Arriving just after 10pm and expecting to be the only person there, I was surprised to find a crowd had already begun to form in the back room of the Globe.  Having missed the adventures of Stacey Pullen and the Space DJz at Sonik, I was looking forward to the prospect of a night dedicated to techno, specifically my favourite flavour, Swedish.

First up on the decks, playing his first big gig, was local techno hardman Andrew ‘The’ Utting.  Known for his ability to play anything within the broad techno spectrum, from deep to ‘nosebleed’, at Digital we were treated to a harder edged set that still proved appropriate for the timeslot.  Thanks to a healthy record addiction, those who arrived early were treated to a set made up of recent releases, including new ones from Headroom and Lars Klein, and a not so new one from Mike Ink.  Utting rounded off another solid public performance with the British Murder Boys latest, “Fist”.

Up next was another local who’s been getting more airtime at events lately, Sean Chan.  Taking over with the timeless techno classic, the DK Remix on Drumcode 20, Chan took the tempo in the room down a notch.  Taking a quick look around the room at 11pm, one noticed the Amplifier room was more populated than usual so early in a night.  

Clint W + Cee were up next, rounding out the selection of new school locals given the opportunity to play at such a large event.  Given the two are regulars on most techno dancefloors, it’s was no surprise to see them jigging behind the decks.  Setting a tribal tone for their 60 minute set, the pair kept the growing crowd occupied and entertained.

Given the important task of playing lead-up to two of the biggest names in Techno was the experienced Puff.  Putting in an energetic effort behind the decks, Puff went about playing his trademark crowd pleasing techno.  As 1:15 drew near, it was obvious to see the anticipation building through the room.  Behind the decks the two internationals appeared, to scope the room and prepare for the assault they were about to provide. 

Clapping and cheering signaled the stepping up of the first international.  Expecting it to be Adam Beyer, I was somewhat surprised to see Joel Mull setup camp behind the decks first.  Pleasantly though, as it was Mull who drew me to the night slightly more than Beyer as it had been longer since his last DJ set in Perth.

Settling in hoping for a good 5 hours of Swedish techno, the first few tracks dropped assured me that I would be in no way disappointed.  Strong rolling basslines, intricate melodies and the trademark high-hats filled the room.  Each new track coming in brought on comments of ‘bullshxt’ and nods of approval from the usual techno suspects in the crowd, the wait had been worth it.  As Mull’s set progressed, he pushed the pace of the music harder.  This was slightly surprising, however the music retained its Swedish edge of melodies and funk, stopping the set from developing into straight up nosebleed.

Towards the end of Mull’s set he slowed the pace slightly, giving the crowd a chance to recover before the onslaught that Beyer was about to provide.  Taking control a little earlier than expected, Adam Beyer continued the theme for the night.  Crossing my fingers that he wouldn’t slip into ‘safe’ techno territory by playing well known big tunes, Beyer proved that he hasn’t gone down the cheesy path that so many other techno DJs have chosen.  Exceeding my expectation, Beyer matched Mull’s set in terms of enjoyment and reminded us all why his set at Delirious 2002 was widely regarded as one of the best techno sets Perth has witnessed.

Before long, the reason for Beyer’s early start became apparent.  An excited Joel Mull rejoined the stage soaking up the atmosphere and playing to the crowd.  Taking happy snaps and hugging speakers, it was good to see an international DJ genuinely having a good time.  Not only were the two providing Perth a techno lesson with mostly fresh tunes, the quality of mixing was second to none.  The seamlessly smooth mixes were almost unbelievable, and although party style cuts were few and far between, there was never a dull moment thanks to the fast track rotation.  Moving through all the usual Swedish techno suspects, including Hardcell and Johan Bacto, the pair also dipped into a more unusual techno style, with tracks from Alter Ago, Audion and Anthony Rother’s latest.  As the end of the night drew near, the two increased the melodies, but still retained the strong techno percussion underneath.  Closing with the New Order classic Blue Monday, Joel Mull and Adam Beyer undoubtedly left no one disappointed. 

A full Amplifier bar thanked the two for the 5 hour journey.  Maybe a sign that techno in Perth is on the recovery, as it was healthy to see a full room cheering than the usual handful left at the end of a night.  Big thanks must go to Delirium, for bringing two of the biggest names in techno to Perth, and of course to the two themselves, Joel Mull and Adam Beyer for providing us with an exceptional night of music.  It was worth the wait.