|
TOTA Club of 2003 (pg. 3)
|
View this Thread in Original format
| dEsidEL |
DESIDEL'S VENUE REVIEW OF 2003
my vote also went to Koolhaus..
like Durafei said, it received the highest average scores from me in all areas with regards to the below. Here was the breakdown:
PRICE
1. System Soundbar
2. Guvernment
3. Element
4. Comfort Zone
5. Koolhaus
6. The Docks
7. Viva
8. Sound Emporium
SECURITY & STAFF
1. System Soundbar
2. Koolhaus
3. Element
4. Guvernment
5. Viva
6. Comfort Zone
7. The Docks
8. Sound Emporium
VIBE
1. Koolhaus
2. System Soundbar
3. Element
4. Guvernment
5. The Docks
6. Comfort Zone
7. Viva
8. Sound Emporium
CROWD
1. System Soundbar
2. Element
3. Koolhaus
4. Guvernment
5. The Docks
6. Viva
7. Comfort Zone
8. Sound Emporium
DANCING SPACE (how crammed)
1. Koolhaus
2. Viva
3. System Soundbar
4. The Docks
5. Sound Emporium
6. Comfort Zone
7. Guvernment
8. Element
DECOR
1. Koolhaus
2. Guvernment
3. The Docks
4. Viva
5. Element
6. System Soundbar
7. Sound Emporium
8. Comfort Zone
LIGHTING
1. Viva
2. Koolhaus
3. Guvernment
4. The Docks
5. Sound Emporium
6. System Soundbar
7. Element
8. Comfort Zone
SOUND
1. Viva
2. Koolhaus
3. Guvernment
4. The Docks
5. Sound Emporium
6. System Soundbar
7. Comfort Zone
8. Element
LOCATION (to everyone/ease of transportation)
1. System Soundbar
2. Sound Emporium
3. Comfort Zone
4. Element
5. Guvernment/Koolhaus
6. Guvernment/Koolhaus
7. The Docks
8. Viva
OVERALL & INTANGIBLES (not necessarily an average)
1. Koolhaus
2. System Soundbar
3. Viva
4. Element
5. The Docks
6. Guvernment
7. Comfort Zone
8. Sound Emporium
RATIONALE
1. Koolhaus
In my opinion, the most balanced venue among all in the list. No other club venue is better suited for a large event than the Koolhaus when it comes to hosting a party with a big headliner. Gone are the days of raves in large convention centers like the BLC, so the Koolhaus is no doubt the next best thing to a massive. What it loses in intimacy it gains in sound, lighting and other technicalities that are all above par. Dancing space, probably one of my most sharpest criticisms, has it coming out on a high. Crowd is very mixed and again balanced. The venue has provided very fond memories in 2003 and definately has me looking to return.
2. System Soundbar
Probably one of the homiest (not in the slang sense) clubs in TO with one of the best crowds out on a Friday night. System Soundbar's strengths come in the form of its clientel where vibe is on a high, and sketchiness at a minimum. People and staff are very friendly which definately adds to the overall experience of the night. Its weaknesses are limited to its relative size and layout, as well as its sub-par sound and lighting with respect to other venues on the list. However given the ease of guestlist access and price of entry, Systems definately provides a worthwhile nite out despite its shortcomings.
3. Viva
The award for the club making the most noise in the trance scene of 2003 has to go to Viva, due in large to Temporal Rhythm's efforts there. No other club in Toronto has the sound and lighting technical capabilities to rival the Guvernment Complex save Viva. Vertex Sound & Lighting has constructed a beautiful array of sensory effects that are hands down "built" for trance. The club has also been blessed with the fortune of having Mark Oliver throw down some of the best trance rarely heard of on a Friday night. What it provides in technicalities, it loses on the vibe and crowd aspect as many non-asians seem to feel alienated by the homogenous crowd. Location is also an inhibiting factor for many. Special event nights however, differ greatly and provide an excellent mix of people and vibe which definately puts Viva high up on the list.
