Though still recovering from a massive New Year hangover, Sydney was treated to a night of aural delights on the Australia Day Long Weekend from Sweden’s most recognisable export since Ikea or Volvo. Not satisfied with bringing out only two of the members of the ‘Swedish House Mafia’ over the New Year season in the form of Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso, Future Entertainment delivered noine other than Axwell to Sydney’s superclub Home for the second year running. And what a night it was!

The night began in fine style with The Potbelleez, the duo who’ve been whipping up a storm in Sydney over the last six months with their smashing track Don’t Hold Back. Not only technically flawless on the decks, the pair who are comprised of Irishmen Johnny Sonic and Dave Goode are two of the most approachable and friendly DJs on the circuit, always keen to provide a raised hand for a high five from any adoring fans. Known to most for punching out an electro-fused sound, it was delightful to hear the Potbelleez push the music toward the tech house region, not only for showcasing some quality tracks that mainstream Sydney hasn’t been exposed to, but also because it gave a pretty certain indication of the set Axwell would be playing. As the clock struck 1:00am, the Potbelleez handed the reigns over to Axwell and the night began.

Axwell immediately picked up from where the Potbelleez left off, beginning with some more 90s-flavoured house, a sound he has reinvigorated recently with such anthems as I Found You and his remix of the Sunfreakz Counting Down the Days. Early in the set Axwell had the crowd singing along to a remix of Stardust The Music Sounds Better with You, and not long after could be heard toying with an accapella of Daft Punk Technologic (the Daft Punk tracks seem to have made a resurgence in DJ crates and laptops since the mania that swept through the city late last year). As it approached the halfway point in Axwell’s set, one could hear the sawtooth bass and dirty electric piano in the breakdown of Axwell and Ingrossio’s epic collaboration Together. This track marked a turning point in Axwell’s set, where the recognisable tracks came to the fore and where his mixing, though faultless, became more ruthless, where the five minute intros were left out in favour of the dizzying highs and creamy middles of the tracks. Later highlights in this Axwell megamix included Josh Wink’s Higher State of Consciousness, Basement Jaxx’s Where’s Your Head At and Buy Now For Sale.

For a few brief moments in the middle of his set, Axwell took hold a microphone to thank the Home faithful. From the back of the room (correct me if I am wrong please someone who was there) I heard him say “Sydney you know your shit, that’s why I like you!” Clearly Axwell was feeling the vibe in the room, and was showing his appreciation for the many punters still hanging onto the last remaining hours of the long weekend. As his set came to close at 3:00am, the club was still full and he left the decks to rapturous applause and shouts for an encore, but to no avail.

Future Entertainment put on an awesome night with friendly bar staff, security, and above all, the one and only Axwell. It was a great way to spend the Australia Day Long Weekend, in spite of perhaps the constant appearance of a Swedish flag on the screens behind the DJ booth: though I don’t think anyone appreciated the irony!