It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Once again the good folks at Smirnoff ICE got together with In The Mix to hold a party for all those who make ITM as special as it is today. Contributors, forum lurkers and silent browsers alike all gathered at Ambar on Saturday night for what would have to be the funkiest members party held by ITM Perth thus far. And with all that was happening in lil’ ol’ Perth on Saturday it was with much appreciation that all were welcomed in.

In the lead up to the party it was announced through the ITM Perth forums that the opening DJ slot of the night would be given to an ITM “up and comer”. Nominations were be made by those in the forums and the more than 400 people who RSVP’d voted for the winner. In a hard fought contest DJ Philly was triumphant and proved himself a great choice to start the evenings proceedings off between 10pm to 11.30pm. With free entry to ITMers before midnight, most made an effort to get there on time and were thus able to catch a bit of Philly’s set, a highlight for me being his own remix of Downsyde’s El Questro. And to think he didn’t enter it in the Triple J Noise competition held recently. Shame Philly, shame! Expect to hear more from this bedroom remixer, bootlegger and beat juggler very soon.

The best of times continued as some of Ambar’s and Perth’s funkiest DJ’s took to the decks to rock what had become a comfortably full venue. Playing on the night were RalPhSKI, Doug Disco, Armee vs FDel, Wish and JJ. With the DJ’s at hand it ensured funky beats of all shapes and size were covered from scratched up hip hop to 4/4 to breakbeat and beyond.

The worst of times were all to do with this reviewers failure to take notice of a suggestion mentioned by the responsible folk at Smirnoff on the sleeve to the free ITM/Smirnoff sampler CD given out at the door. “DRINK INTELLIGENTLY” it proclaimed. Unfortunately a certain reviewer thought that since he was there in an official capacity for ITM it meant promoting the sponsors product and leading by example. Good times, infact awesome times, were still had but sore heads and queezy stomachs were the result the next day. For more informed details of the nights DJ performances I suggest you check out the associated thread in the Perth forums.

The party summed up for many what ITM is all about, having a bit of fun and promoting the local scene through patronage and opportunity. An ITM “up and comer” was given the chance to play at Perth’s longest running breaks night whilst many who make ITM part of their frequent web browsing were able to get together and have a bit of a laugh and dance to some quality tunes, which is after all what going out is all about isn’t it? For those who weren’t able to make it you missed a great night, hope you make it next time.