Eastern Electrics decided to work the Hertfordshire county grounds again this year but on a reduced scale of 1 day and no camping in the amazing surroundings of Hatfield House. With a strong 10,000 capacity there had to be some serious work to match last year’s event. And guess what? “They did”

With the psychedelic yellow security randomly lining the shut off great north road, we wandered down to the grand entrance of Hatfield House which resided opposite the train station. Whether worker or raver you couldn’t help but notice the pillars and post's that were dressed with brightly coloured timetables (fantastic idea) for anyone who wandered what time that last train was.

Strolling up the garden path, past the main house we was pleasantly greeted by queues that were almost empty for VIP and no more than 20 minutes for day tickets. The minor queues were not down to the lack of attendance but the sheer efficiency of the staff and security checking everyone in. Nice to see a happy entrance with lots of banter!

After purchasing the regular drink tokens we headed straight to the Alice in Acidland VIP area for a Red Stripe and to hear some bang tidy beats being sprayed out into the sunshine from Itchy Rich, followed by Tony D (he must of thought he had hit a number one), when his ear gracing sounds burst the seams of the tent with everyone heading for cover as a shower of rain came over. Tony D was doing something right as he maintained a majority of the crowd to the end of his set.

Photo:Marc Sethi

Eastern Electrics outdoor main stage was graced with ravers sporting sunglasses and having a right good bounce around to Steve Lawler who was throwing around his fine collection of house and techno. Next up it was Laura Jones wearing her trade mark glasses, performing “Love In Me” causing a floor vibrating two step, finger pointing frenzy.

Photo: Marc Sethi

With the crowds ever increasing it would have been a mistake to not visit the famous Mulletover in The Switchyard more than once. The thumping bass which echoed within the coliseum of disused shipping containers was immense with artists that included many famous internationals like Mano le Tough with his electrifying ear tingling creation. tINI with her well balanced techno/house set and a top wrap up performance form Geddes who leaves here to bank a spot at Sankeys Ibiza the following weekend.

With a wander for food on the cards there was plenty to meet my appetite, including your regular hot dogs, burgers and chips or some chicken noddle etc, I opted for a near on £6 worth of pulled pork roll which was pretty good for festival food. In fact I have had worse from shops. 

Next we come across the intricate madness of the Red Bull stage which was set up like a van with a rather large awning. DJ’s included T.Williams, Ali Love live and the legendary Derrick Carter with his widely known underground house. The fun and antics of Boo Dior were an eye opener where it was a real trip down memory lane with some memorable old school bangers.

Anybody who attended Eastern Electrics and did not know who Route 94 should not have been there as they truly took the roof off the tent with their No. 1 single “My Love”. The Rinse tent was truly rinsing some of the finest cutting edge house music heard on the day with positive vibes being felt, from word of mouth to the movement on the floor. Agoria warmed the stage for Route 94 with a seamless professional transition of not knowing who had finished and who had taken over. Loefah who is renowned for his historical dubstep and record label Swamp 81 finished the event with some dirty heavy almost grimey well needed beats…..

Photo: Marc Sethi

This review would not be complete without the mention of “The Star of EE pub” which hosted a local favourite in Mr Normski along with  “went for a weekend and stayed all summer” Derek Dahlarge and the deep house pro Ralph Lawson. Duo Waifs and Strays closed the pub proving to us why they were bought together with their passion for house music.

A big well done from all of us for a well organised event that was a fraction of the carnage in 2013 but with as many positives and great artists. Keep up the good work and we look forward to next year’s event.

Review Wayne Monaghan