In the words of Michael Franti from Spearhead, “Every one needs music, sweet music.” But in this case, it was a case of Suite Music. Having attended the *Messy Creations( crazy warehouse party the evening before and staying till sometime mid the next morning, my techno juices had well and truly been appetised. But just like a vampire’s lust for blood, as my thirst for all things techno was raging on unabated.

Making the sojourn to F4 the night was wet and cool, and good Ol’ Melbourne town seemed to be quite alive with various types occupying their various sub-culture precincts around the city. Eventually finding a park an narrowly escaping a near road rage incident, my partner and I plod the two blocks from Russel Street down to F4. Once inside the cosy confines, away from the elements, we grabbed a weird cocktail a concoction of sambuca, pineapple juice and various other alcohols served in a martini glass. A quick scan of the main floor before heading out back for the first of hopefully many great Suite Music sessions.

Introducing the world to the sounds of the Suite, Sam McEwin built up a strong groove of rolling, bottom heavy, deep, technical tunes that were all on a minimal tip. It was the perfect way to kick off proceedings and the crowd certainly looked they were appreciating it to. Management looked like they had double booked the room with a Birthday party who even brought in two big forest cakes, which I managed to get a sample of. Thanks guys, whoever you were.

Anyway back to the music, taking over from Sam next was Ed Thomas, a face familiar from other parties I’ve attended but who I’ve not heard play before. Moving away from the more minimalist selections of Sam to the more traditional sound of techno, Ed kept the crowd moving with precise tribal rhythms and classic tekky numbers. Some time around then I dashed out to the main room to grab a drink and also caught some Tronikelesch. I noticed a lot of new material and the crowd were digging it, as was I. Their new sound is a lot less electro, more techno with dare I say it influences of trance, with blissful melodies and backed with a dirty grooving beat.

On my return to the Suite, Ed Thomas was closing up and still playing some fine techno. Up next was Effin See, dropping some very fresh sounding techno, slightly Beyer-ish in parts with nice strong mixingthat built on the flow already created by Sam and Ed. About half way through EffIn See’s set, the unmistakable bassline from techno classic Joris Voorn Mpx309 began to break through and build up to the intense throbbing break down, before the vacuum effect leads into the extended thunder clap. Such a basic track, but so effective on the dance floor. With Effin See winding up on a melodic and slightly progressive number, Matt Radovitch stepped up to wrap up the night’s proceedings.

If anyone read the flyer for this little shindig, you may have noted the description “DJs playing minimal, disco, broken beat, techno, deep house, Baltimore and everything and anything in between.” Well, Matty’s set featured a lot of these elements, beginning with some awesome breaks and hip hop before moving on to a variety of 4/4 styles, booty bass and jackin’ house. Matt had already had the crowd in the palm of his hand , but with a sharp cut of the fader dropping into a barrage of what can only be described as “Fucking Techno”, the whole suite was sent crazy.

I don’t think the old back room at F4 has rocked so hard in all the times I’ve been going there, with guys and girls, coolsies, mods, clubbers, ravers, homies and indie kids all doing their thing to stomping techno, it was a nice sight and everyone looking as though they are there having a genuinely good time. Trying to wind things up Matt was forced (not like he really needed a push) into an encore by screaming hordes of newly won over fans. A few more tough tech tunes, before finally ending with the funk/disco original of the track famously sampled by The Bucket Head The Bomb. It was a great way to end a full weekend of techno, and all the crews that helped put this together (F4, Stable, Pretty Simple, MTC, Tight) deserve a huge pat on the back.