Easter Sunday would see 3 super heavyweights of international Drum & Bass grace our shores. DJ Friction and SP MC from the UK and the New Zealand powerhouse production team The Upbeats. Similar to Andy C’s mixing style, Friction requested that 3 decks be set up for this event – Perth was to be in for a treat of probably one of the best sets I have heard in a long time.

At the age of 29, Brighton raised DJ Friction is one of a small number of young talented DJ / Producers that has made a significant impact in Drum & Bass in recent years. As a teenager Friction DJ’ed at events and promoted his own club nights much like any other young DJ trying to make a name for himself. He soon linked up with Brighton producers Stakka & K-Tee, who were heavily involved with Andy C’s Ram Records imprint. Many hours were spent in the studio and in February ’99 Friction released his debut single ‘Critical Mass’ under the name Kinnetix (Stakka & Friction) on the Under Fire label. Before long Friction received interest from major Drum & Bass record companies such as Trouble On Vinyl and Renegade Hardware. He soon produced a track for Trouble On Vinyl’s ‘Here Comes Trouble’ EP with the defining track ‘Photon’. Several releases soon followed on Renegade Hardware. Friction is known for his intense mixing skills especially on 3 turntables.

Making the breakthrough into the world of the D&B MC is no small task, yet 27 year-old SP:MC has managed to establish himself as one of the busiest & most innovative on the circuit in the last 5 years. He proudly represents Shogun Audio (after establishing himself as DJ Frictions MC of choice), and Emcee Recordings, and also represents for labels as diverse as Hospital, Renegade Hardware, Prototype, Bassbin & Valve. Versatility & quality control are a guarantee when SP’s in the building.

Since announcing their arrival on the drum & bass scene in 2004 – creating more of a shockwave than a mere splash – with their self-titled debut album, Wellington, New Zealand producers The Upbeats have continued to forge an impressive reputation as both masters of their craft and the future of drum & bass. Enjoying both critical and commercial success with their 2004 debut LP, The Upbeats have positioned themselves among the highest pantheons of the genre across the world, recording and releasing through influential imprints BC Presents, Ed Rush and Optical’s Virus Recordings, Renegade Hardware, Project51 and Project Human.

We got the The Deen at about 9pm – unfortunately missing Alexis B, Morry’s and Concept’s set – but we were greeted by the sounds of Loaded Dice’s head honcho Diamond D. His set was energetic and got the crowd moving in anticipation for The Upbeats set. MC Stylee was on the mic and provided some good lyricalism over Diamond D.

The Upbeats came on at 10pm and the crowd was already at its peak. The Deen was fully ram packed but at least it wasn’t as hot as last time when Ed Rush and Optical came down for the Labour Day long weekend. The crowd responded well with the dark hard nature of the tunes like “Exodus”, “Lick-a-demon” and many more. MC Assassin provided a really good vocalism in accordance to the set. The mixing was extremely tight created the perfect vibe welcome for Friction himself.

At 12 midnight, Friction was greeted in by a very amplified SP MC. Friction stepped up and immediately thrust himself into probably one of the most magnificent sets I’ve heard. Opening off with the tune “Warrior” and double dropping into classic tunes like “Spaced Invaders” and “Hush Hush” and mixing in and out of them – made all the punters of Perth gasp in awe as to how fast he would be mixing the tunes in and on time as well. The whole night was matched by his intensity on the decks and tune after tune, like a magician pulling a rabbits out of his hat. Lyrically SP MC did not really impress me, I actually thought MC Assassin did a much better job on the mic.

2am rolled on as the even was about to close, but they managed to fit in about 5 or 6 more mixes with SP MC saying they would play the last tune. Unknowing to the security Friction managed to drop about 5 extra tunes in there – the real drum & bass heads would have recognised that.

Unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to check out the upstairs level where the Breaks were playing as the vibe in the main drum & bass room was way too good to even contemplate moving away from there.

A great night with a great vibe. Big ups to Loaded Dice for once more coming up with the goods – Bring on Fierce, Break and State of Mind on the Foundation Long Weekend (3rd June).