The long weekend was made even longer thanks to the Soma Corp crew when Robert Babicz graced our shores to rock our socks. And that is exactly what he did. Arriving at the venue to be faced with a fair line, you could feel the excitement levels of everyone awaiting entry. After walking up the stairs I was faced with what can only be described as an action packed room. Not because it was super busy, which it was, but because of the atmosphere within. It’s been a while since I’ve witnessed such an ‘up for it’ crowd and at the risk of sound clichéd, I would even say the vibe was electric! I arrived just as Pat Stormont was starting, building on what was already a shinning reputation in my mind. His solid production and fluid presentation is definitely setting the bar for Melbourne’s live acts! Unfortunately I didn’t see all the acts on the bill, but everyone I heard was completely on form. Dean Millson, JP LaRue, Lance Harrison and Matt Digby turned the side room into a mass of musical minimal madness which made for a very appropriate contrast to the main.

After I spent some time tripping up and down the split level floor by the bar, Rob started playing and instantaneously the floor started bouncing. His driving sound keeps the feet tapping and bum wobbling whilst his melodic and deeply atmospheric pads and leads effortlessly guide you through a very digestible musical journey. The most notable aspect of the set for me was how easily Rob managed to maintain his flow throughout. With many sets you can see a definite flow of the up and down, but Rob brought in contrast what was often quite a quirky dynamic that was overlayed with a simple, solid and very reliable beat. I have it on good authority his other sets around the country also went swimmingly and I have no doubt that if you missed it, you’ll be regretting it.

Up next Simon Slieker hit the decks and if practice makes perfect, then Simon is the epitome of that. Never failing to flawlessly construct his own unique atmosphere, his sets just get better and better. Dallas Raft also worked hard for the crowd’s attention and it paid off.

Unfortunately I missed Virginia Le, Dave Pham, Safari and Emily Clark, but from all reports they came up trumps. Overall, the Blow Your Own Way series of parties have done it again. I still remember the success of the Alex Smoke party earlier this year and the crew just keeps delivering. Keep an eye out for what they’ve got in store for the rest of the year!