Two Tribes @ Metro City/Globe, Perth (02/03/03)
Sunday March 2nd saw the second of two of the weekends two big dance events hit
town and with Monday being a public holiday all were up for a big one. There was definitely
no chilling out at this extravaganza. It was all about dancing all night long to the sounds of
trance, hard dance, progressive, techno and breaks. This was the one night that had been
the talk of Perth for months… on the forums and in club scene. Two tribes was on its way
back to Perth! With a line up to die for, TT was beginning to make a name for itself. Second
year running in Perth, with it came some expectations that it would be just as big as last
year, if not bigger.
It didn’t all start well for the Perth massive – we were to have a different line up to all the
other states – no JUNKY XL and SPEEDY J – WTF ???? After a few choice words and
disappointed punters making a lot of noise about it on the forums…it was read by a future
entertainment… saying that they do listen to us… and decided to add SPEEDY J and JUNKY
XL to our line up. Perth’s excitement just went up a notch – Bring it on !
ITM’s rove reporters came back exhausted but glowing of a fun filled night. Take the time to
read their detailed accounts of what looks like an early contender for “event of the year”. It
is done one room at a time with all stages covered. If you’re at work print it out and hide it
amongst that important document you’re meant to be proofing (it’s a much better read).
Don’t forget to also check the photo’s, are you in there?
Godskitchen Arena @ Metro City by Simba
Take one overly anticipated long weekend, 5 wicked DJ’s…..1 live act..and throw in about
3000 die hard trance lovers and you have Two Tribes 2003 inside the GODSKITCHEN room
at METRO City nightclub- an event that was to be pure party madness.
This night being the 2nd of March ….
Having missed a lot of the BIG events in the last few years like Godskitchen and Two
Tribes, I was looking forward to running amuck at this much anticipated event of the year.
The last BIG night event I was at I had my film taken off me from a bouncer saying ” I
wasn’t allowed to have a camera inside Metros” – whats with that??? Try and take my film
off me this time buddy ill be ready for you !
The day before news had spread that Mauro Picotto had pulled out, which still
left us with locals Kenny L, ATTMFK (Adam Kelly) and internationals
Judge Jules, JUNKY XL and Armin Van Buuren. Still an
awesome line up by any means!
The night had finally arrived. The mission for us tonight if we choose to accept it … was to
give our ass’s one big shake and get our feet moving..which has been a long time in
coming!
On the drive into town, all kinds of thoughts were in my mind about what the night will
hold ….
– will kitchen utensils be waved around madly during Armin Van Buuren’s set like last
time or will some other instrument be used ? I actually missed this last year – yes I
couldn’t believe it either….
– Will I and my naughty Sistzas manage to get ourselves up front for JUNKY XL & actually
dance for once instead of sitting on our asses???
-Will Adam Kelly fuckin rock as per usual and entertain us with his djing style and get us
shaking our bootys and yelling for more?
All I knew was I was in for a treat tonight – Judge Jules, JUNKY XL…and ARMIN VAN
BUUREN I had never got the chance to hear either of them play before…. ...
Once parked we made our way down to Metros … and was in for a shock – the line up
was way back to the old Berlin aprox 1000 people lined up !! My god it was only 10.30pm
and the crowd was massive. My only thought at this time ” we have to get inside we can
not miss Adam Kellys set again! “
The line finally started moving… and we were finally inside with 30 minutes to spare….we
did a walk around scooping out where people were and where the chill out room was
and made our way down to the front of the stage weaving in and out of sweaty bodies till
we could be in front of ADAM KELLY.
Adam Kelly is one of Perths best local talent… playing progressive and house…and is
pretty well known for his mixing and scratching up of Michael Jacksons Smooth Criminal!
Tonight though I didn’t hear any house … just some bopping progressive dance which
had the whole dance floor packed to the brim at 10.30pm!
But before long Adams turn had come to a close and JUDGE JULES was up next…......as
he come on Adam clapped and got the crowd going for his introduction… then the MC
announced him – I haven’t seen a MC at an event for a LONG time – its about time they
brought them back !!! JUDGE JULES started with a sample from Austin Powers booming
over the sound system.. and then breaks into some great dancy music with a great bass.
