Of course the music matters, but for me it's mainly about having the right people there and a spirit of engaged togetherness with strangers through the music. You still find it in the most unlikely of places and settings. Where this is replaced by introverted DJ worship and selfie-central pose-a-thons the whole point of it all for me is lost. And the trend in over-commercialization has done little prevent the latter from becoming dominant.
I really don't care whether people look individual / cutting edge or like they've escaped from an Asos holiday shop pop-up promo. Whether they look like West End reps, sombre Berliners or mum and dad with their late teen kids. Or whether they are 20 or 50. Just as long as they contribute to the party positively and get involved.
I've got no doubt that for some people they feel the atmosphere I'm talking about even during some EDM nights, in the same way others do at pop concerts and live events but it's coming from the particular people that are there and how they respond to the event more than from the music and setting
per se. So long as those events are sparking happiness and unity amongst the people there I can't actually point a finger of condemnation in their direction. They may not work for me but some clearly do for others. HOWEVER, my experience of several nights over the last few years has been pretty demoralizing in terms of atmosphere, crowd and setting. With so many people and so many parties going it's inevitable a lot will fall short of the 'mark' I'm basically referring to. I've little doubt a pretty empty and vapid atmosphere along with a sea of mobile phones on Eric Prydz night is what I'd likely walk into at Hi right now. So obviously a bit of common sense is required !
I "crashed" what some might term a "kiddie tech fest" at Neon Nights in Sankeys a few years ago and remember it vividly to this day. Day-glo and white trainers everywhere, and it was one of the most electric and rewarding dancefloors I'd been at in ages. The tech was the current fashion at the time but very danceable and tbh it was down to the crowd that night, full of energy and movement, love for the music and love for each other whoever they might be. That same year Underground was an empty shell of a place with mainly washed up casualties sat around in their little groups doing their best to have a good time when they should've probably done everyone a favour, taken a handful of valium and had an early night.
As I've already mentioned, the few parties I went to this year were all great. So I'm still of the mindset that the 'spirit' is very much alive. For me the test of a party is whether you can be away from your group or go alone, and still enjoy every minute of it along with random others there. If it passes that test it's a winner
. If you feel you have to bring your group along to make something work then it's not
