Diafrix is a tidy lil’ hip-hop outfit outta Melbourne, made up of African Australian MCs Momo and Azmarino, producer Ptero_Stylus and Wax Vandal on cuts. After hearing Diafrix’s debut EP The First Sample a couple of months ago, I was especially keen to see how their refreshing, funk-fuelled sounds would translate live.

Rocking up to a respectfully full room, (although I expect future gigs will be sardine style) the space was bubbling with chatter and heads were bobbing to the tunes of Prince Valium. This guy is a safe bet. One of the legendary Frigid crew and an editor for Cyclic Defrost magazine, he has his finger on the pulse and always manages to rip out some of the fattest and most innovative music around. With heavy dancehall, dub and reggae influences, his hip-hop mix is sublime and he’s getting technically more adept and interesting each time I see him play.

Then it was time for Sydney to check out Diafrix. They started with an upbeat, unbeatable party tune. Two things struck me immediately. Firstly, the MCs worked brilliantly together but were also individual in their approach—soulful purrs bouncing off grimy growls. Secondly, Wax Vandal’s cuts were clean, serene and really added to the performance, (a refreshing change from the more often than not experience of a maddening scratching wank!) It would be cool to see this guy get Final Scratch and cut up the sounds of his own MCs and Diafrix’s production.

The beats were damn dance floor friendly, especially the memorable pieces off The First Sample, and the crew soon had the whole pub bouncin’, hands in the air! Hell, I took out one poor fellow with my skinny white arse! The Hopetoun was made for stomping good parties, so coupled with a friendly crowd, great tunes and big, clear sound you can’t go far wrong. Expect to see them at a club, festival or block party near you soon!