4. Element
Again, a very nice club with a very homey feel to it. Element might be better perceived as a lounge rather than a club given its relative size. The venue spots a very chic look and lighting is very subtle providing quite the social atmosphere. Staff and crowd is very friendly and probably has the lowest sketchiness factor among all venues on the list. It's hard to rank Element against the other clubs since I see it more in the category of a Cream/Nasa/Lab type venue. However, it has still made significant strides in 2003 and is definately the place to go if you're looking for a chill night with good music and good people.
5. The Docks
A long time venue for raves and other corporate events ala. Goldclub, The Docks still proves to be one of the better suited venues in TO for large scale events. Its resident A/V system isn't spectacular but with the right adjustments can still make for quite the experience. The club is not much as a regular weekend night out (unless you're into Top 40), but can definately put on a show given a big headliner with the right promoter in place. Locationwise is not a strengh given its isolated position (much like Viva), but in the portlands can make public transit quite the trek. The friendliess of security has often been in question but its largely relative to who is being contracted by the promoter. Besides, you shouldn't have too much trouble unless you're doing something like flipping the bird.
6. Guvernment (Main Room)
Once known as RPM and home of the infamous Spin Saturdays with Mark Oliver, The Guvernment main room is probably still the most popular club venue in Toronto. The decor and ambience provide a very unique feel and definately makes one experience the sense of a "superclub". Its reknowned reputation has allowed it the distinct privledge of hosting many famed nights by international promoters and corporate sponsors. Its two primary strengths lie in the price of cover and its technical merits, Phazon quality sound and superb lighting. Where it loses points with me is in the area of crowdedness which I absolutely loathe (you gotta be able to dance!). All in all still a strong contender and no sign of letting up in 2004 to upstarts.
7. Comfort Zone
Another club on the list that seems to meet extremes is Comfort Zone. Famous for more than just its ability to attact some of Toronto's finest local talent, the club is famed for many other aspects that make it less than a desireable place to visit. It has often been associated with like venues such as Space, D2, and Area51 in the past. Drugs, shadyness, and the underground nature of the electronic dance scene is a reality and overshadow its stronger merits for still being a fun place to party on an early Sunday morning. Nevertheless it still shows that it can put out by establishing one of the most visited clubs in the late afterhour scene.
8. Sound Emporium
The newly renovated Turbo Nightclub, now known as Sound Emporium has been making strong efforts to reposition itself within the electronic dance music scene in 2003. The club is actually split into 2 sections, the upper floor known as SE, and lower area as Klinik. The upper floor is what provides for most of the clubbing experience as it has been home to many special events thrown by a wide array of promoters. Sound and lighting is actually quite impressive as it definately shows strengths in being able to host trance DJ's as well as other similar genres. Its weakeneses seem to come in form of its crowd and vibe which are often attributed for a having very Viva-esque atmosphere. Nonetheless, its regular clientel still strongly support its resident nights and trance in general providing greater promise for Sound Emporium in 2004.
|
|
|
| Muff2K |
^^^^^^
i see you've put some thought into this... good man! |
|
|
| dj_moonshine |
| quote: | Originally posted by dEsidEL
DESIDEL'S VENUE REVIEW OF 2003
my vote also went to Koolhaus..