I found listening to Judge Jules that he starts trancey and they gets hard dance and then
comes back to trancy again….while hes bopping around glancing up at the crowd to read
how they are taking it…before long he had played his set and it was time for what a lot of
people were here to see JUNKY XL !
JUNKY XL – How do I describe this to you… I’m still trying to put into words
myself. ....I’m dumbfounded about the next two acts… about how to put what I saw and
felt into words so please bare with me. lol
It was probably around the 1am mark I think…the MC announced ” this is the man you
are waiting for Perth give it up for JUNKY XL ” and my god the roar from the crowd…. 5
levels of metros packed to the rafters all of us going completely nuts! The tempo in the
place had definitely risen another notch….the place just went mad!
The man behind the “Evis Vs JXL A little Less conversation track…....was going to be
huge…no one knew really what to expect… but what we got was more than what I even
though he would be like.
On stage…against a back drop of blue lights the silhouette of Junky XL was a funky
effect …. wearing a yellow suit… a big tie.. and a beret… looked like something straight
out of the 60’s or 70’s , started to show us what he was made of and what we would be
expecting for the next couple of hours,,,
And show us he certainly did… He was mesmerising to the crowd…. While mixing it up he
would bop from one side of the mixing table to the other….he would sing to the crowd
and then point to us… hand outstretched… ... and then as the bass dropped he would do a
kick box kick !...One of the things I love when going to these events.. is seeing a DJ go
off… instead of just playing one record after another… words can not describe this guy…
how he was going off… his energy and presence just filled the place making us wanting
more….and wanting us to be with him on this adventure that he would take us forth
on….
From all points we were witnessing this man…. From the dance floor – yes we actually
made it down to the dance floor and boogied to our hearts content- I think our feet were
in shock… nothing beats being amongst the packed floor in front of the stage feeling the
energy and excitement that was forth coming from people all around…to being on all 5
different levels… each having a different feel to the night….
Looking around metros… heaps of people with glow sticks and different outfits….
Everyone’s eyes were glued to Junky.,.... Everyone had hands in the air… grooving away
to some chunky base… I cant remember any of the songs he played as I wouldn’t know
them only the Elvis one which he didn’t play (leave that for the commercial kids)...but I
do remember one song.. I have no idea of the name but im going to call it ” I’m and
Alien… I’m an Alien ”...... hopefully you will know what one I am talking about hehhee… oh
and a funky robotic track also….all in all this guy was amazing… my god …I can not thank
god enough that I was here experiencing this huge night.. JXL LIVE WAS FUCKEN
AWESOME !
Next up was ARMIN VAN BUUREN...... my god ! The energy, the emotion the
magical vibe…. Holy moley I was just blown away by this guy. I wasn’t in perth to
experience him at GODS KITCHEN but EVERYONE had raved big time about this man !!
He was very well known for “atmospheric trance ”.......and taking you on a journey…. And
what a journey it was!
He definitely didn’t disappoint. Since Mauro Picotto wasn’t here to play we had Armin for
nearly a four hour set! Bring it on! He exceeded what I myself was expecting and then
some taking everyone on a journey to the top of dance bliss .
Sparklers were lit…..everyone’s hands in the air.. and then pouching fists with Armin to
the bass line…He would often look out at the crowd point, smile that cute boyish smile
and … and then look to the sky and shake his head as if he was so overwhelmed by the
whole crowd going nuts.
At about 3.15 we were aboard his ship… and Armin was the captain,... where he was
taking us know one knew.. no one cared…. Just give us more we wanted….by 3.45am….
Arming picks up the pace once more…this was trance at its absolute best! It was like we
were dancing for our supper…...we just couldn’t stop…. Our feet had a mind of their own!
Some of the songs I did recognise U Inside, Trancefixion, PVD- for
an angel…Fucking Society ,Rising Sun and Chemical Boy were
played and were booming from the speakers… and made the place go totally insane !
When looking around not one person was sitting down or not dancing… everyone’s
bootey was grooving and yelling and screaming full of excitement… no one wanted to go
home yet!
About 4am… the pace slowed slightly.. with armen teasing us with some mixing and then
letting us have the bass and then looking out at the crowd ….hands in prayer bowing to
the audience….and then looking up … smiling once again.. shaking his head .. but this
time its like ” where should I take you know… ” how about dark and dirty…which is
exactly where we went… dark sounds… chunky bass….but we all loved it.
