Perth has long been claiming the crown as the Oz capital of drum’n’bass. It was thus a long time coming for the Smirnoff Ice ITM Members Party to make its way to a club dedicated to these sounds. Trafik at Heat has become arguably Perth’s premier dnb venue, successfully promoting events ranging from those dedicated to discovering and promoting local talent to putting on some of the worlds finest touring acts.

Also establishing a presence in the Perth dance music scene has been Omega Trance Productions. Frustrated at the harder trance that has been more dominant locally, they have been dedicated in promoting the more melodic forms of the genre. Whilst hosting events in venues all over Perth, they have found a home of sorts in the small upstairs VIP bar at Heat.

With two quite different genres of dance music to choose from (as well as a bit of house and breaks thrown in for good measure) variety was a major draw card to the party. Two different rooms created the opportunity for two different up-and-comers, as voted for by you dear readers of ITM, to show us their best with the kind folk at Omega and Trafik offering the winners peak time rather than opening sets.

The Perth party ethic of a fashionably late arrival rang true once again with the first hour of the evening giving the opening DJs a rather empty venue to play to. Jon Noonan and Slade upstairs were laying a solid foundation of 4/4 beats whilst downstairs Rintel was delivering some smooth liquid funk.

Come 11.15 and the door staff were suddenly under the pump with a line stretching down to the pavement. Even with upstairs up and comer Big John’s support army through the doors the people kept coming, eager to get in before the midnight deadline for free RSVP entry. Micah and Adam Kelly were going back to back upstairs, rising to the challenge of more people by taking things up a notch; Micah with the thumping breaks he’s renown for, Adam matching the intensity with his trademark enthusiasm and versatility.

As Gusto took control from Rintel downstairs around 11.30pm he followed on with his liquid stylings, ever so gradually getting harder. It was some stage during this transition that the downstairs area transformed from being very passive to suddenly frothing with excitement and energy. It was as though everyone had drunk that drink that takes you across the line from quiet and reserved to cheerful and boisterous. The party was in swing.

Previous to the ITM Members Party Big John had won the Rise Bedroom-to-Bigroom competition with his harder dance sounds. However in true professional style he effortlessly adapted to the more melodic music policy of Omega with his midnight set, in doing so ensuring a crowd of not only the army he’d brought but a large number of Omega regulars. It was safe to say that by this stage of the night this room was going off.

Downstairs MC Assassin had joined Gusto on stage, his more melodic style of delivery contrasting well with the harder beats being dished out. At 1am he introduced dnb up and comer Osiris, who like Big John before him upstairs, dished out a storm. The Heat sound system is a force to be reckoned with, it’s pounding bass causing your nose to twitch and body to involuntarily vibrate in time with the music. With super tight mixing and an impeccable track selection Osiris took full advantage of the opportunity and I’d say without a doubt secured himself a few more gigs in the future.

From here I must admit things went a little pear shaped. Trips upstairs were welcomed with the sight and sounds of Lanithium and Brooksy very much in control of room. These guys are becoming regulars on Omega Trance lineups and looked to be having a lot of fun working off each other. They were followed by Omega honcho Trainwreckah, aka Huey, who by his own admission was living up to his name having got well into the festive spirit of the night. His billed partner Choice unfortunately unable to attend due to getting caught up in the euphoria of his own engagement earlier that day (CONGRATULATIONS). In the main room MK1 had taken over from Osiris and was continuing the harder edged beats into the night, making it very hard for people to leave. Some time around 3am this reviewer stumbled out the door and headed for the warm comforts of home, leaving behind a party that was well and truly still pumping.

With so many gigs to choose from in town on this particular night it’s a delight to be able to say the event was a complete success. This would not have been possible with out the help of a number of key people. Matt from Heat, Matty (bar manager) from Heat, Kenny from Traffic, Huey/Shane from Omega, Jay from ITM HQ in Sydney, all the DJs who played on the night, all those who attended throughout the night, and of course our major sponsor Smirnoff. THANK YOU ALL. If you didn’t get along to this one make sure you don’t make the same mistake next time.