like Durafei said, it received the highest average scores from me in all areas with regards to the below. Here was the breakdown:
PRICE
1. System Soundbar
2. Guvernment
3. Element
4. Comfort Zone
5. Koolhaus
6. The Docks
7. Viva
8. Sound Emporium
SECURITY & STAFF
1. System Soundbar
2. Koolhaus
3. Element
4. Guvernment
5. Viva
6. Comfort Zone
7. The Docks
8. Sound Emporium
VIBE
1. Koolhaus
2. System Soundbar
3. Element
4. Guvernment
5. The Docks
6. Comfort Zone
7. Viva
8. Sound Emporium
CROWD
1. System Soundbar
2. Element
3. Koolhaus
4. Guvernment
5. The Docks
6. Viva
7. Comfort Zone
8. Sound Emporium
DANCING SPACE (how crammed)
1. Koolhaus
2. Viva
3. System Soundbar
4. The Docks
5. Sound Emporium
6. Comfort Zone
7. Guvernment
8. Element
DECOR
1. Koolhaus
2. Guvernment
3. The Docks
4. Viva
5. Element
6. System Soundbar
7. Sound Emporium
8. Comfort Zone
LIGHTING
1. Viva
2. Koolhaus
3. Guvernment
4. The Docks
5. Sound Emporium
6. System Soundbar
7. Element
8. Comfort Zone
SOUND
1. Viva
2. Koolhaus
3. Guvernment
4. The Docks
5. Sound Emporium
6. System Soundbar
7. Comfort Zone
8. Element
LOCATION (to everyone/ease of transportation)
1. System Soundbar
2. Sound Emporium
3. Comfort Zone
4. Element
5. Guvernment/Koolhaus
6. Guvernment/Koolhaus
7. The Docks
8. Viva
OVERALL & INTANGIBLES (not necessarily an average)
1. Koolhaus
2. System Soundbar
3. Viva
4. Element
5. The Docks
6. Guvernment
7. Comfort Zone
8. Sound Emporium
RATIONALE
1. Koolhaus
In my opinion, the most balanced venue among all in the list. No other club venue is better suited for a large event than the Koolhaus when it comes to hosting a party with a big headliner. Gone are the days of raves in large convention centers like the BLC, so the Koolhaus is no doubt the next best thing to a massive. What it loses in intimacy it gains in sound, lighting and other technicalities that are all above par. Dancing space, probably one of my most sharpest criticisms, has it coming out on a high. Crowd is very mixed and again balanced. The venue has provided very fond memories in 2003 and definately has me looking to return.
2. System Soundbar
Probably one of the homiest (not in the slang sense) clubs in TO with one of the best crowds out on a Friday night. System Soundbar's strengths come in the form of its clientel where vibe is on a high, and sketchiness at a minimum. People and staff are very friendly which definately adds to the overall experience of the night. Its weaknesses are limited to its relative size and layout, as well as its sub-par sound and lighting with respect to other venues on the list. However given the ease of guestlist access and price of entry, Systems definately provides a worthwhile nite out despite its shortcomings.
3. Viva
The award for the club making the most noise in the trance scene of 2003 has to go to Viva, due in large to Temporal Rhythm's efforts there. No other club in Toronto has the sound and lighting technical capabilities to rival the Guvernment Complex save Viva. Vertex Sound & Lighting has constructed a beautiful array of sensory effects that are hands down "built" for trance. The club has also been blessed with the fortune of having Mark Oliver throw down some of the best trance rarely heard of on a Friday night. What it provides in technicalities, it loses on the vibe and crowd aspect as many non-asians seem to feel alienated by the homogenous crowd. Location is also an inhibiting factor for many. Special event nights however, differ greatly and provide an excellent mix of people and vibe which definately puts Viva high up on the list.
4. Element
Again, a very nice club with a very homey feel to it. Element might be better perceived as a lounge rather than a club given its relative size. The venue spots a very chic look and lighting is very subtle providing quite the social atmosphere. Staff and crowd is very friendly and probably has the lowest sketchiness factor among all venues on the list. It's hard to rank Element against the other clubs since I see it more in the category of a Cream/Nasa/Lab type venue. However, it has still made significant strides in 2003 and is definately the place to go if you're looking for a chill night with good music and good people.
5. The Docks
A long time venue for raves and other corporate events ala. Goldclub, The Docks still proves to be one of the better suited venues in TO for large scale events. Its resident A/V system isn't spectacular but with the right adjustments can still make for quite the experience. The club is not much as a regular weekend night out (unless you're into Top 40), but can definately put on a show given a big headliner with the right promoter in place. Locationwise is not a strengh given its isolated position (much like Viva), but in the portlands can make public transit quite the trek. The friendliess of security has often been in question but its largely relative to who is being contracted by the promoter. Besides, you shouldn't have too much trouble unless you're doing something like flipping the bird.
