A SM:)E Preview...

The Sound of Sm☺e made a preview at last Saturday’s Sublime. Following the now recent trend of forward thinking events both in Berlin and Cologne, HOME Parties sought to combine a synergy between indie electronic bands and DJs, as the Karl Maka opened for a stellar line up of local talents.

What was also notable of the event was that this was 7/7/07. In 7 other there was a concert that was broadcasted in 7 other countries. We broadcasted it too. Here is a link to some people’s opinion of the festival in Sydney: http://blogs.smh.com.au/newsblog/archives/your_say/014405.html?page=2#comments By signing up as friends of Live Earth, we took on the role of promoting awareness through broadcasting the event on our screens. While not creating a direct solution to the problem, we included the addition of planting our own flowers to be kept at the club. Guests now have Sunflowers and marigolds that are to grow outside the club. Come and see how they grow on your return to the club.

The event, as mentioned, was opened By The Karl Maka, an indie-electronic band with one guitar, midi controllers, a keyboard, ableton and two members played their second set at Home. Their sound is nothing less than unique fusing 80s synth-pop with a more modern twist as well as reinterpreting pop classics like Michael Jackson and Depeche Mode. Interacting closely with the crowd, lead singer Jonathon went into the crowd in the final songs passing his mic around to those who knew the words. A great way to kick off the show, this was only the beginning of a long line of electronic funky beats to satisfy those with eager feets.

Our own DJR took over easing into more 80s classics and synth-driven songs as the night started to make a smooth transition into more dance orientated music. 20 mins of stone floor classics by the likes of Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk and The Human League made for a perfect bridge between live instruments and the DJs selection which was to come.

Rafi Dead aka for[e]sight stepped up next pushing a minimal sound that Europe would be proud of. Slowly building up the tempo to a minimal bump in the night bleeping beat, for[e]sight moved soundscapes into a more mathematical and methodical arena. Carefully programming beats to their reduced maximum, he kept the beat grooving to a 4/4 bass that was nothing less than hynotic, and concert had turned distinctly into dancefloor.

Heavy-weights of the night and future Sm☺e residents, loopinmotion and podo, went back to back for two hours going from minimal to the more melodic sounds of Detroit and beyond. Intricate mixing and effective use of the effects unit made this an interesting collaboration of sounds. From tracks simply consisting of the bare minimum of a drum machine to synth-arppegiated arrangements a variety of sounds were covered from both DJs. The more methodical approach of podo’s eq work fitting perfectly with loop’s driving beats and synchronized drops; this was a combination of assured dancefloor destruction.

Moving at high pace as he usually does, xzez came on dishing out classic Detroit beats with a heavy 808 influence. Increasing the pitch at an almost unnatural and neck-breaking pace, strings came seamlessly in above a barrage of four kicks and second beat snares and assorted hi hat rhythms.

Next up came the seamless sewing of tracks with a back2back set by old schoolers, DJ Kai and DJ Justin. Going towards a more techy sound than they usually are known for, they contributed perfect late night grooves for all those left to enjoy. These two are incredibly versatile whatever style of 4/4 dance music they need to produce they always seem to deliver, Saturday night was no exception.

Finishing off this 7 act rotation came Home residents lock’n’groove and DJR, playing a couple of tracks each they built off each other’s styles providing a sound that only two minds working at one could put together. Starting off with deep Detroit tech, they pushed this sound system to it’s max while keeping the remaining few still left moving on the dance floor. Funky as hell with horns screaming left right and centre, not to mention tom toms shuffling, they also provided twisted synths and punchy electro beats.

But the night did not end there, as the record slowly stopped on the platter, beats at 170bpm quickly took over with a drum and bass set by the newest Home resident DJ Ming. Bodies frolicked from in between cracks or perhaps even outside of the club as a new lease of life came to play; we were approaching 6am.

This was a Sm☺le preview, get ready for a new wave movement of music that is meant for dancing to and feeling good, we’re going back to our roots we’re going back to the old school where genre was unimportant. What matter’s is how you feel and indeed it’s our intention to have everyone smiling. So stay tuned for smilingly good dance floor fun.