- Nagano: when you hear this word a few things come to mind. The 1998 Winter Olympics, the gorgeous Japan Alps, crisp fresh mountain air and then there is that vision of escaping the city and just going out to love life to its fullest. Here we have a perfect venue for Vision Quest the Gathering 2001.
Names such as; Hallucinogen, Infected Mushroom, Tsuyoshi, Planet B.E.N., X-Dream, S.U.N. Project, Delta, Tim Schuldt and GMS had made me drool weeks in advance. The catch phrase for this event - "Loving Life".
The trip to Kodamano-mori campsite was already wild, my party of six already sculling vodka in the back (and unwittingly in the front) of our hired mini-bus as heads stuck doglike out of the windows in anticipation of what would come in the next few days. The mountain air and beautiful countryside had already taken our previous week’s workload off our minds and now as our vehicles doors slid open - we were here. Kodamano-mori campsite was a good choice by the organisers involved; facilities, man made tracks (for those who tend to lose their way - such as myself), toilets, showers, plenty of hammock space, tent site positions and most importantly: a green venue.
As I already said there were loads of places for your tent, so finding a spot for six of us together only took around 15 minutes and we were late to the party! Riktam of GMS heading up the main stage in the background. Getting ready was taking longer than planned for many party-goers as the somewhat unpresuming then sometimes painfully noticeable cold set in. "Dance man, it’ll be sweet" - Right on. A fantastic job had been done of lighting up the sky directly above the main stage, a massive control/lighting tower was the most prominent thing you laid you eyes on when first arriving at the main stage. This tower faced the main-stage lighthouse with beams projecting downwards into the dug out amphitheatre. The amphitheatre was great because it allowed those of the 8 or 9 thousand who couldn't get to the front of the main stage to get a glimpse of the superstars performing and by the the soon to be thumping dancefloor crowd. The main stage was still warming up (quite literally) with Sinister Association however the necessity to dance was creating a rapid rate of attendance. I left the others to view the setup and decorations before I made my assault on the dancefloor; glitter, glitter, shiny stuff and reflect was the theme so it seemed. Actually these kinds of parties are my favourite. Decorations are always of a priority and scenery makes up a great portion of this. "Loving Life".
After some shop stall browsing, a satisfying curry, it was back to the main stage. German group Sun Project were screaming beats at the crowd, the response back to them was just as intense. Fire twirlers were starting their tricks about now, some onlookers looking on in envy because of the talent displayed and some because of the icy crisp air, which existed on the fringes of the dancefloor. Jorg followed and the crowd, typically after hearing a fantastic set beforehand, were thirsty for more and listened extremely intently to Jorg`s work. Jorg threw down some guitar samples which combined with those hard stomping kicks, kept the crowd buzzing hard. Spirallianz came out being both dark and deep with their techtrance. The crowd was still loving it. Look out here comes Planet B.E.N. This big man can definitely throw his weight behind the decks, solid in record muscle too it seemed as he pumped the crowd up with that solid thumping doof sound we have come to love. Then, as if they were planning this moment for decades, Tim Schuldt carried over from Planet B.E.N and boy isn't this guy something unique. Tim Schuldt thrashes it out on his guitar and this synergy of techtrance with grunge/distorted metal is nothing short of 21 short blacks on your way to Sunday school. Coming off Planet B.E.N too had something to do with it, but I certainly needed to take a seat after that one.
Whilst I sat and recouped, Dino Psaras hit the decks, little did I know that this wouldn't be the last time I saw him. His set really couldn't be appreciated to its complete level as most of the crowd were in the same boat as me. Temporarily worn out and awaiting Infected Mushroom who were scheduled next at the controversial time of 8am. Well the time came when the duo of Infected Mushroom manned equipment. Unfortunately, many like me had partied so hard already that it was hard to give it one last go, thus the crowds were down- though it was sublime. Their music was both intelligent and rampant those dancing nerves almost leapt out of your skin pleading for another dose, another perfectly weighted build up.
Some well-earned sleep was endured - God knows I needed it. Following this, I scouted around the campsite casually noticing people playing Frisbee, bongo`s, playing soccer and twirling poi. It must be noted that the sun was stinging down during the daytime, many wearing 10% of what they were wearing the during the night time festivities. I woofed down a kind of stew I bought from a Ghanaian food stall and chilled out watching repairs/touch up`s being made to the main stage. The music could be heard from the 2nd stage since 2.30pm, Hatake heading it up. Later in the day I made a trip to the 2nd stage to visit AB Didgeridoo Oblivion whom I was impressed with his one man band performance at the Solstice Festival a few months ago. The sun dipped behind the mountains and almost instantly the joyful heat disappeared though leaving blue sky behind for an hour or two.
My return to the main stage was to see the night’s schedule, but also to see the prominent X-Dream. This duo already had the crowd dancing with their hands out of their pockets (kept in from the cold) - "the madness has returned". The timing of the performances bugged me though I wanted to conserve my energy so that I could last to see through Hallucinogen who was playing at 9am, little did I know that I wouldn’t sleep again anyway. Down to the 2nd stage we went, Dan playing tribal Asian beats, a nice slow riser. Sancar followed, playing mellow trance which to be honest could’ve fitted in nicely at the main stage given the volume was turned up ten times over. Bugger this - its time to rock!
Delta was playing at the main stage and what was best about their music was that they appreciated their own music, with gestures given accordingly. Then it was Tsuyoshi. My god, it seems as if every event I attend now features Tsuyoshi! Do you think I’m complaining??? F^%k no, this man really puts on a decent set each time and even more noticeably this time keeping the volume down low but getting the crowd to make all the noise. Intelligent mixing - "Loving Life". After this, I awaited the arrival of Hallucinogen who took the crowds by storm. Hallucinogen gave melodies, which some (to my currently twisted mind) seemed half medieval and some just thumping backbeats, creating an all out assault on the dancefloor. But when this legend of Psytance music had finished I was spent. So chilling out amongst nature above the dancefloor in a tree seemed perfect for me, blowing bubbles from my pen, which just happened to have this facility. Dragged from my comfort zone I was made to give it one more go for the closing set delivered by Zorban. The crowd had stayed longer and stronger than yesterday, but even as you approached the dancefloor you could see the dust bowl which was engulfing all of the unsuspecting dancers. I joined my friends for this final assault... and then it was over. No encore`s, nothing that was that.
So another psytrance event bites the dust (as it seemed so literally on the final day) and fun was had by all. What else is there to say but that the schedule left a bit to be desired for and that the artists gave spectacular performances which will remain in many memories for a long time. A big thank you to the 8 or 9 thousand party goers who braved the climate and got out there and did what they love best - party.