Sipping from a wine glass…. And frequently going through his box of music…he looks
out.. and drops this ripper funky chunky track that gets everyone up and grooving .. by
this stage my ears are starting to hurt !
5am .. the last hour of Armin. We all went down to the dance floor to experience this last
hour of the night with all the ITM posee….this time there was no kitchen utensils being
waved around – no potato masher in sight. I was to find at the end of the night that the
man himself ARMIN VAN BUUREN… remembered this such spectacle from Gods Kitchen
last year!! Hows that for some small thing in a small city being remembered by some one
this huge!
If rumors of his parents supposedly buying property in our SouthWest are true, then we
can only hope and cross our fingers that we get to see this man many more times!
When he played his last song… a huge burst of energy could be felt around the room….
Armin threw some of his records into the crowd…and then the track finished… A HUGE
roar filled the place…. Until the MC said “do we want more ?? Make some more fucken
noise….!!! ” “YES we all cryed! ” Once more the room was filled with trance… and then to
everyone’s surprise ARMIN jumped into the crowd in the dance floor… to greet and sign
auto graphs and have a boogie himself! !!!! man that was something I have never seen
before! Everyone gathered around him…clapping in time with the bass… banging fists into
the air.. the excitement of him as one with us in the dance floor was so overwhelming…
Once the track stopped playing and Armin was once more on stage… it was over. The
night had ended all too soon.
This was one of the BEST events ive ever been to in my life!
ARMIN VAN BUUREN WHAT A GOD !!!!
ONE LOVE, ONE VIBE, TWO TRIBES – WHAT AN UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE!!!!
Hardware Stage @ Amplifier Bar by Ricky
Being placed into the Amplifier “Thoroughfare” Bar is almost like being punished for liking
the least popular type of music at an event. Unfortunately, this is where I ended up at
the travelling circus known as Two Tribes. On the one side, we had the Global
Underground room, whilst on the other, fresh air and an area to chill out awaited those
requiring a respite for the night. Of course, anyone wishing to go from one room to the
other obviously had to go straight through our little corner of the world. Many of these
didn’t even bother to attempt to go around, instead finding it easier to barge through any
part of the dance area.
Upon my arrival, Gully was warming up the room at a rather subdued pace,
playing a fairly moody selection in the early timeslot. A rather poor mix greeted me as I
walked through the door, though there weren’t many people around to notice at the time.
Fortunately, this was the only bit of slackness from the early dj, who dropped in a couple
of more electronic edged tracks as the crowd picked up a bit, though still keeping it fairly
easygoing for the duration.
Echoic stepped up next to take charge of the action. He immediately picked up
the tone, launching into tracks loaded with phat basslines that were enough to vibrate the
walls. The crowd must have noticed the change in the room, with a constant stream of
people now making its way in through the door (and many continuing on out to the chill
out area). With this growth in crowd numbers came an increase in the vibrancy of the
room, giving it that overall buoyancy of a large-scale event that many have come to
enjoy from an event such as this. Echoic changed the pace midway through the set,
dropping a weird and loopy selection that had punters raring to go.
The conclusion of Echoic saw a treat, with Greg Packer stepping up for a rare
“breaks” set. Although, as I and everyone else was to discover, just because you are
playing in the breaks room doesn’t mean that you actually have to play breaks. Also,
selling all of your breaks records would make it kind of hard to play this style. Packer
instead launched into a Latin influenced intro of drum & bass that immediately cleared
the room (though this was more likely caused by the touring dj commencing next door).
Packer kept the pace downbeat to start, testing the waters of the crowd to see if they’d
appreciate the sudden change. After clearing out those who didn’t, he picked it up,
dropping in a couple of crowd favourites, with a release from Doc Scott’s 31 Records
label hyping up the floor. Packer played a wide selection, ranging from vocal tracks
through to slightly darker edged tones.
I actually felt sorry for Meat Katie towards the end of Packer’s set, having to
somehow wind down from this hyper pace to regain control of the crowd. However, wind
down he did, turning off Packer’s final record to ease off the bpm and begin the next set
with his own classy intro, consisting of what sounded like a wave effect washing up on a
beach. He then launched into some chunky tracks from the darker end of the spectrum,
adding life to the now packed dancefloor. This crowd was right up for it, moving along to
the music and thoroughly enjoying the top-notch set produced by the man behind the
decks. There was never a dull moment during Meat Katie’s set, whether he was playing
killer bass lines or layering in an acid riff, the tone was always kept at a respectable
level.
