Each and every year inthemix goes into hyperdrive with the Sony inthemix50, and as part of the movement, twenty ITM50 parties are held across Australia’s clubbing capitals. Last Saturday night Shape Nightclub and local tech house promoters Habitat Inc. staged the last such party for the faithful ITMers of Perth. A top notch night of delectable house beats was promised and delivered.

There was however, one rather conspicuous absentee on the night…. the headlining DJ. One DJ Flex was believed to have been enjoying Bali’s famous pilsner while basking in the destination’s equally famous sunshine. Why ever would you want to go to Bali when the Perth weather has been so blissful lately? Nevertheless, one heck of a party was unfolding as more and more people streamed in following our arrival just after 10:30. I must admit that I have never hit a club surrounded by so many (cool) people. The beers flowed freely while we, a group of forum regulars, discussed the differing beats and musical structures between house, tech house and techno.

I have something of a confession… I had no idea about the set times. I could see them posted on the wall in several places, however the print was rather difficult to read. Perhaps Habitat could post the set times on the forum as some other promoters do. I can tell you though that the bill featured the cream of the crop within Perth’s tech house scene: Aarin F, Luke Reti, Hickey, Fritz, Holy Thursday, Bad Weather, MUV, Clomas and forum regulars Richard Lee and Darren J.

As the night progressed, the beats simply got better and better. Both levels of Shape Nightclub were thronging with activity. A friendly and up for it atmosphere had emerged as every clubber had a smile on their face. I must also add that Shape Nightclub has a very friendly team of people behind the bar, which is always nice. The upstairs room has become a favourite place of mine with its dark and smoky atmosphere and very comfy couches.

Having had a rather large Friday night, I was quite content to sit, chat and watch from the sidelines for most of the night, and I made a few new friends so I was never alone. Bonus! The tunes covered a wide spectrum of house music and the talent on show stated boldly that Perth can do it with the best of them: hence why all three of my local DJ votes went to Perthies. A huge debt of gratitude is owed to inthemix, Shape Nightclub, and everyone who was involved with staging what was a fantastic party.