For a break away from revision my friend Tom thought it would be a good idea to get a night out before the exam rush began which I, of course, was up for. A few days before our night out, he informed me of the plan.

"A...Drum and Bass…show?" I questioned, and yes, to my utter confusion, that was the plan. Tom proceeded to tell me all about it and how amazing the show would be. I was skeptical. He explained the origins of Drum and Bass, what it was like and who would be there. To end our pre- show lesson, he played a Logistics song called "The Trip" to prepare me for what lay ahead. The song was…different. I definitely have never heard one like it before but after hearing it on repeat a few times, I was slowly being convinced that it might not be as "out there" as I thought. I was in.

We met outside Soul Cellar at 11pm and headed straight to the bar before the show fully kicked off and we each grabbed a drink, Tom, a beer, and for myself, something a little stronger. I had a long night ahead of me. The place was filling up almost as fast as I could down my drink, nervous for the show to begin. I’m not going to lie, I was a little worried about what it would be like, solely based on other peoples opinions, which usually incorporated words like "insane", "mental", "hardcore", and as one person explained, "the reason for ibuprofen". Whether those words were for the music, or for the people who listened to the music, was beyond me, and in all fairness, either way it didn’t seem good.

As people began making there way upstairs to the show we followed them, Tom, far more intently than myself, pulling me behind. We entered a medium sized room, filled with people, staring forward at the turntables set up on the stage. Neon lights flashed and the room was filled with a smoky haze. I looked around, wide-eyed and interested in everything I saw. The type of people could easily be described as "alternative" however, the variation was endless; guys with dreads, men with beards, metal heads, stoners, and even a few jack wells boys along with the university students and locals. The ladies didn’t seem to get the memo on the show, as I was probably one of the only girls in the whole place.

The show began. It was loud, in your face and incredibly raw. The songs blasted out of speakers the size of most university students’ rooms; there officially was no escape. Once the set began, so did the audience. Everyone in the club began what I presumed was dancing – their heads were down, arms moving in all directions and jumped, in fact, bounced around like there was no tomorrow. It was insane and the atmosphere was out of this world.

At first I was a little apprehensive to "dance" since, from a rather sober point of view, it looked absolutely ridiculous. Although, I knew it had to be done. I threw my arms around like a nutter and completely let go. Soon enough dare I say it, I was enjoying myself. As I was jumping in the crowd, looking around at the masses, I suddenly understood why it appealed to so many. By completely letting go of all of my inhibitions and just going for it, for a moment in time, it felt like nothing else mattered. All that was happening was the music in my ears.

I closed my eyes and became fully aware of how beautiful, even with the sweat and smoke, being released from myself was. It was intoxicating. When you completely lose yourself, physically in a trance, and mentally through a song, you have arrived at a place that is entirely your own.

I can’t say I listen to Drum and Bass by myself now, although I do enjoy a bit a here and there, but I can say, I have so much more respect and understanding for it, the people behind it, and those who listen to it. But hey, don’t take my word for it…it’s there for you to experience. Go for it.