The man also included the crowd in his set by really getting into it himself. It is good to
see a dj work the crowd, whether it is with a wave of the hand or a great big smile, you
could tell that he was enjoying his work. Meat Katie kept the set rolling by climaxing at
several points, with one track of note, a remix of the Donna Summer classic I Feel
Love giving the crowd something to mull over whilst their senses were blown from
their bodies. He also paid respect to the following act by dropping a remix of the Slam
hit, Positive Education. So well was this track worked in that I didn’t even realise it was
there until it was almost gone. All too soon this quality set was over, with more acid riffs
to wind down the set and lead on to a new style for the night.
Slam, the Glasgow based duo of Stuart Macmillan and Orde
Meikle are best known for their five hour sets, taking listeners on a journey through
the spectrums of house and techno. However, at this event, they were only given two
hours to work with, so they had to make do with this by sticking to only one of these
styles. Macmillan stepped up first and actually mixed on from Meat Katie’s final track, a
crossover of styles from breaks to techno the likes of which is not often witnessed. This
was quite well done, with Macmillan teasing the crowd with the commencement of his
intro track for a couple of minutes before actually letting it play on. True to their name,
the first half hour consisted of some slamming tracks, with Macmillan cranking out the
pounding tracks, and also letting loose with a well appreciated unreleased tribal
number.
The second half hour saw Meikle step up to the decks, taking over from his partner in
similar fashion, but dropping more recognisable tracks, with a Josh Wink classic cut up
with a crap Green Velvet track that had the room rocking. There was more to follow,
with Destination Unknown played back-to-back with itself, and a bang up mix of
Freak getting extended playtime.
Another changeover occurred at 3am, with each dj getting a final half hour each. The
style of these two dj’s tended to incur playing each track in its entirety, cutting off the
bass equaliser at points and generally letting fly with each new track by dropping it
straight into the mix. There were few fade-outs, but lots of action behind the decks, with
the non-working partner lending a helping hand on occasion by tuning in the effects. The
final hour was much the same as the first, albeit much louder. Included in this hour was
some of Slam’s own production work, with Stepback getting a good rinse out.
Although Meikle had the last half hour, Macmillan took over the dying stages to add in a
chainsaw effect to conclude the set. Perhaps he was cutting the decks in half in imitation
of those rock dj’s who smash their guitars after a performance? The majority of the
crowd enjoyed the sound at any rate.
Anyway, alls well that ends well, and regardless of this fact, Speedy J had
brought along his own equipment for his live PA. Speedy J kicked off with a massive
intro (nine minutes from my count), Ignition Key, which left the crowd begging for a
bassline to move to. They were soon appeased, with Speedy J churning out a banging
beat along with his next track. He opted to drag out the full extent of each track, thus
giving himself the ability to add bits and pieces wherever he felt necessary in order to
touch up each track with the uniqueness that only comes from a live set. One example
was when he eased in Krekc at an incredibly stretched out pace (the longer the
better, I say). Actually, I don’t think many people noticed it being played until the
familiar drop in pitch of the overlayed flanging effect; such was the subtleness of its
introduction.
Overall, Speedy J put on a quality show, well and truly living up to expectations. He
blended his tracks together superbly, thus giving a continuous mix (for the first hour
anyway), and made use of the machinery assembled like a pro. After his allotted hour,
he decided that he wanted to play a bit more, and continued on with an encore track,
closely followed by another one. It was during this final track that he went a bit more
experimental, making use of two particular buttons on the box that gave out a beat when
pressed (boom-boom-boom-boom-doof-dodoof-dodoof-dodoof) sending the crowd hyper
with the frantic pace.
By this stage, the two “local” dj’s, Will-E-Tell and Richie Rich were
getting a bit restless. This is understandable, having to travel right the way across the
country to play what would now be a 40 minute back-to-back set would be enough to
make anyone impatient to start. However, start they did, playing a mix of late night
seminal techno tracks suited for just this time of the morning. Both played competently,
though each had their own share of problems beat mixing a record during the mid stages
of the set. Apart from these blemishes, each played a subdued method, with Richie
content to match track styles, and Will dropping in the odd bit of fader chopping to liven
up the weary crowd. However, as is the policy of the Globe these days, the night was to
finish at 6am, though Will was allowed to play an encore for his troubles before we were
all kicked out.
