THE MIX took a serious road trip to Manchester last week for the Kiss FM launch party at the luckless Hacienda. A raging success in London, Kiss have decided to move further afield, to supply Northern climes with a 24 hour diet of modern and classic dance music.

Basically a get together for all involved with Kiss FM, the bash brought together several acts with as many punters as possible. Artists included Ce Ce Rogers, Shades of Rhythm and 808 State. Sadly, 808 State didn't play a live set and were only there to DJ. Of the various lounges, the little downstairs bar was spinning the best tunes. Sounds on the main floor were humdrum in comparison.

The PAs were worth the wait, especially Shades Of Rhythm, hampered only by a poor sound system. Nor was the plumbing quite state of the art. When urine starts cascading from the toilets onto the dancefloor, it's as much a hazard to public health as it is to your dance moves.

Among the highlights of Madchester's Kiss 102 is The 808 State Show, on Friday nights from eight 'til ten. And Danny Rampling is one of the presenters of weekday programmes.

Shades Of Rhythm interview - p.116