New Years’ Eve typically offers Sydneysiders two distinct styles of partying. On this dedicated party night, punters could opt for the festival-like vibe of mass gatherings such as Harbour Party NYE or Shore Thing at Bondi, or choose from a myriad of more intimate bashes held at their favourite clubs.

At the Slip Inn however, 2006 Leagues Under the Sea did not quite fit into either of these categories. Charged with the frenetic pace and atmosphere of a festival, yet held in the intimate surrounds of a series of rooms on multiple levels, this party delivered the best of both worlds.

With all four rooms of the Slip Inn open for business (albeit sadly with only one operational entrance and exit - on King St), it appeared an effortless feat for the promoters to open up the entire club and inject a mass-party atmosphere. Having DJs playing in the courtyard was the secret ingredient – it really brings the whole venue together, serving as the perfect centrepiece for the surrounding insanity.

Cabin Crew and Alan Thompson proved a major drawcard in the early stages of the night, luring scantily-dressed punters under the giant fishing nets that were strung above the courtyard. Given the courtyard’s popularity and the effect that it appeared to have on the crowd, it would have perhaps lived up to the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ title better than the Chinese Laundry.

Following the passing of midnight, numbers began to swell as the party’s momentum shifted up several gears. Whilst the setup called for plenty of movement between rooms to suss out proceedings, it was just as easy to become lost in a little nook, between two washing machines in the laundry or a rock and a hard place in the cave.

Although at times appearing a full house, the crowd had so effectively dispersed itself throughout the venue that it never felt overly packed, and if you were getting too sweaty on the dance floor it was probably more to do with the 25 degree midsummer night’s heat creeping in from outdoors.

To contend with the conditions, much of the crowd had opted for a ‘wear next-to-nothing’ policy to keep cool. Fortunately, much of the venue’s interior was air conditioned. It all contributed to that classic summer party feel.

With the feeling in the courtyard at times bordering on the ‘too much house’, the best option on the night turned out to be a laid-back rotation between the remaining rooms, creating a unique party-shuffle for the punter who alternated between On Deck (upstairs), Bermuda Triangle (Chinese Laundry) and Shrunken Treasure (Cave).

Interestingly, the most consistently thumping sounds on the night emanated from the Cave early on, as Basskleph and Jules Beaumont took absolute control of the cavernous hidey-hole, dishing up everything from dirty house, to tough upfront breaks and shuddering electro.

Later on however, it was several brief sojourns into the Slip Bar to cool down from the sticky courtyard that ultimately satisfied. Goodfella and Trix took to the decks at 1:30am, unleashing the thumpingly evil style of electro and breakbeat you normally have to wait until at least 5am for. This juxtaposed nicely with the cheesier, friendlier tunes that Sneaky Sound System was serving up in the courtyard.

Flowing effortlessly from a hyperactive beginning to a smooth-as conclusion, 2006 Leagues Under the Sea was the perfect getaway for an intimate, friendly and no-fuss way to bring in the new year. With a thoughtfully compiled contingent of entertainers, friendly staff (great costumes) and a general lack of hassles normally present on NYE, Jam Music has once again delivered an impressive festival to one of Sydney’s favourite regular venues.