In general i thought it was really good, but the mood was definitely a little subdued and a bit more introspective than usual. Hard to tell how much of that is my own projection, but that was my impression. And attendance seemed well down to me. Maybe by 20%? Maybe more even. On that score it was great I thought - just the right amount of people. Hard to know what kept people away...Grenfell...police scare stories...terrorism..all three....
Grenfell most likely, and although the block was out of sight from most spots I think it was on most peoples minds. Not that many wearing Green For Grenfell, but I expect the message didn't get out there too well about that.
On top of that Ive got a bit of a yarn about today, if you fancy hearing it....
Went on my own for the first time in a long time, and set out quite early...got there about 1pm...never been that early before, felt very empty, so as I didnt have to be anywhere in particular I thought Id stroll...was nice to get to some spots I havent been in years because of the crowds. Stopped at Gladdy Wax who was warming up nicely. Then got a text from a couple of friends who were up for meeting at Aba Shanti later so I headed that way.
Walked up Ladbroke Grove and caught all the floats. One sound, Mangrove, really stood out. Those truck sound systems can be a bit crude, but Mangrove had an incredible soundsystem - looked and sounded amazing. Wish I could find some pics online but there doesnt seem to be anything. On a different level.
Anyhow, got to Aba and the sun was in full glare, so I managed to find some shade right up the front by the barriers. It was only just gone 2pm but it was already fully rocking out there. It looks like Aba has got some brand new bassbins too, and the sound was particularly tight I thought. Nice moments with Patrixxx Matics smashing it on live trumpet and Aba also played a couple of cuts made by his teenage son which definitely dropped. Nice to see the baton being passed down.
No sign of my friends, and anyway I had my spot now so I settled in for the long haul planning not to move again. I knew it was hot so paced myself...didnt drink too much alcohol, well hydrated, taken on salts and had plenty of food already. Didnt want to get too caned today.
Then these three, possibly French, people started really getting in my way...they seemed really out of it and kept pushing around and one kept blowing her whistle loudly and inappropriately. After treading on my toes for the third time she offered me a drink from her canister which the three of them were passing about. I was a bit suspicious but I like the drink sharing culture so I took a big swig. Not sure what it tasted of really. Maybe a really strong rum punch. This was around 3.30pm, after the silence.
Happily they stumbled off to annoy other people in the crowd and I forgot much about them. Then at some point around 4.30pm, like a bolt from the blue - BONG!!! - I felt like I was coming up. : facepalm : I don't really touch drugs anymore but I know that feeling. This rush hit me and although I was right in the middle of a groove I just turned 180 degrees and started walking away. As it kept hitting me I knew there was only one choice now and that was to head home. I didnt want to risk being fucked up around carnival. I don't know what was in the drink those French crew were drinking but it must've had some psychoactives in it...and it explains why they were so out of it and seemingly oblivious. I didnt drink much but it must've been enough for a lightweight like me to get a strong lick off it.
Blah blah blah i made it to the station, buddied up with a random guy visiting from Trinidad to keep an eye on me on the tube - his chat helped me keep my head together, but yeah eventually made it home, safe but high!! On the whole it was all fine, I did get pretty lightheaded for the first half hour and since then ive just been a little zoned out, mind racing, life more vivid, but well controllable. Come down mostly now... I did wonder if it wasnt just heatstroke, but I was in the shade and this feeling was just too mind bending and drug-familiar to be that i think.
The lesson of the day though is beware drinks offered by fucked up French hippies!
Oh and compost toilets seem to be a big thing this year! Every toilet i saw was a compost one