6. Guvernment (Main Room)
Once known as RPM and home of the infamous Spin Saturdays with Mark Oliver, The Guvernment main room is probably still the most popular club venue in Toronto. The decor and ambience provide a very unique feel and definately makes one experience the sense of a "superclub". Its reknowned reputation has allowed it the distinct privledge of hosting many famed nights by international promoters and corporate sponsors. Its two primary strengths lie in the price of cover and its technical merits, Phazon quality sound and superb lighting. Where it loses points with me is in the area of crowdedness which I absolutely loathe (you gotta be able to dance!). All in all still a strong contender and no sign of letting up in 2004 to upstarts.
7. Comfort Zone
Another club on the list that seems to meet extremes is Comfort Zone. Famous for more than just its ability to attact some of Toronto's finest local talent, the club is famed for many other aspects that make it less than a desireable place to visit. It has often been associated with like venues such as Space, D2, and Area51 in the past. Drugs, shadyness, and the underground nature of the electronic dance scene is a reality and overshadow its stronger merits for still being a fun place to party on an early Sunday morning. Nevertheless it still shows that it can put out by establishing one of the most visited clubs in the late afterhour scene.
8. Sound Emporium
The newly renovated Turbo Nightclub, now known as Sound Emporium has been making strong efforts to reposition itself within the electronic dance music scene in 2003. The club is actually split into 2 sections, the upper floor known as SE, and lower area as Klinik. The upper floor is what provides for most of the clubbing experience as it has been home to many special events thrown by a wide array of promoters. Sound and lighting is actually quite impressive as it definately shows strengths in being able to host trance DJ's as well as other similar genres. Its weakeneses seem to come in form of its crowd and vibe which are often attributed for a having very Viva-esque atmosphere. Nonetheless, its regular clientel still strongly support its resident nights and trance in general providing greater promise for Sound Emporium in 2004.
|
how much time did u take to type up all that?:eyes: |
|
|
| charmscars |
the sound system at guvernment is way superior to the sound in KH. everyone knows that (i ge my freak-on w/ the pha-zon..well not really). as well, the lighting at guv is far superior to teh lighting at KH is lazers is what you are after, which your first choice seems to indicate.
| quote: | Originally posted by dEsidEL
DESIDEL'S VENUE REVIEW OF 2003
my vote also went to Koolhaus..
like Durafei said, it received the highest average scores from me in all areas with regards to the below. Here was the breakdown:
PRICE
1. System Soundbar
2. Guvernment
3. Element
4. Comfort Zone
5. Koolhaus
6. The Docks
7. Viva
8. Sound Emporium
SECURITY & STAFF
1. System Soundbar
2. Koolhaus
3. Element
4. Guvernment
5. Viva
6. Comfort Zone
7. The Docks
8. Sound Emporium
VIBE
1. Koolhaus
2. System Soundbar
3. Element
4. Guvernment
5. The Docks
6. Comfort Zone
7. Viva
8. Sound Emporium
CROWD
1. System Soundbar
2. Element
3. Koolhaus
4. Guvernment
5. The Docks
6. Viva
7. Comfort Zone
8. Sound Emporium
DANCING SPACE (how crammed)
1. Koolhaus
2. Viva
3. System Soundbar
4. The Docks
5. Sound Emporium
6. Comfort Zone
7. Guvernment
8. Element
DECOR
1. Koolhaus
2. Guvernment
3. The Docks
4. Viva
5. Element
6. System Soundbar
7. Sound Emporium
8. Comfort Zone
LIGHTING
1. Viva
2. Koolhaus
3. Guvernment
4. The Docks
5. Sound Emporium
6. System Soundbar
7. Element
8. Comfort Zone
SOUND
1. Viva
2. Koolhaus
3. Guvernment
4. The Docks
5. Sound Emporium
6. System Soundbar
7. Comfort Zone
8. Element
LOCATION (to everyone/ease of transportation)
1. System Soundbar
2. Sound Emporium
3. Comfort Zone
4. Element
5. Guvernment/Koolhaus
6. Guvernment/Koolhaus
7. The Docks
8. Viva
OVERALL & INTANGIBLES (not necessarily an average)
1. Koolhaus
2. System Soundbar
3. Viva
4. Element
5. The Docks
6. Guvernment
7. Comfort Zone
8. Sound Emporium
RATIONALE
1. Koolhaus
In my opinion, the most balanced venue among all in the list. No other club venue is better suited for a large event than the Koolhaus when it comes to hosting a party with a big headliner. Gone are the days of raves in large convention centers like the BLC, so the Koolhaus is no doubt the next best thing to a massive. What it loses in intimacy it gains in sound, lighting and other technicalities that are all above par. Dancing space, probably one of my most sharpest criticisms, has it coming out on a high. Crowd is very mixed and again balanced. The venue has provided very fond memories in 2003 and definately has me looking to return.
