One of the best nights out I’ve had was seeing Mark Farina play at Hi-Fi Bar with some good friends a couple of years ago. When I heard that Farina was once again to grace our shores, and the night before a public holiday no less, my attendance was a no brainer.

We arrived at around midnight, with Farina due on at 1am. While we were waiting outside for some friends I noticed the new smoking area at the front of the club (yes, I haven’t been there since the new smoking laws came into place!) It’s a great idea and a nice little space. Venturing indoors, already the main room was packed, and it took me a while to make it to the toilets. We bought some drinks and then decided to chill out and catch up in the side room, which was a little quieter.

At 1am we headed back to the main room and found a spot next to the DJ booth. We had to laugh as Farina started his set by sampling the Dave Chappelle show. Hearing ‘I’m Rick James Bitch!’ bellowing from the speakers put a smile on everyone’s face. Farina started quite funky and vocal, with a bit of disco thrown in. The mood lifted soon enough, and there was a certain vibe that it’s hard to put a finger on, but when you are a part of it you know. One issue that was slightly disappointing was the sound. It was easily loud enough, but it was also a bit harsh, leading to some sore heads and ringing ears the next day, but you there was no mistaking just how good Farina is. The set seemed to just flow, incorporating different influences with effortless style.

After a while we took a breather once again, and by this stage they were busy themselves. I liked that the music was a bit different in there as well. It was more hip-hop influenced, but it was still something to shake your booty too! We went back to the main room soon enough, and Farina had worked himself into a good groove, taking things a little deeper. What I had enjoyed so much about the last time I saw him was the way he inserted ‘other’ music into his sets. Last time it was INXS ‘Original Sin’, but this time it was Paul Simon – Call Me Al!

Overall, another cracking night with one of America’s finest at the helm. I really enjoyed myself and I know my friends did too, so here’s hoping Farina comes back again real soon.