This was DJ Krush’s fourth visit to Canberra. I was lucky enough to have seen the third and it was an amazing show, so I admittedly had high hopes for this one. Bec Patton was playing support and spinning pretty chilled out stuff, warming the crowd up nicely. She wasn’t giving the crowd any indication of what they had in store from the main event, not until the end at least, when a faster, heavier track was played that lead into Krush nicely.
It was amazing how quickly the small space directly in front of the stage filled up once he took over. It was a pretty decent sized turn out, not as big as I thought considering how long Krush has been around, but I certainly wasn’t complaining as it made for an awesome and intimate show. I’m always a little disappointed with the set up of ANU Bar for certain gigs. The tiny amount of dancefloor space leaves the rest of the crowd to stand in the bar area, and it just doesn’t add to the show. It isn’t such a problem because you can still see, but it can affect the sound, as if the music is drowned out by people chatting… That’s never a good thing. Once I moved into the thick of it, though, things definitely improved.
You’d think a style as eclectic and far reaching as Krush’s would be hard to translate live, but he does it supremely well. The slow start may have had the crowd lulled into a false sense of what was to come, as smooth strings were layered over simple and relaxed beats. It led in to dark and heaving basslines, then back again and through jazz, reggae and melodious tunes, all played in frenetically paced sections. It makes for an unpredictable – yet completely enjoyable – show, and one that takes you on a complete journey of musical tastes. I always enjoy the odd older track, and tonight I wasn’t disappointed when he played many great ones!
Just as I thought it couldn’t get any better, Krush pulled out some even more technical scratch and juggle moves, ones that left you wondering what exactly had just happened. I don’t know a lot about the technical side of DJing, but I’m sure he’s doing something to that equipment that no one I’ve ever seen had pulled off before. It’s phenomenal to watch as his hands – moving like lightning – produce sounds that are indescribable. It gives you a funny feeling in your tummy. I think it may have been pure happiness trying to get out.
After the first set of about an hour I was left wanting more. These thoughts were quelled as Krush fronted the stage for a second time, playing tracks that certainly had the place moving about. To come out for a second encore and play for almost 2 hours in total was incredible. But, what else would you expect from the mastery that is DJ Krush?
Alistair says...
hey caarl... way to not listen to the support dj at all. Was pretty much the only appropriate support slot I've ever seen for someone as amazing as Krush, and had a million hints of 'what was in store'. Or maybe you diddnt mean it like that? love, Al.