In club years, Tangled is ancient. But where superclubs have emerged, risen and faded out to monthlies, Tangled still has the pulling power to pack the Phoenix week in, week out. Eight years down the line: no brand-expansion, no record label, few big-name guests. The secret of the night's success is its unpretentious, friendly kind of mentalism, that claims all but the most serious clubbers.
Tangled is about the attitude and the music, much as people - typically those for whom trance is a dirty word - would say otherwise. It's about getting sweaty and messy in a soundscape that that's designed to whip you into compulsive, energetic dancing: whether that's downstairs with a gurn and a glowstick to the thunderous Euro-trance breakdowns, or upstairs to sharp-assed breaks, where the soundsystem - as much as the floor - gets a royal spanking.
Like any good night, much of Tangled's strength comes through its resdients team, who're set, for the all-nighter on June 22nd, to rock their club as only they know how. Joining the team will be Guy Ornadel - a DJ who's managed to win over a crowd devoted to their residents - for a four hour stint in the main room. With Phil's typically infectious, emotional house giving way to Terry and Guy's trance downstairs and Steve and Herbie's funky explosive beats above, all eight hours look prime for dancing.
Tangled isn't for everyone. But then if it was, the cod-community that exists there wouldn't be quite as special. This club is an institution for a reason.
ALEX EYRE