Walking into the Crown & Sceptre on a cooler than usual Thursday eve, the atmosphere is a casual buzz. I am accompanied by a visitor from America who is impressed with the unpretentious air of locals ready for a world-class show. Also immediately apparent is the special energy and anticipation only a sold out show can produce. It’s a rare and precious thing to be treated to two artists from the stables of the amazing UK label, Ninja Tune.

We first spotted Kid Koala in the flesh at the merchandise table as we walked in. He was so casual and at home there, you could have easily mistaken him for a merch desk regular. Before KK’s show begins he steps onto the small stage next to an over-sized sketch pad on an easel where he flips over scribbled words to further hype up the crowd. After the words ‘Adelaide!’ followed by ‘Make some effin noise!’ he proceeds to show us why he should not only be your Mom’s favourite DJ (as his new album proclaims him to be), but every true music lover’s.

Kid Koala’s style is incredibly engaging and eclectic while maintaining a laid back feel. A video camera projected his skills on three decks onto the back wall (hooray for technology) and serves the second wave of fans buried in the beer garden. The main room is so packed we can hardly breathe! People are lining the beer garden surrounding every window to get a peek of the crafty turntablist. We are treated to a variety of pop, rock and hip hop including Radiohead’s ‘Airbag’, some Björk and even Wolfmother. A unique highlight of his set is a manipulation of ‘Moon River’ which he declares is his mother’s favourite song, where KK plays the vinyl like a piano solo knowing the precise points for execution giving it a haunting new twist, leaving the crowd in its own sentimental haze. Never before have I witnessed a no headphones, three deck set up with such flawless execution.

Then Amon Tobin steps up to a different set of decks. I have been aware of this artistic genius for a few years now and I’m intrigued to see how his dark cinematic masterpieces transfer to a dance floor. This set clearly demonstrates his enthusiasm for thumping drum and bass, interspersed with some of the cinematic stand outs I had been hoping for. The track ‘4 Ton Mantis’ from his ‘Supermodified’ album gets a big tick from me. For the next hour and a half, Tobin leads us through the valley of deep, grinding drum and bass, then a little hip hop, jazz and his native Brazilian beats to lighten the mood. Our ears are ringing as we try to keep up on the dance floor. Not all tracks are equally danceable but the crowd seems to appreciate every move Tobin makes.

As the night draws to a close, and the crowd still wants more, we are treated to a short double header from the two Montreal natives – a fitting end to a fabulous night of Ninja Tunes. May Adelaide continue to entice DJ’s of this calibre to our dance floors!