Any show that has DJ Regal as the last name on the bill is likely to be something more than average.  I arrived at the Hyde Park Barracks slightly before 8, before the doors had opened.  Upon being allowed in, we discovered that it was Regal who was playing to the empty house.  His mix of hip hop, soul and rare funk was well chosen and well mixed.  It is rare that I get excited about seeing a DJ, but after hearing what Regal was playing throughout this night, I have to add him to the very short list of DJs who I would make a concerted effort to see.

Melbourne rapper Ru C.L. came on stage at the incredibly early time of 8.40, and opened with the killer track “Let the music talk”.  I last saw Ru C.L. playing in support of Blackalicious, in a performance that seemed somewhat lacking.  This set was much more impressive.  It was a shame then that he got to play to so few people and an empty dance floor.  If anything, he was a victim of too good a bill, and his particular brand of music, which he described as “a little bit hip hop, a little bit dancehall, a little bit reggae”, was seen by far too few.  He deserved a screaming up-for-it crowd, but it was too early in the night for anyone to be so energetic.

It was at about this stage of the night that a large truck arrived with a large container load of industrial strength funk.  Regal began playing a little more funk and a little less hip hop – including the track “Hiding” from Breakestra’s new album and one of the tracks off the excellent “Stay on the Groove” compilation.  Unfortunately that’s the best I can do tune-spotter wise, but that should give you a taste of the kind of mood the crowd was in when The Bamboo’s hit the stage.  Last seen supporting Will “Quantic” Holland and Alice Russell, as the Quantic Soul Orchestra, it was great to see the Bamboo’s playing their own material.  This is one seriously talented bunch of musician’s – they all play their instruments phenomenally well.  The drummer and keyboard player in particular were fantastic, but there were no weak links in this group.  Joined on stage by a female vocalist (whose name I missed – sorry) for two tracks, their music could be described as super tight raw funk.  They defy you to stand still, but anyone who could manage that must undoubtedly be dead.  Did I mention these guys are good?  These guys are really freaking good.

After a brief Regal interlude, Katalyst came on stage, joined by another DJ (whose name I also missed – d’oh).  Most well known for his Manipulating Agent/Agent Manipulated albums, he drew reasonably heavily on these for his tunes tonight, but from the amount of unfamiliar sounding stuff its possible that a new Katalyst album isn’t too far off.  We can hope anyway.  It was clear that the Bamboo’s hadn’t depleted the container of funk too much, nor the energy of the crowd.  Katalyst put on an absolutely rocking show, mixing funk and hip hop in his signature sound.  He was joined on stage for one song by female vocalist Vassy – for a track that has party written all over it.  With the chorus “If you wanna get funky wit’ me, I wanna get funky wit you”, Vassy had the crowd (the male part, at the very least) wanting to get funky – and Katalyst delivered.

Next up was one half of Dynamo Productions, Boca 45.  Continuing with the popular theme of the night, he played an unbelievable set of rare and not so rare funk.  Impressively, he played a full 20 minutes just from 45’s, and had the crowd jumping for the whole time.  He even dropped a Tony Bennett (I think) track in.  An absolutely stellar performance.  Becks Bar has hosted a number of Australia’s and the world’s best DJ’s and live acts, but this would definitely have to be a contender for the best show yet put on at this venue.  It’s also worth noting that the organiser’s have said that entry is free after 11, space permitting.  This would have allowed you to see the end of Katalyst’s excellent set, and the phenomenal Boca 45.  Definitely something worth keeping in mind.