Club Review: Rush, Eastin Hotel, PJ

For those of you who has been to Viva Dance Club over the years, prepare to be surprised, shocked and overwhelmed by the changes that Rush presents. Gone are the days of Viva, in its place, a supposed poshy and classy place for the working crowd to gather.

I heard that close to RM 1 million was spent on the renovation, as I must say I was impressed by the changes it brought. Once you walked in the front entrance, you are greeted by a spacious lounge, with a bar to your right. This section is filled with nice comfortable sofa and couches for easy and laid back night out. Perfect for chatting and catching up with friends.

Walk further in, you'd pass a lighted archway/tunnel (which some girls used as a dancing stage... which is not a bad idea). Once you go past the tunnel, a different section greets you. A huge island bar in the middle, facing a small stage with a live band performing. All around the bar and the stage are tall tables with tall chairs, meant for the casual and serious drinkers.

The live band performance is nothing to shout about. Quite average, and more suited for a hotel lounge rather than a supposed "club". When I was there on Friday, they played about 3 sets from 9.00 to 12.00. After 12, the resident DJ takes over, starting with R&B before proceeding to house and back to R&B as the night wears on. The sound system does seems like an improvement over the old system of Viva.

However, no matter how hard a tiger tries to change its stripe, the spirit of the tiger remains... as is the case with the audience and patron of Rush. On that night, I did spotted a few girls dressed up in nice dinner gown/dress, but sadly most of the crowds are in the casual jeans and t-shirt, which reminds me so much of the old Viva days. It was quite disappointing, as Rush's decor beats those supposedly posh places like Velvet Underground and Bar Savanh hands down. Unfortunately, the crowd still lacks the poise.

Alcohol is not that cheap either, a bottle of Black Label cost RM345, where as I can get the same bottle at about RM260 in Bangsar. Would I return? Well, perhaps, if I have a hot date and would like to just have a quieter time. But I'll make sure I leave before 11.30, when the crowd begins to come in.