2. System Soundbar
Probably one of the homiest (not in the slang sense) clubs in TO with one of the best crowds out on a Friday night. System Soundbar's strengths come in the form of its clientel where vibe is on a high, and sketchiness at a minimum. People and staff are very friendly which definately adds to the overall experience of the night. Its weaknesses are limited to its relative size and layout, as well as its sub-par sound and lighting with respect to other venues on the list. However given the ease of guestlist access and price of entry, Systems definately provides a worthwhile nite out despite its shortcomings.
3. Viva
The award for the club making the most noise in the trance scene of 2003 has to go to Viva, due in large to Temporal Rhythm's efforts there. No other club in Toronto has the sound and lighting technical capabilities to rival the Guvernment Complex save Viva. Vertex Sound & Lighting has constructed a beautiful array of sensory effects that are hands down "built" for trance. The club has also been blessed with the fortune of having Mark Oliver throw down some of the best trance rarely heard of on a Friday night. What it provides in technicalities, it loses on the vibe and crowd aspect as many non-asians seem to feel alienated by the homogenous crowd. Location is also an inhibiting factor for many. Special event nights however, differ greatly and provide an excellent mix of people and vibe which definately puts Viva high up on the list.
4. Element
Again, a very nice club with a very homey feel to it. Element might be better perceived as a lounge rather than a club given its relative size. The venue spots a very chic look and lighting is very subtle providing quite the social atmosphere. Staff and crowd is very friendly and probably has the lowest sketchiness factor among all venues on the list. It's hard to rank Element against the other clubs since I see it more in the category of a Cream/Nasa/Lab type venue. However, it has still made significant strides in 2003 and is definately the place to go if you're looking for a chill night with good music and good people.
5. The Docks
A long time venue for raves and other corporate events ala. Goldclub, The Docks still proves to be one of the better suited venues in TO for large scale events. Its resident A/V system isn't spectacular but with the right adjustments can still make for quite the experience. The club is not much as a regular weekend night out (unless you're into Top 40), but can definately put on a show given a big headliner with the right promoter in place. Locationwise is not a strengh given its isolated position (much like Viva), but in the portlands can make public transit quite the trek. The friendliess of security has often been in question but its largely relative to who is being contracted by the promoter. Besides, you shouldn't have too much trouble unless you're doing something like flipping the bird.
6. Guvernment (Main Room)
Once known as RPM and home of the infamous Spin Saturdays with Mark Oliver, The Guvernment main room is probably still the most popular club venue in Toronto. The decor and ambience provide a very unique feel and definately makes one experience the sense of a "superclub". Its reknowned reputation has allowed it the distinct privledge of hosting many famed nights by international promoters and corporate sponsors. Its two primary strengths lie in the price of cover and its technical merits, Phazon quality sound and superb lighting. Where it loses points with me is in the area of crowdedness which I absolutely loathe (you gotta be able to dance!). All in all still a strong contender and no sign of letting up in 2004 to upstarts.
7. Comfort Zone
Another club on the list that seems to meet extremes is Comfort Zone. Famous for more than just its ability to attact some of Toronto's finest local talent, the club is famed for many other aspects that make it less than a desireable place to visit. It has often been associated with like venues such as Space, D2, and Area51 in the past. Drugs, shadyness, and the underground nature of the electronic dance scene is a reality and overshadow its stronger merits for still being a fun place to party on an early Sunday morning. Nevertheless it still shows that it can put out by establishing one of the most visited clubs in the late afterhour scene.
