Omega Trance Productions presented ‘Progressive Sessions’ – a dedicated night purely for all sounds within the progressive realm. Heat Nightclub played host to the event which saw the main room feature a diverse line up of both well known and up and coming progressive DJ’s whilst upstairs, a few of Perth’s funkiest DJ’s laid down some nice house grooves. Perth has quite a small progressive scene and nights focused entirely on the particular style are very few and far between, so when they come around they are definitely not to be missed.

Starting the nights proceedings were DJ’s Slade and Neil Bamber playing back to back. As it was the first set of the night, convention would suggest that taking a lighter and more introductory tone would be a suitable approach, however, these two decided to rock it from the first track dropped which came as a welcome surprise for those early enough to witness them in full effect. Working to a two track rotation, Bamber steered more towards the more progressive sound with tracks like: Dousk – Pa Dida and Echomen – Spirit whereas Slade would funk things up with a much more upbeat tech house sound with some nice use of cuts as well with tracks like Tony Thomas – Whole New Way of Funk and Habersham – Inconstant. The combination of their contrasting styles worked well together and made for a very nice start to the night.  

Jon Noonan then stepped up and pumped the system with a wide range of tracks quite varying in sound but held together with that undeniable progressive led beat. Starting out with tracks on the lighter end of the sound spectrum, Noonan dropped Blue Haze – Regaining Conciousness (Dislodged Breaks Remix) which introduced the broken beat sound to his set. As always, each of Noonans mixes were smooth and precise which created the perfect adhesive to hold together the range of tracks he played. As the set progressed, the sound moved to a slightly harder beat and this was contrasted at times with some more trancey sounding tracks. The contrast in sound worked well and made for an overall quality and interesting set by Noonan who finished up with Orbital – One Perfect Sunrise (Stereo-8 Mix).

DJ’s Sean and Cam were up next to do a versus set for the next hour and a half. As soon as they mixed out of the last track from the previous set, it became instantly apparent that the sound of their beats excursion was going to be completely different to those that had just been. Introducing a much tougher progressive sound, the duo moved through many tracks all of which were on the much darker and more percussive fuelled side of the progressive sound. Chugging their way through a moderate rotation of tunes, Sean and Cam teamed their tune selections with smooth mixes and light use of effects which made for a top notch set, full of a different kind of progressive heard that night. The overall sound of the set was defined with tribal rhythms, deep bassy undertones and the occasional broken beat held together by a predominantly progressive foundation. Fluid mixes characterized their nicely programmed set which made for one of the better sets of the event.

Akira then had the next hour to work with and changed the tone completely, introducing a much more repetitive and constant sound which was quite a change to the previous set. Whilst maintaining a progressive beat throughout his set, Akira moved though a few slightly ambient tracks as well as a few that were on the verge of the stereotypical psy sound. Quick and tidy mixes joined his track selections nicely and before long, his hour long set had come to an end.

Tigger then stepped up to the decks and played the final set of the night which had to unfortunately be cut short due to the lack of attendance at this stage. Melodic progressive tracks intertwined with some progressive breaks dominated Tigger’s set which had those that were still present dancing to his beats. Some very smooth mixes and cuts highlighted the technical side of things whilst for the most part; Tigger let his tracks do the talking. Overall it was a nice set and it finished off the night of music that had been just perfectly.

Upstairs, Big A, Mandy B and Teza dropped some funky house tunes for those wanting a break from the downstairs sound. Overall it really was a great night which showcased much of our fine local progressive and house talent and gave those DJ’s an opportunity to play out and show us what they got. Unfortunately the turn out left a lot to be desired however one shouldn’t let anything get in the way of a good night out and this was certainly the case for last Friday night. No turn out? Well those that didn’t make it down missed out on some serious fun and games.. Oh, and some very nice music too! Big ups OeP for yet another quality local night out.

For further information regarding upcoming OeP events and artists, check out their new website at: http://www.oep.com.au