The Oxford Art Factory always draws a large, eclectic crowd, which leaves the security guards trying to clear Oxford St for passers-by… usually unsuccessfully. Friday 21st December was a quieter night at the Factory, however, despite live performances by Cassette Kids and Gameboy/Gamegirl and all night DJing by some of Sydney’s finest. There was Ro Sham Bo, Peace Out, Hoops and FBI, as well as Melbourne guest Street Party, who all kept the music loud and fast-paced throughout the night.

The crowd remained small and quiet for hours, with only the occasional ironic dance to some cheesy hip hop tune happening. The excitement levels rose when ‘Daft Punk Is Playing At My House’ was dropped, and after more people filled the joint, more kids started dancing, more gin and tonics (“this shit is ironic…”) were drank, and more loud music with barely decipherable words listened to… the party was finally starting to pick up – and just in time for Cassette Kids to hit the stage.

Cassette Kids, a four-piece from Sydney who list Klaxons and Bjork as influences. They describe their sound as a “New York Underground Form of Indie”, and are still recording their debut EP (due to hit the stores in February). Their regular rotation on the Sydney live scene has earned them enthusiastic fans who sing along and throw themselves (and their beers) around in appreciation. It’s also gained them a spot as support for New Young Pony Club’s upcoming Sydney show.

Whilst there was an obvious contrast between the atmosphere created by the DJs (breakbeat and “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”) and the band onstage – with their bleached hair, silver accessories and The Smiths shirts – the crowd was not fazed and straight away launched into the frantic dancing and manic energy which every Cassette Kids gig is characterised by. The guitar work of Daniel (“Techno Dan”) and Katrina’s fantastic voice, as well as the ceaseless energy of Daniel the bassist and drummer Jake, it easily pushes the band towards that tag Klaxons keep trying to avoid; “new rave”. It’s a classification that could help push Cassette Kids out of Sydney and towards a record deal.

Katrina referred to their song ‘Acrobat’ as being “synonymous with dancing”, a line which summed up the entire set. Every time Cassette Kids play a show, the crowd is immediately drawn to their enthusiasm and passion for the music. Their uncontrollable energy manifests itself in frantic, rigid dancing, microphone throwing, falling down, jumping into the crowd, smiling and laughing throughout the set. They emerge in a sweaty mess of spilled drinks and sore feet, and it leaves you with another of those “and they say Australian music sucks…” type thoughts.

Gameboy/Gamegirl hit the stage soon after, looking a bit like the electro band from The Mighty Boosh, but sounding like Spank Rock on helium. In a good way! The ironic hip hop feel of the hours before manifested itself wholeheartedly in their set, with more references to genitals and more stage violation than even Iggy Pop could muster. This Melbourne act made up of the all-singing, all-rapping, all-dancing sensations Jessica, Katy and Tranter, backed up by their DJ Miami Horror, received nothing but love from the crowd. They sang along, danced non-stop and generally lost their minds. Although a short set with a somewhat abrupt finish, their frantic energy left everyone “sweaty wet, dirty damp”. Oh, and with a smile on their face too.

Although a quieter night than expected, it was still a fabulous one and worked well to hype everyone up for the next day’s Daft Punk concert. It’s probably the reason why many people stayed at home tonight (preserving their energy). All in all, though, it was great night where everyone was allowed to do the Soulja Boy dance more than once without feeling guilty.