When presented with the opportunity of reviewing James Ash, keyboardist for the Rogue Traders, I must admit that I was biased about the night to come. But something just told me that I may be in for a surprise… For those of you that are unaware, the Rogue Traders have been around for a fair bit longer before Natalie Bassinghtwaighte joined the band. In 2003 the original band, consisting of James Ash and Steve Davies, released their electro-dance debut album We Know What You’re up To, winning a ‘Best Dance Track’ ARIA award for the song One of a Kind, a remix of INXS’s Need You Tonight.

Entering club Capitol at 10 pm I expected it to be reasonably empty, but was surprised to see a packed dance floor so early into the night. Most likely reason being that ‘Best Down-tempo/Electro DJ’ PDMA winning Mind Electric was kicking the night off with an electro-house style one can’t stand still to. Mix that with a happy crowd, flowing drinks and you’ve got a pumping party! With the decks warmed up, Rob Sharp was next in line starting off with a mixture of tech-ier electro-house and minimal tech with bass that saw the dance floor filling up more and more. Occasionally he broke up the continuity of the music with some more mainstream sounds. Whatever type of electro the party punters preferred, they seemed to be kept satisfied by Rob.

By about 12pm some seemed a bit tired from dancing, resorting to taking a few breaks at the bar or couches, but it didn’t last long as the sound suddenly changed. Enter James Ash and his unique style, and they couldn’t resist getting back into it. As I had expected, I could not immediately connect him with the modern Rogue Traders. Asking around, many were surprised to learn that he was part of the electro-pop band. James’ sound was much more versatile as he kept the set lively and interesting with upbeat, beach-party reminiscent songs such as Make It Better from the We Know What You’re Up To album, then even changing it to a more chilled, jazz-infused song. The only time Natalie’s voice was heard was in a remix of Watching You. He ended his set with some darker house and minimal tech before leaving Stefan Gooch to finish off the night.

The crowd genuinely enjoyed the music and the DJ’s kept in touch with it, adjusting their music to what they knew the crowd needed to enjoy the entire night and leave satisfied.