As with any night, there are always problems, the most annoying of which was the
overuse of the strobe. This light was located directly behind the dj, and I’m sure I now
have images of the crowd burned into my retina. Hopefully in future the lighting
engineer will try to keep the usage down a bit, as I’d like to stay conscious next time.
Also, the fact that lids were not handed out with water bottles was a hassle. Isn’t that
illegal? Despite these problems, it was an overall enjoyable event, with Future
Entertainment putting on a good show and drawing a respectable (sized) crowd on a
weekend that had seen another large-scale event put on the previous day.
Global Underground Arena @ Globe Nightclub by Alieshak2002
There’s this feeling that is ultimately satisfying as you enter the club of your choice and
the first track of the night hits your senses. It’s like a mixture of anticipation, excitement
and belly butterflies amping you up and bringing to life another night of mischief and
expectations. As I entered the atmosphere that was to be the Global Underground Arena,
nothing could have been able to hide my pearly whites from the site that was before
me.
It was purely pumping, with sweaty faces already starting to appear among the crowd of
charged dancers and adrenalin induced ravers. Dave Seaman had just taken to
the dex and with all his character and style had begun to set the scene with the use of
flighty vocals and down to the floor bass.
Even with the high expectations I had of Seaman (having praised him before), he truly
knocked me back with his new lease on the turntables and no doubt his lifestyle.
Bouncing around and cohering with the crowd, he dropped track after track of noble
house tunes with symphonic sounds.
I was pleased to have a chance to speak with him on brief occasions in between the
singing and general antics happening upon the stage. It was clear to see that his outlook
onto his profession was less then serious, so being curious to see why, I quizzed him on
his general view only to receive a happy giggle and a simple answer: “It’s not a job,
it’s a hobby…it’s great entertaining people!” On that note turning to drop a sterling
trak: Simple Minds Surface with sky-high notes, deep bass and euphoric vocals
“Never Coming Down” flooding the room of ecstatic punters.
Although The Globe is due for a major overhaul, with the stability of the top floor being
questionable and new lighting also in dire need, it’s just a pity the overall presentation of
the place left a lot to the imagination. That being said though, I was more then pleased to
see the Globe in full swing again and that the sound system can still handle a down right
dirty beating!
Watching the crowd react to the gold that Dave Seaman was unravelling, it was easy to
tell that there were quite a few who’d gone a little too hard the day before at MOS. Their
heads were bopping and the feet were moving but their bodies mysteriously stayed
stationary, making it just that much more of a challenge for Seaman’s track selection.
Having this in mind I took to the crowd to see just what sort of feeling was brewing…
some quotes for the night:
Dave:“Good Stuff…It’s what it’s all about”
Neil: “A Quote??...Isn’t that the sound a frog makes??...” After several
minutes of explanation, I finally managed to make sense…“If people would stop
moving around they could start to dance and get lost in it.”
Alan: ” Avin’ it large!!” Now there’s something original!
Ben (on Holidays from Melbourne) had this to add: “MAKE SOME FXCKN
NOISE WA!!!”
His Mate Brodie added this: “Eazy as Popeye!” There’s something I’d
never heard before!
Speaking with Damien, he was just surprised at Seaman’s comical attitude and
stated: “I’ve never seen him like this before, he’s going right off!”
As I grooved my way back to the stage I managed to catch Sander Kleinenburg’s
b> arm and ask him what he had in stall for the awaiting Perth fans: “I don’t know…
I’m just gonna go with the flow and see what happens…” I couldn’t have agreed with
him more.
With the vocals of U2 cascading over the crowds finger tips and followed by one
sweet single, named: “My Own Worst Enemy” screams and whistles of delight
rang out from every corner of the club, creating this pleasant little world of endorphins.
Throughout the set Seaman’s mixing technique was relaxed, smooth and with finesse.
And even though he dropped a few commercial tracks like “and I feel like a disco
ball,” he regained all my respected when he ended the set with a superbly mixed
Coldplay track God Put A Smile Apon My Face. Again sending spirits soaring and
paving the way for Sander’s steel blue eyes to grace the dex.
