Technoir has been running strong since its inception some time ago, with some of Melbourne’s best new DJs getting on boar, along with some of our most well-loved ones too. This Technoir was to feature one of the doyens of techno, Misjah, as well as serving as party organiser Tim Boyd’s going away soiree. They celebrated with a strong local line-up in support.
Walking up to Brown Alley at about 2am we could hear the bass from quite far off. Walking up the stairs to the top level of the club, we were bombarded by a loud and crystal clear sound system. As I’ve said in previous reviews, I always feel sound is really important, and tonight the quality was very good, although some might say a little too heavy on the bass. The top level of Brown Alley is a good-sized space, and tonight it was packed out. It was great that the seats had been pushed back along the wall, as this almost forced you to dance, and more room for that is always a good thing!
We caught the last few tracks of Dee Dee’s set, and he was playing a mix of loopy techno with a rock edge; think techno + guitar riffs. It also had a slight hip hop edge, thanks to some of the beats he dropped. What I noticed at this point was the vibe in the place; everyone was having a great time and really enjoying themselves. It also served to be a bit of a reunion, with everyone seeming to know everyone else. This always adds so much to a night and makes people feel welcome.
Up next was Ranjit Nijjer. I was very keen to see him as I had heard good things. I have to say the bass dominated his set – as it did the whole night, in fact – and it detracted from the sound of tracks he was playing. You were really only able to hear the bottom end, as well as very high-highlights of each track. Ranjit played a lot of harder style trancey-house, tracks I noted were Ferry Corsten ‘Digital Punk’ and a remix of Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’.
Part way through Ranjit’s set I noticed that people at the front of the room were beginning to move backwards. Then, all of a sudden, sparks began to fly… Literally! A woman in S&M gear had an angle grinder and was grinding it against something, making for quite an interesting show. This sort of attention to detail is typical of the night, as well as the layout of the room and the lighting. Not long after the show Misjah took to the decks and started exactly where Ranjit had left off. There were big basslines and an electro edge, but soon after he picked up the pace and kept the audience entertained.
I hope that Technoir continues on even though Tim Boyd is temporarily departing. With the thought that goes in to the production and overall vibe of the event, it sure deserves to.
