‘Art in Motion’ is an audio-visual concept taken across the Asia-Pacific by Hewlett Packard, and we have that multinational to thank for bringing the whole kit and caboodle along to Sydney, along with a bunch of legends of the hip hop and dance music scene: namely, DJ Numark of Jurrasic 5 fame and Coldcut. The Forum at Fox Studios is a superb venue to put on this kind of gig. Intimate and clean, with split-level viewing areas, The Forum is a space that should be used more often by Sydney promoters.

The venue itself was packed to the rafters, as this would be Coldcut’s only performance in Sydney on this whirlwind tour of the region – not only that, but nit was free. Early on we got to see performances from Aspci, with members that hail from both Sydney and New York. As usual with support bands, the sound was none too flash but their fusion of hip hop and dance styles, backed by female vocals and a rambling MC, did enough to prove to the crowd that there should be better things to come from these guys. And they’re heading back to their base of New York this week after several Aussie shows.

Next up was award winning local turtablist DJ Samrai. He gave us a 10-minute display of scratching that was fantastic to witness. He finished off his set with a mash up of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit which had enough turntablism skills in it to leave the crowd truly impressed. Samrai was followed by audio-visual luminaries Pfadfinderei. They put on a display of aweseome visuals combined with a minimal tech house sound. Their visuals broadcast on the massive visual screens were an example of what can happen when you get true professionals in on the act. Stunningly well crafted and intertwined with some very heavy beats, all synchronised to their own tunes, Pfadfinderei are certainly one of the leading lights when it comes to the VJ experience.

Then next on stage, we got the tank-top wearing genius behind a lot of the production of Jurassic 5, none other than DJ Numark. He gave us a display of how to incorporate every gizmo, gadget and childs toy ever made into the deejaying experience. Drum machines, loops, samples, vinyl, rubber band and Fisher Price oddities of all descriptions were thrust into a set, showing his amazing talent. Like a nerdy mad scientist he strode across the stage, dropping in one different loop after another from a myriad of machines. The highlight for me was when he used an old-fashioned cymbal-clapping windup monkey to supply the hi-hats during one breakdown. DJ Numark is a true innovator, so it was ideal that he supported some true legends of the DJ/VJ genre, Coldcut.

Around since the late 80s, Matt Black and Jon More have enough influences to draw on to supply any crowd with a multitude of musical styles and beats. Combined with the lyrical waxings of MC Juice Aleem, the Coldcut boys let loose with the old and the new. Combine this with synchronised video clips from the likes of the Jungle Book, Run DMC, Fat Boys and much more, which scratched and itched along with the beats, they proved what a superb act they have evolved into. The crowd were treated to updated versions of People Hold On and their newest track True Skool Spank Rock, a sort of Superstylin’ infused journey through sight and sound. All the time the Juice kept the throng bouncing along with some truly talented toasting. Their set was permeated with hits from the 80s from stars like New Order and The Eurythmics which was innovative enough to keep the crowd dancing and not sound cheesy.

‘Art in Motion’ was an example of how new technologies are evolving to make the dance music experience an all consuming one. It used to be just sound and lights, now the VJ concept is moving the genre along. Coldcut showed us what happens when bearded middle-aged man refuse to sit on their laurels, and insist on adding something to their music. Come back soon Coldcut! Your talent needs to be shared with the rest of Australia.