any bristol peeps able to recommend house/techno nights i'm all ears
You're a bit late on that train, I'm afraid, Mr Corpsey. Me and Chris from Rooted used to do a night called TAPE which mixed up house, techno, dubstep, funky and whatever else, but we sacked it off after one too many nights of losing cash. under_score were the remaining bastion of quality 4/4 music, and they've sadly finished things up as well earlier this year.
That said, there's a new bunch of young'uns who seem to have some good ideas, booking Claro Intelecto for their first party. The night's called Headrush and is based at Timbuk2, so maybe keep your eyes out for future events. Dojo is generally the best club for house and techno (as well as being open until 7 most weekends), but there seems to be a large contingent of Bristol's DJs - naming no names - who are more than happy to just play the Beatport top 20. A shame, really.
You coming to the inaugural Idle Hands night at Crash Mansions on June 11th? Should be a fair bit of techno being dropped there, but not the whole night, obviously. Kowton, October, EFA and Chris from Rooted who runs the label are all playing. Should be a good one!