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Review: Jamie Helmer
IT WAS a dark and dreary night last Saturday, May 15, a perfect
setting for a drive through pouring rain to the old Perth Morgue.
I’m not talking about body-snatching or ghost hunts, I’m
talking about the latest night of beats and breaks by the innovative
guys behind Deuce Productions.
Jonathan ‘8-ball’ Craig, Jason Craig, Ro Alexander
and Pauly ‘FatlLace’ Bridge began a few years ago,
trying to gain a foot-hold in Perth’s electronic underground.
Due to the talent and enthusiasm of its participants, Deuce
has come a long way and gained quite a reputation for parties
with great tunes and a great atmosphere (also great flyers, courtesy
of local designer, Russell Brockman).
They have steered away from any commercial mentality and, as
result, their events tend to have a much more positive and casual
vibe than the slick, image-orientated club nights.
Their events attract a very diverse crowd, who gather, not to
be seen wearing expensive fashion, or to try and 'pick up', but
for the love of the music and the spirit of having a damn fine
time with like-minded people.
The Night at the Morgue was no exception, held
at the old Perth Morgue, in Kakulas Place, Northbridge.
With the help of some good friends of theirs’, who own
the building, they were able to create a warehouse-style environment
in which to showcase some exceptional local talent.
Unfortunately, no evidence of the building having been used as
a morgue remains (I was hoping to see some old artifacts, which
could have really added to the theme and atmosphere of the place).
However, it is still a fantastic multi-leveled, studio-style building
with a great deal of character and, obviously, a lot of love having
gone into the refurbishment so far.
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The line-up consisted of a vast array
of local DJs and live electronic acts including: DJ’s Ether,
Pauly Fatlace, Onders and Skeptic, and live electronic performances
by 8 Ball (accompanied, at one, stage by acclaimed cellist, Melanie
Robinson), AlphaKiloTango, Hiro? and Lo-Key Fu.
Styles ranged from moody techno-based sounds, atmospheric down-beat
and dub to dirty breakbeat, hip-hop and drum&bass.
However, no matter what kind of rhythms came flowing out of the
system, the dancefloor was always packed.
As for the people who weren’t dancing, there were plenty
of couches for lounging and chatting, and a pool table for a bit
of friendly sport.
The whole place had the feel of someone’s stripped back
studio apartment (which is not too far from the truth) full of
gathered friends rather than a club full of strangers.
For a party with ‘Free entry! BYO poison and Bodies’
written on the clever toe-tag flyer, an invitation that could
easily spell drunken mayhem, there was a refreshing lack of any
ego or hostile folk. It all went down nicely as a full night of
quality tunes and dancing among some very cool people.
If this kind of thing sounds like its up your alley, the guys
at Deuce have a website with upcoming events and information on
the artists involved in their electronic alliance (www.deuce.com.au).
The other good news is that, due to recent funding, they will
be setting up an ongoing series of events at The Bakery Arts Space,
in James Street, starting with a party on Friday, June 4, in aid
of the WAMI weekend.
These events will attempt to integrate other art forms into the
events and a continuing stream of diverse original Perth artists
- so keep your eyes on this crew because they have many more tricks
up their sleeve. |
