Friday the 27th, for some it was probably a date that had absolutely no meaning whatsoever, for others (myself included) it was a date that held a special place for all of us. This date symbolised seven years of Teriyaki being one of Melbourne’s best techno clubs around. While Teriyaki has had it’s struggles (constant venue changes and poor suppport sporadically) it has also had numerous high-points; ones that are blatantly still continuing on as I speak. The current venue for Teriyaki is ROOM and after last month’s grand re-opening (Grand is an understatement) there were definately some high-expectations floating through my mind. But before the night was over there was no doubt that Teriyaki had once again showed the great foothold they have in Melbourne’s party scene.

I arrived at ROOM roughly about 12:00, just missing the first Mix-Up session but just in time to catch Dee Dee vs Slieker. These two boys barely need an introduction as every time they play it’s pure classy-mayhem all the way. While remaining strong in the hard techno sound the boys were not afraid to throw down a few darker electro-tech tracks throughout. Even though the current crowd size was thin, I just couldn’t hold back and found myself dancing almost non-stop throughout the set. Highlight tracks included Tube-Tech – This is the end and a nice remix of Visage – Fade to Grey (classic 80’s tune). Before the end of the set the crowd size was almost at one hundred percent and time for me to say hi to numerous friends.

Now would be a good time to mention the overwhelming transformation to ROOM through the decor decorating almost every part of the interior. While the decor for the re-opening party was fairly decent enough, it was clear that Teriyaki had outdone themselves yet again with giant Japanese-esque walls (you know, the ones made of paper with a wooden grid over them) and other miscillaneous objects. The visuals projected throughout the night were of great quality and great commendations should go to the VJ’s for the night.

Before I knew it, however, it was 1:30 and time for Dee Dee and Slieker to step down and make way for the first performance for the night. Initially I wasn’t sure what was going on as the music went from tech to hard-industrial-rock but once I noticed the man dressed as a monkey on the right hand stage it was all too clear. Spot, the name of the performer, gave a good performance as he transformed from a monkey into a mime and did a great job of keeping us all entertained.

At around 1:35 Spot left the stage and made way for Steve Law who played a live set. Wow is all I can really say to describe this man. Having never seen him play before I was quite excited and by no means was I dissapointed. Steve’s set was tight, funky tech that got the entire room moving and smiling. Furthermore, I was highly impressed at the amount of fans who were clearly at Teriyaki just to support their favourite Steve (among the other DJ’s, of course).

It was now just after 2:00 am and Steve Law was wrapping up his set. Time for the next of the performances to be had. The Boner Ballet came on stage and kept the crowd in our fun mood by prancing around a way that, clearly on they know how. They finished at 2:10 and made way for a new name…

Nick Taylor. I had never heard of this man before, but rest assured if he’s playing out my way again; I’ll be there. The man started off with a slightly ecclectic sound which quickly built into a funky, driving, disco-tech feel which remained constant throughout his set. This definately had my attention and kept me dancing non-stop (even if my body clearlt couldn’t take it). I, and most of the crowd remaining, were definately satisfied from the set that we had just witnessed when Nick finished at 3:40.

At this point the second last performance for the night came on stage and I was alerted to this by the fact that the music had switched from tech to Marylin Manson. Arschenschlicken, the performer, came on stage in a giant chicken costume and started head-banging (or at least attempting to) to Manson. Points to him for trying…must be hard to mosh in a feathered suit that would weigh more than you.

By now my body had said no more and I decided to go home. The rest of the night’s acts included Slack vs Disko Pussy, The Rabbits of Hubris and Bionikworld live. The side room featured Plutonik, Shplick, Frenchie vs Jade Ho, DJF live and Weena. Once again, mad props to all involved as Teriyaki celebrated, in style, seven years of giving us what we all want…..a damn good time, and nothing more.