A 7 o’clock start can be dangerous though I daren’t miss the loud-patterned fluorescent parachute-fabric jacket competition that characterises a Modular event! Arriving early, I am not disappointed by the passing parade (check out the pics) or the choons. It feels strange to be cutting a dance move in The Espy front bar but it works. It also feels fun to be rocking out at such an early hour. The beats are sultry and showcase Cassius – My Feelings For You.

The Ghosts get the thumbs up and merge seamlessly into what proves to be the night’s highlight –Van She. There has been a sudden surge into the Gershwin Room; the peeps have obviously consulted set-lists and made a timely arrival for these lovers of French house. This entree is electro pop avec panache and Van She are admirably described in the ‘Hot List’ of Rolling Stone – “Aussie retro electro-rockers unearth synth sounds we haven’t heard since Van Halen’s 1984.”

On-screen visuals would captivate beyond any mute button. Van She’s spontaneous take on their ice-breaker Sex City is smokin’! Kelly, the first single from their self-titled debut EP is music to make-out to as the video suggests. We witness more on-stage clapping than any 80s new wave band. Van She is one helluva fine export!

Intent on catching The Avalanches DJ set it’s time to secure a good post in the front bar. Our enjoyment is reliant on a DJ dude wearing a pink fluoro cap put back with a yellow fluoro tee. He is jacking up a mighty storm. The typhoon blows in on schedule and creates a couple of Avalanches at 11:30pm. Behold these combos; Bon Jovi Living On A Prayer becomes Mylo Drop The Pressure, The Rolling Stones partners Midnight Juggernauts Shadows, David Bowie Ground Control to Major Tom morphs into Daft Punk One More Time. The Daft Punk nod continues as Around The World is mixed into Justice Vs Simian We Are Your Friends. Phew! I’m spent! Must get up for Salt’n’Pepa’s Push It though!

Meanwhile New Young Pony Club have passed the finish line! D’oh! Don’t regret it however; The Avalanches got me into the Christmas spirit.

A desire to see The Klaxons means its back to the Gershwin Room. It disappoints. My attention is distracted by outfits that look like they’ve come from Kath & Kim’s wardrobe department which means I’m not engaged by what’s happening onstage. Not being able to see never helps. I’m torn ‘cos Modular have never signed a dud so I know they must be good. Too much excitement in one night perhaps? I like to take it as a positive sign that our local acts are ahead of their game.