My first experience of Q Bar was nothing like I had imagined. It’s warm yet trashy décor, disco ball ridden ceilings and downy lighting reminded me of my earlier days frequenting a dodgy watering hole, slightly prior to a legal drinking age. Sousueme, I had been informed, through various more electro and rock tolerant individuals, is a highly popular, mixed genre affair, weekly showcasing all manner of acts, DJs and whatnot. The “up for it” punters set the mood and seemed to love the classic dance oldies, minimal techno, disco and house favourites. The atmosphere was erratic. A buzz was in the air and I had no idea what further antics were in store.

I grabbed a koolaid and checked the place out. I was disappointed to hear some very sub standard support mixing from an otherwise very lively bar. So after devastating my friends at pool I sauntered along to catch an amusing and upbeat S.Y.L.K (live) set. Massive amounts of energy effervesced from three disco divas and a DJ into a feverish crowd. Their finale, a raunchy and chaotic disco mash up about facial hair, was, well, in a word, bizarre. It left me not sure what to expect, but strangely, wanting more.

Now, as a hip-hop lover beyond realms I really was there for only one reason. Snob Scrilla AKA Sean Ray, and the three-piece band, consisting of keys, guitar and drummer, took control instantaneously. Firstly, Snobs’ West coast stature as the master of ceremonies was outstanding. His dry wit and banter between tracks supplemented a comic edge to the performance, not something I’m accustomed to, but with such and intimate venue and oodles of confidence he more than got away with it. His strong delivery kept things flowing throughout, although he looked exhausted towards the end, jovially admitting that “tapping shit” was his only current form of exercise.

Secondly, the band was undeniably tight. Jimmy McGriff (RIP) like funk keys, driving, progressive guitar riffs and some strong drumming elevated the audience. This cemented no doubt in my mind that this group should be the only artists of their kind signed to the legendary Ivy League roster. Constant change ups between elements of electro, punk, blues and early hip-hop really kept the crowd on their toes. Snobs’ style varied immensely with hints of Zack de la Rocha through to Gift of Gab and there never was a dull moment. The forthcoming single, Mr.Officer, featuring none other than Mr Del the Funky Homosapien was outstanding and the previous release, the ultra catchy There You Go Again made me feel young and free once more.

My only criticism of the main show was that the sound system didn’t do the artists justice. Their quality as a group was obvious but I sensed there was much more to it… Fortunately, with such intimate surrounds, I felt it didn’t have too much of a detrimental effect but, more low end and focus on balancing the individual instrumental elements may have added something extra. It seems there are elements for enjoyment by even the most discerningly partisan of hip hop heads and I, for one, will be heading to the Beach Road Hotel in a few weeks for more mayhem. I vow to eat my hat if this genre defying sound isn’t colossal in months to come and I’m sure the upcoming tour will prove just that.