The usual Famous fashionistas were noticeably absent from the venue tonight, with punters drawn here by the array of talent on offer rather than to check out the surrounding ‘talent’ (either that or their favourite frocks were being kept safe for tomorrow’s horse race). A decent crowd were getting down as Renee Amesz displayed extreme enthusiasm behind the decks. His track ‘Back Into The Funk’ was released on Sander Kleinenberg’s Little Mountain imprint in 2005, so the connection is clear. His energy oozes beyond the decks and he receives a decent reaction on the floor.

Disappointingly, the dancefloor is sparsely populated, though this has its benefits – we are able to perve at the devilishly handsome Dutch headliner at close range. Kleinenberg looks as telegenic as ever and kicks off with some industrial-inspired, hypnotic treats. The comfortable temperature on the dancefloor is noted and any dude needing to remove his shirt should be taken directly to St Johns. A golden moment is witnessed as Kleinenberg surveys the swaying sea and rubs his palms together – must have a few tricks up his sleeve. This proves to be a trademark gesture, usually performed before he drops an annihilator into the mix that has us begging for mercy. It’s certainly a measly turn-out compared to the packed Public Office Carpark jacking to the beats when Kleinenberg last graced our shores. Melbourne might be ready for another piece of ‘The Fruit’ to lure them back into the fold.

Kleinenberg seems unaffected by this far-from-capacity crowd and indulges in a smile as he surveys the room. His body compulsively pulsates to the beat. A few nostalgic nods challenge our already depleted memory-banks, particularly Da Hool’s hit from 1997 (still heard to this day blasting from hotted-up vehicles cruising Chapel Street at below the 40 km speed limit!) Another electro/disco crossover with robotic vocals (“If you gotta believe in something, why not believe in me?”) refuses to be processed into a title by my grey matter but should spark a few fond recollections. Subliminal messages flash onto the screen to match the often minimal lyrics: “Don’t Stop”, “This Is What You Need” (and no! Unfortunately that wasn’t accompanied by the INXS track). A mix of Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’ (sans Kanye) is a teaser for their forthcoming Never Ever Land Tour which edges ever closer.

An excursion upstairs is short-lived thanks to walking in on ‘Killer’ by Seal (the song that George Michael & Queen covered). Junkie XL explodes behind the downstairs decks and his tunes feature a lot more hooks and melodic carnage – hands in the air all round! The highlight of the night is dropped by him: no mean feat considering I’m usually allergic to mash-ups. Depeche Mode’s ‘Enjoy The Silence’ and Moby’s ‘Go’ (the one using samples from ‘Laura Palmer’s Theme’ from ‘Twin Peaks’) are a poignant union and for its duration, we’re lost in sound. A gorgeous Coldplay tune is also received rapturously and it seems the throng are hungry for lyrical content as the morning sun threatens to warm our backs on the way home. The evening has made time-keeping immaterial and Junkie XL’s ‘Angels’ (feat. Gary Numan) inspires a final foray on the dancefloor.