Sander Kleinenburg hadn’t even placed his Pioneer HDJ-1000’s on his
skull when his name screamed from the balcony and excited claps burst out over the
beats. 6 hours in town with his girlfriend Simone behind him, he layed down the first
track for the set which made it easy to tell that this was going to be heavier, simpler and
more tribal in sound. Unfortunately, by the time Sander dropped his newly produced trak
Work To Do, the crowd had thinned and the upstairs part of Globe was down to
the bare minimum. So, a bus trip, a Jerry Springer rendition and a smoke later I entered
to Metro’s to see what all the fuss was about…only to head strait back to the Globe
Massive.
Sander had built his set up nice and gradual with the vocals “Has the Feeling Got You
Yet”, pumping out recapturing what was left of a weltering crowd. His set was
outstandingly solid and level with some nice tribal drumbeats and a funky remix of
Hydrolic Dogs Shake It Baby allowing the glowstick posse to strut their stuff. I
swear this man is smoother then chocolate on the turntables with most of his mixes
gliding into the next trak with great ease and progression.
As a purple light shone down and some super horn melodies rang out, I could see the
crowd dancing in unison once again as the totally focused Bushwacka dropped
it into a more jazzy style of frantik beats. I can honestly say, I have never seen anyone
DJ like Bushwacka! He was like a messy little boy, using this loss of control to his own
advantage and bringing a totally unique and crazy set to the Globe for the night. He just
bobbed around behind the dex searching through vinyl like the Chef from the Muppets
show, and throwing down his own choice of top tunes to amuse the crowd. With plenty of
room to dance and the sounds this man was producing, it was hard to feel unsatisfied
with what was becoming one bomber night of housie to breakie style tunes. Using the
brilliant Pioneer CDJ-1000 to make some interesting scratching noises and
viewing his propped up book of “How to DJ Properly” by Frank Broughton & Bill
Brewster (a running joke with the other DJ’s), it was plain to see that this guy liked to
take the piss and impress the punters.
A true technician with his mixer he brought the mood to a lively buzz of enjoyment,
ready to hand over the room to his partner in style, Layo. Starting strong with a
tasteful tribal house record overlayed with some symphonic chipmunk style vocals Layo
progressed his tunes with one too many reversed spinouts on the vinyl and didn’t quite
grab my attention as much as Bushwacka’s running man impression being played out
behind the dex. Although the tracks he selected were clear in sound and simpler to listen
to, I could have sworn there was something with “Launch” characteristics thrown in with a
reggae twist, this started to put me off. Layo also opted to slide in Sander’s new remix of
Justin Timberlake’s: Like I Love You, which again was something fresh but over
commercial. Perhaps I was expecting something different, or maybe I became to critical
towards to end of the night, but as the fumbling scratches continued and a lovely brush
off eventuated, I decided to give the rest a miss and joined the Speedy J collision
happening in the next room.
Apart from the lack of people consuming the Globe and the occasional cheesy track
squeezed in, I would have to say it was one of the most grand nights I had ever had the
pleasure to be a part of. A big thank you goes out to the ITM crew. And I would like to
end with this little quote from, Derick: “Never ever think that you don’t fit in.” Your all
stars waiting to be born…Peace out!
Liesha’s Bouts into the International DJ’s Vinyl Box
Dave Seaman: The Promo Man
Massive Attack: 100th Window
Alpha Duo: Serial Killer Vinyl
Simple Minds: Surface
Direct Metal Mastering
Sander Man’s Stuff
Rozzo Physical 2000: The black Rock Remix
Stereo Productions: Bumba
Luxury Grooves: www.luxurygrooves.com
Tony Thomas: Darker
Label Wildlife: Sander’s decription “Wichid Housey Tribal”
Shakedown Feat Terra Deva: Drousey with Hope
Layo & Bushwacka: The E.P Boys
Sly Fidelity & Club Foot: Positive Informaiton
Phonik: Gravitational E.P
Seasonal Recordings: Sea 12-018
2ub Recordings: Press Play E.P
Nite Grooves
Soulsearcher
Jonny Fiasco: A Bag A Drag and A DJ
Grab Records
Jas: hitchhiking
Kenny Dope: Bugging on Precussion
Agorio: Sky is Clear
Coco & Machete Records
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