A taster of the insanity that is Ram at Matter...
It's finally here; the first birthday of Ram Records' residency at Matter and I can't help but feel confused about where to start with this colossal celebration. People have been anticipating it for weeks, even months now and there is no doubt that it's going to be huge. But there is always the niggling worry of not arriving in time or missing your favourite DJs. Luckily enough, we are scooped right out of the exit of North Greenwich tube station and put into one of Matter's mini buses (a free service offered for most big events) and driven straight to the entrance, which actually cuts out half of our queue time. It feels like they knew what we worried about and took care of it. How very nice of them.
Once inside, it becomes clear very quickly that this is the biggest Ram night we have ever been to, and forward planning is a must. It's almost like stepping into some kind of slowed-down alternate universe where it takes forever to get anywhere due to the sheer amount of people. It would be easy to let this infuriate you but instead we don't let it get the better of us and head for the dance floor in Room 1. At this point, DJ Randall is blasting out his passionately chosen mix of grime-ridden tunes. What were we annoyed about again? I would never have thought it, but he is actually the perfect DJ to start the night, followed closely by the more synthesised bass of Culture Shock. Things are looking up.
An hour gone, and time for an excursion to Room 2. There is an uplifting change of pace waiting for us here, with the guys from Shut Up and Dance blasting out some tear-out breaks. I don't think any of us were expecting this but as these guys have worked closely with DJ Hype, their presence fits surprisingly well. That is the thing about Room 2; you never know what to expect.
It's 2am already so time to 'get technical' with Ram's founding father Andy C, and one thing is for sure; he definitely isn't one to disappoint. From the minute he hits the decks, the crowd start going insane and everything gets darker. So much so that it feels like we're falling into a remixed, Sub Focus-laden coma. The tunes are so heavy they are scratching the inside of my skull, which is admittedly an extreme description, but to all intents and purposes a positive one.
Before we know it the time has disappeared and it's 5am. Time for Chase and Status who undoubtedly keep the crowd alive with their usual array of dnb, followed by more commercial tracks (plus a special guest appearance from Plan B). However, after such an impressive set from Andy C, I can't help but feel disappointed with these guys. They are talented DJs and producers but on nights like these they seem to lack the authenticity that the other Ram DJs display so effortlessly.
Nevertheless, around 6am this birthday celebration comes to an end in the same way it began; full to the brim with dedicated drum 'n' bass fanatics who love the label so much they don't want to leave. Ram Records has a great deal to be proud of and there is no doubt that Ram at Matter will continue for years to come, only getting bigger and better. For now, all I have to do is find my way home so I can start counting down the days until their next event in April...
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