+65, local Drum and Bass Flavours at HomeClub

Donavon from Kinemat kicked off this month’s +65 with a dubby yet percussive set which slowly set the stage. Almost samba-esque in sound his set went from funky breakbeats to deep house. It was something different than I was expecting being a drum and bass event, but it definitely started things off in style. Next to take to the controls were DJs Zul and Deen who went back to back, delving into the submerged world of big long rumbling bass lines. Starting off with some hip-hop infused dub step it was clear these guys had a plan and were intent on carrying it out with precision. Heavy with bleeps and a tight snare, they slowly worked there way into some more up-tempo beats of a jungle nature. As the crowd started moving in from outside… What is it with you guys? There was some really interesting and different music going on, but a lot of you were still outside, was it just me or was it the Arsenal game? Anyway, the crowd started moving in as Zul and Deen started pummeling into the harder stuff, slightly on the ravey tip with a lot of familiar melodies was my assessment. Dymaz came in as an MC getting the crowd involved as only he could. Vortex took over when the dance floor reached peak high-density population. Atmospheric melodies, a fat bass and heavily metallic hi-hats over the top gave dancers something to get aggressively gyrating to. Did anyone else here that cut up Michael Jackson vocal? Next were Dymaz, Ko-flow and Bruce, who together put on a live act like none other that I’ve seen before in Singapore. Check the picture and list of equipment for a closer look. Dymaz lay down the skeleton as Koflow put down his signature scratching and heavy raw beats from his MPC, did anyone else think some of these elements were too loud? Bruce gave great melodies from his keyboard that fit in perfectly to the arrangement. I was thoroughly impressed with what these guys had created with their toys. More like a heavy hip hop set with live elements fit in, it may not have been what everyone was expecting, but props for going out of the box guys!!! Next up was Shawn Livewire, sorry to say that the dance floor cleared quickly and it wasn’t until Nez came on that a few lonely soldiers came back to enjoy the sounds on an empty dance floor. It was late and everybody was feeling it but these few. Another quality drum and bass event at HomeClub, so much variety and experimentation, don’t tell me the scene is dead, this proves it’s only just the beginning of it’s growth into something great.