As usual, the Chilli boys have pushed the boundaries and exceeded our expectations, managing to deliver something fresh to the Sydney clubbing scene through a ‘classics and anthems’ night of all things! SweetChilli Retrospective was yet another successful (and free) event at the Civic Hotel that proved these guys really know how to keep punters happy, interested and coming back time and again.

The night was a prelude to the upcoming 8th anniversary of Sweetchilli, pausing for a moment to reflect on some of the excellent music that has been released over the past 8 years. It was a chronological journey back in time to 1998 with a bunch of tunes selected in the style of a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ novel – punters were asked to nominate and vote for their favourite tracks, and these were what was pounded out of the Civic soundsystem during the party.

Robbie Lowe, Crispin, Dan Crocetti and Carlos Zarate were manning the decks, and these boys sure know how to keep their punters happy. So many amazing tracks were dug out for the occasion including the Bedrock classic Heaven Scent, Matthew Dekay’s Higher Thoughts, Leftfield’s Song of Life, New Order’s Crystal, Depeche Mode’s Only When I Lose Myself, Trancesetter’s Roaches and many other such timeless tunes.

It goes without saying that it was awesome to be able to hear all these old anthemic tunes, to rediscover those tracks that you hadn’t heard for years and digging up all those fantastic clubbing memories you thought had been long past forgotten. And it seemed, from looking around at all of the glazed eyes, goofy smiles and people yelling “TUNE” at each other, that I wasn’t the only one feeling the love.

The Civic lived up to its usual reputation – great spot, dodgy crowd – but that’s why we all love the place. The drinks flowed freely, the lack of attitude was apparent and it was just one crazy, fabulous party. They’re definitely among my favourite events as they’re always putting on interesting and dynamic acts while always pulling a friendly – albeit, crazy at times – crowd that is there for the music, rather than to pose. It’s a good thing they’ve stayed that way for such a long time. Here’s hoping that in another 8 years in the future that these lads will still be doing their thing.