The Laundry welcomed Alan Thompson to the decks as part of his extended stay in Australia, and after hearing many good things about his previous sets at Home and other venues across the city I was interested to hear what the Defected house dj had to offer patrons of Chinese Laundry. Personally, it wasn’t a big hype type of weekend which was sort of beneficial because of the fact that the Slip Inn is the perfect option for a cosy night out, although you know that when the stars are right, it can thump just as hard as any club in Sydney.

Inside, Jules Beamount had a moderate dancefloor grooving to the pounds of infectious house beats. With a unique mixing style that is addictive to watch, he gradually increased the amount of the punters and although many don’t realise what comes out of the speakers, listening to someone in preside over decks with ease, comfort and skill is at times just as enjoyable as dancing itself.

The cave deafened with repetitious and relentless booms thanks to Matt Aubusson’s dark, driving, and at times acidic tracks, which were enjoyed by all. It took me a while to get used to how loud it was in the cave, but once the ears adjusted, I was really impressed with this dj who from memory had heard play only once before. The mixing was tighter than a perfectly wrapped sushi role and the track selection had the carefree bodies of party goers moving in all sorts of weird and eclectic positions – pretentiousness can be a terrible thing! He also used some effects (along with the turntables and 2x cdj 1000’s) to enhance the tracks which sounded amazing, top set all round.

By this time Jules Beamount had surrendered the decks and house stalwart Alan Thomson provided the Chinese Laundry a taste of his capabilities until close. Using CD’s along with the vinyl he showed us the reason for some of the residencies he holds, taking us on a two hour journey through the music they call house. At times vocally, at others tougher he proceeded effortlessly and seemed to be enjoying himself in the more intimate surroundings of the club. The funk was up and the smoochy-goochy look on the faces of those around me told a similar story to what was thumping from the speakers. Having a quick look back at the cave, Sugar Ray was doing his thing but the red lights and ambience of Thompson’s set was definitely the place to be.

It’s got to be one of the friendliest crowds I have seen in some time with smiles abound and I’m not sure if it was because of the music of vice versa. Either way, everyone was there for the same thing, coming together as a music community, supporting local and international talent with nothing but ourselves, the music and the energy that drives it all.