Walking into Tangled left me dazed and confused. You see the music isn't exactly what I'd listen to at home, although that's completely beside the point because everyone in The Phoenix was going for it like there's no tomorrow.
And maybe for some there really wasn't? Besides which Tangled has been with us for years and has always been a popular destination.
It's hot, it's loud and it's certainly in your face, but when people want to go somewhere purely for the music then it's shirts off to Phil Morse and Terry Pointon for the result. And what's more everyone, including me, was smiling about it.
Of course, that all happens downstairs but to fully appreciate the Tangled ethos you'd also have to check out what goes on up the stairs too. Herbie Saccani and Steve Thorpe keep it hard assed and funky with their own unique style of playing in a space which acts as both an alternative dancefloor and for taking a breather from the mayhem down below.
It's fair to say that Tangled has been a prominent feature of Manchester's nightlife and a champion of the harder edge of European electronic music for quite some time. It's also plain to see why. I'd definitely recommend Tangled to anyone of a twisted disposition; or anyone who isn't bothered about the interior's colour scheme; or absolutely anyone who whinges on about it not being as good as it used to be.
GREG FENTON