Party Lines

Party Lines presents an in-depth exploration of the rich tapestry of UK dance music, illuminating its journey from the vibrant underground scenes of reggae and acid-rock in the 1970s to the mainstream corporate world of today. This historical account is not merely a timeline but an insightful analysis of the cultural shifts and societal influences that have shaped the genre.

The Themes

At the heart of Party Lines lies the enduring tension between the communal ethos of dance music and the societal restrictions that often seek to suppress it. Gillett meticulously examines pivotal moments in this evolution, including:

• The Second Summer of Love in 1988, a defining period that saw a surge in the popularity of rave culture.
• The introduction of the Criminal Justice Act in 1994, which significantly impacted the landscape of illegal raves.
• The resurgence of raves during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the resilience of the dance music community.

The Writing Style

Gillett's prose is both engaging and informative, blending personal anecdotes with thorough research. His narrative weaves together interviews and testimonies from key figures in the dance music scene, providing readers with a multifaceted perspective on the genre's evolution.

"Dance music has always been more than just sound; it is a reflection of society itself."

For readers who enjoyed Energy Flash by Simon Reynolds or Last Night a DJ Saved My Life by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton, Party Lines will resonate with its comprehensive and thoughtful examination of a cultural phenomenon that continues to thrive against the odds.