I dropped in on Friday to see what Funk Solution was all about and I was not disappointed. This monthly night is probably one of the most casual laid back events I have been too – so much so it borders on chaotic. The night started off with Tizer on the wheels of steal playing wax from labels such as Good Groove, Freestyle and JALAPENO keeping things fun and funky. Later on guest DJs jumped on and picked it up with music to the sound of the iBreaks and Gene Poole labels. There were really no set times at Funk Solution, the DJs took turns at the decks and the muso’s occasionally wondered off and had a smoke or grabbed a drink. But with all the free flowing booze, smoke breaks, and people wandering off the night worked, and more importantly it was great fun.

If you have read a couple of my reviews you will be quite familiar with The Velvet Lounge by now. The place has plenty of couches that were utilized by funky punks chilling out, enjoying a drink and generally basking in the warm environment that the Velvet Lounge provides.

While the records spun Billy Wild (Electric Guitar), Russ Funk (Bass Guitar), Bongo Loco (Bongos) and Paul Pax (Saxaphone) improvised – playing riffs on the meat of tracks, and laying down solos during the breakdowns (the quiet bit of a tune) these guys really helped make the night. At one point Paul Pax walked around the dance floor playing a wicked solo piece in between tracks much to the delight of one funky punk pointing in amazement. The bass, guitar, sax and congos all work in seamlessly with the songs, and it never sounded like there was too much going on.

Another cool aspect of the night was the tambourines and maracas left lying on the DJ desk for anyone to grab and make some noise with. Girls with dancing with maracas to funky beats, doesn’t get much better then that – well as long as they have a sense of rhythm otherwise it can get a bit annoying!

Overall the night was good fun and had a real party vibe. If you are into funky tunes and have a bit of a musical slant or just like making noise with maracas then I highly recommend you check out Funk Solution.