Wondering How to Pursue Sin-O-Matic Ways? Hump It Up
The safe sex crusade of the past decade has had its impact on the club scene. Many club-goers now reconsider the one-night stand, condom machines are standard features in restrooms, and business is up at risque-themed nightclubs.
Clubs with risque themes are those places where, in addition to grooving to the latest techno vinyl, patrons can get their thrills by watching a striptease on video or ogling the hired entertainment dressed in outfits of bondage--all within legal boundaries, of course, and usually very campy.
These are not porn clubs. A mellow voyeurism is at play here and it would doubtlessly still give some people a shiver. But you can find more sex in an R-rated flick.
Sin-O-Matic in West Los Angeles has long been attracting night crawlers who like funking it up this way, and now Aria in Long Beach joins those ranks with a Wednesday installation of Hump (which, promoters say, is supposed to refer to the club’s mid-week-only status--as if we were so naive). It’s bound to attract Orange County club-goers, who’ve headed up to Sin-O-Matic in packs on Saturday nights. Hump is tamer than Sin-O-Matic, possibly because of its 18-and-over admission age (the L.A. club is 21 and over). At Hump, those of legal drinking age are given plastic bracelets to wear.
As at Sin-O-Matic, though, the Long Beach club has go-go dancers of both sexes swaying their stuff to the booming sounds of industrial, techno, tribal and trance. Among them are Hump promoters Yvonne Ortega and Conrad Gilbert, decked out in tiny mesh hot pants and plenty of metal accessories. The month-old club is the first for this duo, who have go-go danced at several clubs and finally decided they could run one too.
The reigning go-goer is Nation, who resembles a post-WWI German cabaret dancer, with his Louise Brooks makeup, jet black hair slicked back and a curl on his forehead. While most patrons and go-go dancers tromp around in sturdy Doc Marten boots, Nation balances gracefully in a pair of strapped platform spikes. His nipple rings are almost as striking as the tattoo on his back--Olde English-style letters that spell out the word for a female dog.
Most patrons don’t don the hard-core futuristic fetish fashion, although they do show up clothed in black, preferably of lace or mesh. Some dare to accessorize with handcuffs, dog collars, chains and other precious metals.
Because of the nature of Hump, the crowd’s orientations appear mixed, so, regardless of which way you sway, come with an open mind.
Aria’s decor is neo-Gothic, with arches pointing upward, angels frozen in plaster and lighted panels painted to simulate cathedral-style stained glass windows. Hanging from the ceiling are enormous wheels symbolic of the Industrial Age.
The dark club is illuminated only by black light and turquoise blue strobes--a mood further chilled by the flat black cocktail tables and curvy bar counter. Of course, the temperature rises once you get out on the dance floor.
A game room in the back features a couple of pool tables, pinball machines and video games and a long white vinyl wall couch to lounge on; above it hang oversized chirascuros of lovers framed in velvet.
On Wednesday nights, the bar serves well drinks and domestic beers for $2, along with a full drink menu.
* HUMP
* At Aria, 740 E. Broadway, Long Beach.
* (714) 896-0121 or (310) 437-7708.
* Wednesday nights only, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
* Cover: $5. Open to ages 18 and over.