Wanting to gain an unbiased perspective on my evening’s entertainment last Australia Day, I decided to go out pretending like I had never been to HQ before. Knowing that the special guests weren’t going to be on straight away, I decided on a midnight arrival. The queue was impressive with it stretching back a good 70 metres. Feeling quite neutral with no judgements at this stage, I continued my Saturday night strut into the club. A big thankyou goes to the girls at the merchandise stand who were very helpful. I asked them the times Carl Kennedy and Axwell were playing and got given an exact, polite answer. I get so used to feeling that it’s a dumb question asking set times with the standard reply generally being “What?” “Who the when?” or “Dunno.” Something I’m sure we all have experienced.
Feeling all weary and stinging from sunburn thanks to prior Australia Day celebrations I had that horrible sensation of not being bothered about the night especially, because I thought it was all lies and Axwell was never even coming. But Hitting me harder than vodka shots upon arrival was the incredible driving club beat that we all love. You know the one. This I’m sure could even revive the mopeyest of emo kids. With this confirmation that club land was alive and kicking, my spirits were lifted higher than the strangely high number of plasma screens in the club.
HQ resident DJ Brendon delivered all the hits in true electro style, unifying the crowd with that stomper of an anthem Show Me Love. With time to kill until Carl Kennedy was due to play I wandered around, soaking up what Adelaide’s only superclub offered. The bars were very accessible and well staffed, resulting in quick drinks and no queue frustration. Outside was a nice escape with plenty of room to chill, but no sitting down I was informed. A strange rule I must say, no sitting. Eager to dance, I went into the main room where Carl Kennedy was under way. The sound in the air was of one of those true club sets you always wish to experience. All made possible by tight, precise and incredibly skillful mixing. Rather inspiring I thought.
It was interesting to see if anyone actually knew who it was they were lining up so long for. I made the effort to listen in on conversations involving the night’s line up. I couldn’t help but laugh with Axwell being referred to as “That DJ guy.” “You know, he does that song.” Despite ignorance being in abundance, I was confident the majority knew the score. And finally, the wait was over and Axwell took position waving to the crowd. A man that needs no introduction did just that. He acknowledged the crowd and introduced himself and thanked everyone for being there. He was welcomed with applause and shrieks of sheer delight, and it was incredible to finally get to see someone whose every single release and remix is superb. And although he’s got such versatility in his productions, I still think Axwell has a defined sound and style that is so distinct. A sound the crowd had been waiting for with much anticipation.
The crowd danced up a sweat and bodies bounced to the awesome display of house music at its finest. I couldn’t help but imagine how incredible it would be to experience this at the beach. A scene on the front of a Ministry of Sound Ibiza compilation perhaps. Hands in the air moment was when Axwell dropped his remix of Let It Go. But finally after hours of dancing, I decided to call it a night. So glad I got to witness Axwell in action.
Overall, it was an incredible night with nothing but the highest quality music. As for some of the crowd, as much as I would like to say smiles all round I think it’s more fitting to say pursed lips and pouts all round. Mostly smiles though, especially by the ones that were aware of what was just witnessed. Truly spectacular.
