DRESSED FOR THE OCASSION ....SO IN CONCLUSION FELOOW RAVERS DON'T BE ASHAMED TO SHOW YOUR TRUE RAVE COLORS , HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE AT THE NEXT HOTT EVENT DRESSED UP AND LOOKING FOR A GOODTIME!

LOVE ALWAYS THE CUTEST RAVERS TO EVE HIT THE SCENE ,
BASH-O-LEY AND BANETTE