Dubstep is synonymous with gravy – as demonstrated in one of Counterparts’ mixes titled Dubstep Gravy. Why gravy you ask? Cause it’s dark, smooth, and has all the traces of all the good flavours from other delights.

First of all, as I’m sure some of you are asking, what is dubstep? Dubstep has its roots in London’s early 2000s UK garage scene. It has evolved in much the same way jungle evolved into drum n’ bass – with dubstep having influences from both of those genres, as well as some hip hop appeal.

To begin, the main room of the Crown and Sceptre had amazing VJs throwing graphics up next to the stages, taking the viewer to the castle walls, the secret vaults and other places the mind could wander and explore. Counterpart and Desh went back to back to set the mood with some melodic but tough tracks. You wouldn’t have known it was 2 DJs if you weren’t in the room ‘cause their transitions were very smooth and their music was well chosen.

Audio Opticon and Strife kept mixing the dark tunes, which also included more traces of Bristol influenced vocals – think Massive Attack Karmacoma styles. The drum samples, particularly snares and high hats also sounded rather trip hop – and who wouldn’t be up for a revival of that sound?

Benny Raw played and amazing set of all original tracks. Slightly more melodic than the traditional dubstep, he probably would have drawn a larger crowd earlier in the night – after the build up from the previous DJs it was hard to give it the appreciation it deserved. The event drew a wide audience; of course there were the gorgeous glamours, the casual party goers and music appreciators, as well as those just out to chill and others to carve up the floor. Unlike many other popular genres that draw a very set crowd, the diversity and interaction of people at the event was great, although I have found the Crown and Sceptre a great venue for that every time I’ve been there.

I have to make a mention of the confusion, as it initially felt by many of those armed with dancing shoes like jungle back in the 90’s, with people initially struggling to find the beat and to work out a dance style. There were so many people swaying, and also running on the spot! Although I found it rather amusing initially, it was great to see by Macro’s and Jayars’ set that people had more of an idea. Macro really got everyone dancing, the Adelaide crowd came to realize Dubstep is not as foreign as initially perceived.

Talking to people about the music, everyone who had not heard much dubstep was almost certainly converted by the end of the night. Jayar played an amazing set, and this then lead to the beginning of Tes La Rocks’ odyssey. You can tell he’s from OS cause his sound was different to the other DJs of the night.

Fiction finished off with some Jungle until only an hour or so before sunlight, which everyone appreciated. Listening and dancing to dubstep was such a pleasure, and so many people enjoyed the experience. Although it is expected to meet a much larger audience in 2009, I think people may appreciate more of the odd jungle track or vocal lick to be thrown in to break up the continuous flow of beat and bass. If you haven’t got onto some dubstep you have no idea what you’re missing out on!