Enchanted Forest brings the Adelaide Rave community out in force. Even though it was a stinking hot day, over 5,000 souls braved the harsh summer sun to head to the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds for the first Enchanted held during the day. I got there and met some friends at the Goodwood pub, and even that early it was clear people were in a party mood.

After a short line up, a line up to get a wristband, then another to get a wristband to drink, I was confronted with two stages immediately together. This normally would concern me, but even with very little people near the stage (they were all in the shade or at the bar) there was little sound bleed, a testament to the professionalism of sound engineers in this day and age. In fact, the whole set up impressed me greatly, and I have to admit it was the best use of the showgrounds for a rave yet.

After grabbing a drink and catching up with everyone, it was time to get into the music. John B was the first act I wanted to see, and he didn’t disappoint. Dressed in his 1980s short shorts, “I’ve been Stalking You on MySpace” shirt, big hair and make up, he certainly put on a show. The music was unusual, with dnb mixed with 80s stuff, but it was lots of fun. The crowd cleared noticeably for CJ Boland live, mainly because of the change in tempo, but I loved hearing the old school techno played live off his PC.

Killa Kella was the standout of the day for me. MC Trip ripped rhymes about Steve Irwin and Michael Jackson, whilst Killa Kella did his best beatboxing with the sun right in his Pommy face. Credit to him – I could barely raise enough energy to talk in that heat, and he tore it up! Goldie started on the second main stage, and I listened to him for a few minutes and liked what I heard, but it was a little too lively for me in that heat.

Funkoars played on the main stage during this time, and one of the MCs forgot his lines during one of the tracks, allowing the others to totally rip on him. It was funny how they kept dropping F and C bombs, then freaking out because Peter Coomb was after them. “He’s gonna think ‘who are these disgusting cunts'” was one of the shout outs. The crowd thickened considerably as anticipation for Peter Coomb grew, and he was welcomed by a hearty cheer when he stepped out. It was hilarious seeing thousands of grown people singing along to his kids songs, and clearly Peter, his band and the crowd were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

During this time I went walking about, catching up with friends. I also managed to catch John Doe play some awesome breaks, and then got to catch MPK back to back with Patch with MC Grif and Pase on the mics. I’ve got to hand it to our locals – they were a rocking it as well as any international I saw. I tried to get into Kid Kenobi and MC Sureshock, but their set was much like when I saw him in October at Parklife, which was disappointing, and I tend to find their brand of breaks to be a little lacklustre.

Another highlight at this time, besides the cool change sweeping through, was the Danger Zone area. Based on the Mojo West night of the same name, DJ Quazza span some classic 80s and 90s rock and dance anthems, much to the laughs and joys of the crowd. Quazza was resplendent in 80’s afro wig, Def Leopard T-shirt and bandana. He was joined on stage by Pratty, also in wig, rocking out the tennis guitar and giving shout outs on the Mic. Funny stuff indeed!

I really did try to give Kevin Energy a listen, but just found it dull and repetitive. I must have been the only one though, because the crowd was massive and everyone was jumping and cheering. But the crowd got even bigger for El Hornet of Pendulum, who whilst a little disappointing to me – I wanted more new tunes – rocked the crowd and turned in a very fine performance. It was a great end to a fabulous day, and I hope Enchanted at the showgrounds becomes an Adelaide tradition like the Shutzenfest and skyshow.