Not really knowing what to expect, I headed out to the Bakery Artrage complex to inspect Smudge, an event presented by Deuce. With Ele-mental, Ether, Carr Krash, Hiro and 8 Ball advertised on the flyer; it was a Sunday session of live electronics. What I found was surprising breath of talent that had been hidden in Perth.

The Bakery Artrage complex situated on James St, Nortbridge, was an excellent location to hold this live gig. The room was filled with artworks by local artists and couches that were collected over a month, including several comfortable Red Bull bean bags. Fantastic visuals had also been provided to accompany the music and a funky bunch of people were in attendance.

Walking into Ele-mental’s set, it was filled with melodic, ambient sounds evoking the senses and taking you to a journey away from yourself. It was fitting that the visuals had images of a lush, green country side passing by. It reminded you of your childhood when you would be driven from the city and into another world of exploration.

Next was Hiro whom provided a more fun housey, breaks set. Creating his own samples, it was a competent mix of uptempo beats with some heavy basses kicking in; even mixing in some reggae!

8-Ball and Ether was the following act, playing along-side each other. 8-Ball was on the mixer and Ether had the electric cello. Ether’s musical background stems from classical and indie rock.

Having seen 8-Ball weaving and bopping to his furious breaks set in February, it was a much different 8-Ball this time round as he severely slowed down the pace and showed the depth of skills that he offered.

The set consisted of a fusion between live electrics, classical, beats and samples mixed into a concoction that should not be generalised into any particular genre. It re-defined a new boundary where live electronics could be taken. It was like listening to the sound effects and music of a movie that created the tension and intensity within the movie. The haunting sounds of the electric cello invoked a melancholic state of atmospheric consciousness.

Finishing off the show was Carr Krash, playing a chilled out set to an appreciative crowd content on just lazing on the couches and bean bags.

This live electronics gig had all the elements to make it a success.  Whether it was relaxing on the couches and catching up with friends; admiring the excellent artwork by local artists, gazing at the wicked visuals or listening to the sublime music; it was a great end to the weekend. The problem now is to find a place where I can do it all over again.