CHANGE CITY :
Admittedly, I had a big one the night before Phil K played at Lot 33, so I accidentally missed Scottie Fisher to allow me to catch up on some Zs so i could power through the night. I gotta say though it wasn’t hard to get my energy levels going once I hit Lot 33. The music, as always, was pumping through the speakers with undeniable feet-moving force. Lot was slow to pick up, but when it began to kick it well and truly did.
Fourthstate was second up, playing some solid house, electro and progressive to a somewhat fickle dance floor. The crowd would be there and then gone, then quick as a flash (or as fast as the beat) they’d be back again. The beat was just as unpredictable with a near window rattling bass and then a lighter sound. Either way, the sound was awesome and people in all kinds of footwear were on the floor scuffing their soles.
Dave Norgate versus Hubert were next and played a wickedly energetic and fun set. Seeing and hearing them battle was a personal highlight of the night. Hubert even played the new Karton remix of The Basement by D’Opus & Roshambo, yet another high point. The crowd was somewhat male dominated, and I gotta say ladies, you are missing out! As Hubert and Dave’s set progressed the beat dropped and the sound became heavier and darker whilst the dance floor filled and substances worked their magic. Trying to get a drink at the bar at this stage was a definite mission.
Phil K took to the decks soon after 3a,, quickly ditching his jacket as his set and the crowd warmed up. He started out minimally with some wicked instrumentals like timpani drums going. Phil K is hailed as one of the worlds best DJs and is know for ‘being at one’ with his equipment (Pioneer, of course). He has played internationally and came to Lot with massive hype and a hell of reputation to live up to. Unfortunately, I reckon he was shown up by the local talent. A couple of punters admitted he wasn’t on his game compared to his recorded stuff which was ‘off the chain’. I have to I say did not see Phil K crack a smile once, perhaps he was a little bit over it all or maybe just concentrating really hard. Phil K was a fan of long and frequent builds; softening the music, so only minimal and superfluous sounds remained forcing the crowd to literally beg for bass – then he would drop a massive beat and all were off again.
Phil K is world renown for his audio visual mixing, but sadly the Lot crowd was deprived of such an experience. Regardless the podiums were never empty; women dominated in all stars, points and cross trainers, each having their share and digging the techno, breaks, break-beat and electro sounds. Some punters bailed during his set, fearing the sun and craving warm beds. I call them soft and they missed a truly awesome closing act. Though I admit I hate coming home when the sun is up – it feels flat out wrong and like you are going to be totally ruined for the entire day.
Bruisa took the task of finishing the night to a smaller crowd, but got every one in the club off their seats and back on the dance floor with some fantastic electro house. Bruisa never fails to impress and dominated the stage with massive amounts of energy and his lively showman ship. The remaining punters clapped their hands to Bruisa’s mixes and I do believe there were even a few cheers as he dropped the beat – it was that good. Honestly, I didn’t make it till close and headed for my bed a little before 6am, and yes the sun was up. It is going to be a long day, prepare for disarray.