8. Sound Emporium
The newly renovated Turbo Nightclub, now known as Sound Emporium has been making strong efforts to reposition itself within the electronic dance music scene in 2003. The club is actually split into 2 sections, the upper floor known as SE, and lower area as Klinik. The upper floor is what provides for most of the clubbing experience as it has been home to many special events thrown by a wide array of promoters. Sound and lighting is actually quite impressive as it definately shows strengths in being able to host trance DJ's as well as other similar genres. Its weakeneses seem to come in form of its crowd and vibe which are often attributed for a having very Viva-esque atmosphere. Nonetheless, its regular clientel still strongly support its resident nights and trance in general providing greater promise for Sound Emporium in 2004.
|
|
|
|
| dEsidEL |
| quote: | Originally posted by charmscars
the sound system at guvernment is way superior to the sound in KH. everyone knows that (i ge my freak-on w/ the pha-zon..well not really). as well, the lighting at guv is far superior to teh lighting at KH is lazers is what you are after, which your first choice seems to indicate. |
that's just my opinion.. :)
i know that the Guv room is equipped with Phazon and has more lasers, etc. than the Koolhaus does, but i still find the system in the KH just more enjoyable to experience. i dunno maybe it's because i have a harder time hearing people in the Guv than in the KH. I think the Guv has those "sweet spots" where if you're standing there you get the full effect of the Phazon, whereas with KH things seem to be more equally balanced. I like Viva's laser system better than the Guv's laser system, but i also prefer KH's non-laser lighting over Guv's lasers as well. Lazers aren't the only thing that does it for me.
again, that's just my opinion. :D
|
|
|
| charmscars |
that's cool. if that's what you like. but i woudl say that the sound in guv is more consistent. sometimes the bass in teh KH is ******ed (re: tiesto last dec)
| quote: | Originally posted by dEsidEL
that's just my opinion.. :)
i know that the Guv room is equipped with Phazon and has more lasers, etc. than the Koolhaus does, but i still find the system in the KH just more enjoyable to experience. i dunno maybe it's because i have a harder time hearing people in the Guv than in the KH. I think the Guv has those "sweet spots" where if you're standing there you get the full effect of the Phazon, whereas with KH things seem to be more equally balanced.
again, that's just my opinion. :D
|
|
|
|
| dEsidEL |
| quote: | Originally posted by charmscars
that's cool. if that's what you like. but i woudl say that the sound in guv is more consistent. sometimes the bass in teh KH is ******ed (re: tiesto last dec) |
i'll agree with that, esp. at the last Labour of Love. but since then they seem to have made some nice adjustments.
oh yah check my previous post, had some make some minor (halo20) loved edits. :D
|
|
|
| StereoPrincess |
I picked Guvernemnt for the best club of the year because to me its the only venue that actually embodies what a club is supposed to be. In Toronto it is the definition of a club. Due to its size, decor, talent they bring and crowd. I like the other venues (System comes second) but when I go I don't feel like I'm in a club especially something like the CoZo (IMO).
And Emery, do you really think that lighting is better in the KH then in the Guv? I mean KH doesn't even have lights really. |
|
|
| dEsidEL |
| quote: | Originally posted by StereoPrincess
And Emery, do you really think that lighting is better in the KH then in the Guv? I mean KH doesn't even have lights really. |
yes, yes i do :D
|
|
|
| Dj-HordasH |
| quote: | Originally posted by dEsidEL
DESIDEL'S VENUE REVIEW OF 2003
|
WTF!? @ this rate you'll be lucky to graduate by 2009 :eek: :nervous: :clown: too bad they don't offer clubdistrict managment at Rye
KH was badass this year, top class DJ, good vibes, good broads, good times... |
|
|
| BANDIT |
| quote: | Originally posted by Durafei
Kool Haus !
Never gets full, always great vibe, and always great DJs ! Perfect combination..
|
Coudn't said it better myself, Totally agree:D |
|
|
| Cyrus King |
I hope System soundbar burns into the deep ground where it already is. Its a hole, with a hole system and nasty gross sketchy people.
Kool Haus gets my vote.
Best club ever goes to Meow. RIP |
|
|
|
|
