Madison Clubs: The Reviews

The Cardinal, without a doubt, is one of the most original establishments that has ever graced Madison's presence, perhaps even the Midwest's presence! If you were to venture there on one of the more "normal" nights (if such a thing exists), you would think to yourself "What a nice little tavern." A dark wood interior and a large bar with adequate lighting give this venue a warm "woodsy" feel... but with class and ambiance. However, catch the Cardinal on any of its more popular nights of the month, and you would swear that you just ventured into either:

1. A scene from Pulp Fiction, or
2. A Jerry Springer episode.

The Cardinal is known throughout Madison, and much of Wisconsin, for its Fetish nights (the 2nd Tuesday of every month) where willing participants dress in anything from latex jumpsuits to full leather entourages (whips and chains optional). This is truly a sight to behold, but beware! If you dress normal, you must suffer having to pay a higher door charge and longer waits for beverages. Don't have a fetish? Don't worry! There always are an adequate number of people wearing usual street wear... so if you are not into leather, lace, and vinyl, you will not be too out of place. If you do manage to stop in for a Fetish night, be sure to work your way through the crowd to the end of the bar. Here you will find the entry way to the Cardinals dance floor. In reality, it is a separate room filled with mirrors, strobe lights, a giant green laser, and the best beat driven music that you may ever hear! Fetish nights are DJ'd by Madison's very own Mike Carlson, who is worshipped like a god by the crowds frequent cheering and screams whenever he brings in yet another flawless mix. The beat is continuous, and the music runs the gambit as far as taste goes... it is very rare that you'll hear something playing that you wouldn't like.

Keep in mind, the entertainment at the Cardinal does not just stop with Fetish nights. The Cardinal supports and sponsors many events over the course of any given month (80's nights, Latin dance, etc.). They always seem to have a supply of great talent in the DJ booth, and the adequately sized dance-floor allows crowds as small as 50 people to feel like they are part of something much larger. If you are in the area, be sure to stop in, order a drink, and talk to the locals... there is always something going on. -Matt Hilla (January 2000)

[back to top]

Inferno Danceclub
1718 Commercial Ave
608.245.9583

The Inferno is considered to be one of Madison's only "true" dance clubs - essentially, that is the purpose of its existence more than anything else. Located nearly 3 miles from the rest of the downtown "scene", the Inferno's crowd is usually made up of individuals who ventured there for the music and the visual stimuli. The interior is spacious and open, and the surroundings adequately reflect the Industrial nature that is associated with this club. Although the appearance is at first ominous, do not let this sway you from staying a while. It doesn't take long for a person to see that everyone at the Inferno is extremely polite and gracious. The drinks are made well, and the customers are respectful of each other. Several DJ's are often present at any one night, allowing for a rotation in music venues. The Inferno sponsors 80's night events, Chrome (beat driven industrial) on specified weekends, and many other special events such as live bands and concerts. The size of the establishment allows for easy movement through the crowd, but isn't so big that it seems like you are dancing solo. Also, the sound system does an excellent job of filling the entire club with what may be considered some of the best low tones in Madison. Beware, if you stand too close to one of the monster speaker stacks your clothes may get shaken off. If you are standing near the dance floor be sure to look at the lighting as well, one can stand for hours watching the controlled visuals that seamlessly integrate with the music. Overall, stop here on a weekend and you will not be disappointed, good sized crowds, excellent DJ's (almost too many to list), and awesome sound make this a fun place to be. -Matt Hilla (January 2000)

[back to top]

The Disclaimer:

These reviews were made for TechnoHeaven.com and will be publicly posted for the benefit of the sites visitors. All reviews are to be considered a personal editorial, and I have done my best to accurately compile the facts to the best of my ability. I have traveled to more than 100 music venues in 27 different states as a CUSTOMER during my life travels... so I hope that I have gained some sense of good and bad for geographic regions by now. I have previously had reviews published in Eclipse, The Edge, 2112, 2600, BLM, and several e-zines for varying reasons by request. If I have failed to give proper credit for an event, if you feel you deserve credit somewhere, or if I have failed to accurately represent facts please let me know and the error will be corrected. Keep in mind this is only my opinion, which means you probably got a good review. If you feel I missed something in my review that is important, please let me know and I will be sure to revise my review, or even re-review your establishment / individual in the review. -Matt Hilla

[back to top]

Questions or suggestions for this site contact:
WebMaster@TechnoHeaven.com
Copyright 2000 Techno Heaven

In association with X-Radio , CDNow and Amazon.com

Special Acknowledgment and Thanks to the DJs at Technostate: Dr. Nog, Gabbergirl, Inanna, Insect, Ki and especially Forest Green. They are what heroes are made of - and without their expert help this site would not exist.