SUPER FUNKY DISCO HOUSE Following weeks of speculation over the future of Gatecrasher and Bed, it has officially been announced that Bed is to reopen in mid-March and that Gatecrasher are to put on a number of events around the country, including four Gatecrasher nights at the venue formerly known as the Republic. Only time will tell if this will see a return to form after the numerous problems the club has had to deal with recently, including key residents Matt Hardwick and Scott Bond parting company with the brand after several years of loyal service. In the meantime, February 7 saw the biggest night for some time being held at the Gatecrasher One as Hed Kandi filled the venue for a night of trendy, vocal house. Unlike in Bed, where Hed Kandi is normally held, there was no intimate, warm vibe, and instead clubbers were greeted by an overcrowded, overpriced and over the top night. Hed Kandi’s devotees are as dedicated as former Crasher kids are to their cause, and whilst the boundaries of fashion are pushed to their absolute limits, groups of guest-list blaggers swan about the venue giving off a somewhat unapproachable aura. This aside, Hed Kandi does what it does very well. Sweet vocals and melodic riffs fill the air as the heaving crowds bounce along merrily. The music is rather light and can appear a little tame compared to Bed’s usual medley of wax and plastic, but it is fun and innocent enough to make the night enjoyable. Pav’s live percussion accompaniment is as fresh and interesting as the Jungle Drummer’s contribution to the first Tuesday Club of 2004. This man has real talent and adds something a little bit special to faultless DJ sets from Stonebridge and Andy Norman. A live PA from Therese was well received and whipped the crowd up into a frenzy of happy, smiley faces. Gatecrasher One’s newly refurbished second room continues to be an ill-conceived shambles of intensely hot overcrowding. The dance-floor is more of a continual walk way of people getting from one side to the other, and its lack of size in making way for a seating area only makes things worse. The rest of the refurb, however, fits nicely with Hed Kandi’s image, and although it is difficult to find much space or any real chill-out area, Gatecrasher One is a still a good club, albeit a little lifeless and tacky. Hed Kandi’s first venture to Gatecrasher One was a resounding success with a huge crowd of kandi heads who obviously felt right at home. Although entry and drinks were priced alarmingly high, it was worth the visit if only to find a good night out in Sheffield on a Saturday night. As Sheffield’s club scene gradually slips further into the realms of lager fuelled insania (yes, that is a word now), it is going to take a considerable shake up to bring back the glory days when the likes of Crasher and NY Sushi stood head and shoulders above the rest. Home > Clubland > ^top