To say I was looking forward to this event would be an understatement. There have been many vicious rumours thrown about lately on the death of breaks. Terms like “electro”, “fidget” or “tech house” have been bandied about as the ‘new and improved sound’. The kids from Destination? decided to bring out NAPT to show off their “N-Funk” sound (aka booty breaks). This sound has made many a dancefloor bounce from its energetic and funky approach. Having, in previous years, picked up the “Breakthrough DJ” award and nomination for “Best Producer” at Breakspoll, they came to Perth with an impressive background. Destination? are known for incorporating a live element into their parties, although this was sadly missing at the latest instalment. That being said, the line-up and set times were still doing a great job of getting my taste buds wet, with the Beatslappaz playing at 12-1am, and of course the guests of honour, NAPT.
I made it just in time for the end of Karl Sav’ s set, and Ambar was packed with the assembled crowd there to witness a night of “breaks” (a refreshing thought). The crowd loved the tunes on offer at the time, with b-boys busting out some amazing moves, spinning on their heads and hand standing on a table. When Karl Sav finished up, the time had come for the Beatslappaz to play, and their style of breaks had the crowd primed. Breaks well and truly rose from the ashes tonight, showing Ambar that Perth still loves its breakbeat. The dancefloor was packed and ready for action, and the Beatslappaz did not disappoint. The set had a great flow, easing in to their set before unleashing tunes like ‘We Run tings’ by the Beat Assassins, ‘Break Me’ feat Odessi remixed by Quest & Pyramid, and their own tune ‘Rogan Josh’.
Now it was time for NAPT to step up to the decks, and the crowd was ready to really dance (myself included). Their style, which many term ‘booty breaks’, is mixed with pop and RnB samples thrown into the mix, thankfully done with an element of good-taste. Many artists to have come to Perth recently divert away from the sound that they’re known for (some argue for the better or worse; Stanton Warriors?), but NAPT did not disappoint. The N-Funk sound was unleashed, the dancefloor was pumping, and it was hard to wipe the smile off many a breakbeat fan’s face. There were classic NAPT tunes, like ‘The Rollers’, ‘Modern Age’ and ‘The Flow’, as well as ‘Daddio’ by Miles Dyson who toured recently. During the set, samples from artists likes Beyonce could be heard, giving it an RnB vibe. The dancefloor was eating it up, and it was good to see the NAPT boys enjoying themselves, feeding off the vibe.
After NAPT wound things up the rest of the night was handed over to the driving force behind Destination?, the Signal Drivers, who were then followed by the Loose Screws. The Destination? faithful were in good hands and were not disappointed, and having had such a good time with NAPT bringing the breakbeat back to Perth, one can only hope it’s not too long until Destination? announce their next event.
dazmedia says...
Breaks "rose from the ashes"? Bit dramatic. Every breaks gig I go to @ ambar is packed to the rafters. Cheers for the review though!