The Good Friday 33 1/3 event is now somewhat of a tradition in Melbourne. The Espy seems like a central enough location for the event – likewise itself, an institution it brings together people from all walks of life, to appreciate various styles of music – and lots of it – under the one roof.
Somehow this year, God thought it apt to celebrate the day with constant cold and depressing rain which may have dampened spirits and numbers – but certainly those that made the trek, would have appreciated an exceptional night out. Especially those that picked up those dirt cheap early bird tickets! Lesson for next year.
Parking was easier than it has been in the past which was an excellent start. Not quite rock star, but a couple of minutes walk nonetheless. The door staff and security were exceptionally friendly too – who can remember sharing a laugh with door staff lately? Well done. Once inside, the sound system (which is essentially a pub) was decidedly brilliant. The party started off early in the afternoon and wrapped up around 3am – some 12 hours of partying for those cut out for it.
We arrived fashionably late of course – and lapped it up in the front room as Melbourne favorite Brewster warmed up the crowd before Uberzone – or Q – pumped his loosely definable breaks style onto a ready crowd. By the time A-Skillz and Lynt hit the decks the room was ram packed with punters – although this could have something to do with one less room being on the card than originally planned. Either way, there must have been nearly a hundred names on the play list – which means Melbourne got the chance to see all they wanted – and more. I suspect it also gave the promoters a chance to put some up and comers on the card too. Which is always admirable.
Tony Coleman’s London Elektricity outfit was one of my favorite sets of the night. Jazzy and vocal drum and bass with a twist. Awesome. Later, we got to see Treva Whateva (wearing his nifty Whateva t-shirt!) spinning some chilled out eclectic beats in the upstairs front bar. There were some comfy couches in there which made sipping on vodka and listening to good music a fun affair. Later, BLIM absolutely rocked the main front room. Still sweaty and still packed it was bumping to the sound of fierce breaks and tough beats. Awesome sight to see.
A detour to the Gershwin room was equally entertaining. More vodka sipping and a huge array of couches made for listening to Rux a delight – his drum and bass was super tough. Sean toned it down a bit with a more old school and jungle flavor but by the time Zinc from the UK fronted up with his MC the room had filled out and people were ready to party and boy did they. Stomping tunes, a dancing DJ – it was total amusement. Space DJs presented later to feed the crowd with a one of set of hip hop – can you imagine – 4 decks, 2 mixers – like a DMC championship on steroids!
Alas a great night of music and drinking had come to an end but not before 33 1/3 stamped its mark on Good Friday once more with an incredibly diverse array of local and international guests who were well-willing to serve up a great party.
