He who could be called a veteran of Melbourne’s underground electronic music scene is Mike Callander. And along with the other two parents of this music scene, it is official that with Christian Vance and Craig McWhinnie, they have given birth their new child – the Haul Music label. Already the host to one of the most unforgettable parties this year at Roxanne’s featuring Gui Boratto, Haul’s brand name has certainly slipped into the consciousness of Melbourne’s electronic music scene. But unlike Haul’s previous event, Revolver’s Front Room would have a very chilled and understated vibe.

Towards the early hours of Saturday morning, the audience was still sparse. Though the amount of people was less-than-expected, the couch and cushion-filled room complimented what was coming out of the speakers. The few that headed in “early” (at 1am) were absorbing the early 90’s house vibe dished out by Mike Buhl and Andy Hart. Playing such tunes as Haul’s Hacienda and Superlova’s infectious All Night Long, things became a little more elevated and the idle chit-chat was interrupted by possessed nodding and smiling. It was beginning to feel like Mike Callander’s residency at MyAeon when it was good music being played to ears that didn’t waste the sound.

Just before the sun was about to rise, the crowd grew in stature. Craig McWhinnie delivered many gems, including Haul’s recently released track, Penance. Ethereal tribal-sounding house got the place into a deep groove. Following from him, Lewie Day upped the tempo for the 4am rush as he played to a rather packed out room. Having recently released That’s The Thing on the UK’s Murmur label, on this night, he was banging out tracks like Paddlin’ under his moniker Tornado Wallace. This had the place feeling like a true haus music party.

Finishing the night off, Mike Callander played some more deep and ominous sounding tech-house, including as Lost (another Haul release). This reined in the night beautifully. Amongst the understated yet celebratory vibe, the room was almost back to the golden era of the old Honkytonks – which until now we could only reminisce about when listening to Callander’s Last Dance Compilation CD.

Perhaps to Haul’s dismay, having such a low-key affair was exactly what they didn’t want – though it was exactly what I did want. Rather than wondering how big it could be or a comparison to their last party, I was enjoying the intimacy. It was a fashionably understated evening with no bullshit hoo-ha or bravado where good music was the main vehicle. Having the crème de la crème of Melbourne’s underground house music community gather in a room with such contained positive energy gives rise for optimism. Surely there are parties in Melbourne which haven’t been corrupted by hype or overzealous promoting. Surely Haul sets a precedent for itself and others and surely, if they keep putting on nights like this one, the good word can only spread.