2006, what a year… The year of myspace, youtube, Steve Irwin (RIP), and many other things that we may or may not care about in the years to come. What better way to celebrate the introduction of a new year, than by listening to some great music, hanging out with friends and drinking all your problems away. With such a wide assortment of gigs and places to hang out, this NYE will go down as one that we won’t forget… at least for another week or so. To celebrate I decided to venture off to the unknown territories of the Burdekin on Oxford St, which featured classy acts such as Get Physical’s DJ T and Bjorn Wilke from Level Non Zero records.

I arrived at the massive four story Burdekin complex around 10pm and went straight upstairs. On the third floor of the bar I found myself grooving away to Luna, whom DJ T had regarded highly when seeing her in Spain. She played some really nice deep and techy sounds, and her mixing and track selection were top notch. With such good music being pumped out of the speakers, it was the perfect warm-up for a night that promised so much.

The next act, whom I believe to be Big Lee & Justin Cale, played a really eclectic mix of party music. From hip-hop to tech-house, it was all there and it made people dance. The beauty of this duo is that they were able to blur the lines between genres of electronic music, and they knew how to get down! They brought in the new year in true party fashion, by briefly turning off the music and letting the crowd know five minutes after the fireworks had erupted, then getting back into the music.

Eventually a tall and grey haired figure approached the decks, DJ T immediately delving into the deep electro grooves he is known for. After a couple of tracks he slowly but surely started to increase the sound to a level where the music became unlistenable. The distortion that plagued the bass and the highs was a huge disappointment. Undoubtedly the tracks DJ T was playing were of top quality, covering a broad range of styles from electro house to German minimal, but the sound system was not able to communicate these ideas and expressions in an entertaining way.

Unfortunately the sound system failures also plagued Bjorn Wilke’s set. I was really looking forward to Bjorn’s performance, and again it was a huge disappointment to find the speakers not doing the music justice. Thankfully Bjorn Wilke will be playing again at Yu this Saturday night, so I have another chance to listen to the man I’ve heard so much about, regarded as an elusive but well respected figure in the electronic music scene. It was interesting to note that during Luna’s set the same problems did not linger in her music, so whether it was the DJ or club’s fault, I can’t tell you.

It was a night of many firsts for me. It was the first minute I spent of the new year. The first time I’ve had more fun in the gutter of Oxford St than in the club itself. The first time I’ve seen a DJ spend the whole night DJing on a stool (which DJ T did with great style). And it was the first time I’ve understood why a good sound system is so important to a good night. Having being privileged to experiencing top quality DJs on top quality sound systems all around Sydney’s nightlife circuit, it really makes you appreciate the little things that you normally take for granted.

Overall it was still a great night. Oxford St was full of many drunken attractions, and credit must be awarded to the promoters of Elektrik Avenue for putting on such a quality lineup of electronica. Despite the sound system troubles on the top floor (the other floors didn’t seem to have the same problems) I really do hope the crew at Elektrik Avenue can put on more parties so we can all get down once again.