EVENT REVIEW:   Neology

February 2000

"Neology - An entirely new word or expression, the creation of something completely new!", OED

Neology was a unique event in the history of Catz ents because never before and, probably, never again, will such a variety of different types of music be played a Catz bop, a Catz bop that didn't cost the punter a penny. It also saw the advent of the use of the JCR as a second room, which has since been taken up. Its success was its vision, not the result.

The main room featured Rob Ind's chilled reggae vibe, followed by King Gorky's alternative indie set, never pandering to obvious popular indie. Finally, DJ Roller played a powerful drum'n'bass (or 'drum and base' as the ball would have us believe!) set as the event began to fill up and a significant dancefloor got down to his beats as smoke and strobe-lighting filled the room.

The JCR was the chillout room with low lighting and floor cushions as numerous DJs created mellow beats and atmospheres. Most impressive was Funky Abattoir's (aka Rich Moralee) own computer-written chillout tunes, which captured a rapt audience. This room was undoubtedly a success, often feeling a lot more full than the main room.

The bar had been transformed through numerous decorations and lighting effects and this certainly added to the atmosphere. However, it was a shame that so few people came along to the event and its early start and finish meant that it only really got going towards last orders. Neology, though, is about creating something new and it did just this. New things do not always take off straight away, but need perseverance; further similar events would be a welcome change.