Being a drum and bass head in Melbourne the last few months has been an extremely busy, yet highly enjoyable occupation. A multitude of legendary international acts has frequented our city and the local scene continues to grow.

Last weekend the Krachmacher crew unleashed the explosive force of Simon Bassline Smith on Melbourne punters. Held at the Portland Hotel, Bassline was supported by the Krachmacher regulars, Doppelgänga, Fiend and Descent, while MC’s Wasp and Danyellsan provided volatile vocals. With the audio taken care of, another member of the Krachmacher family, Kontinuum, provided fluid visuals.

As I arrived, Fiend was warming up the room with some cranking tunes (including a new remix of Total Science’s Squash) and I took the opportunity to scope out the venue. Having never been to the Portland Hotel I was keen to check out the setup. I must say I was impressed, there was ample dance floor and plenty of areas to kick back. The venue was filled to a comfortable capacity, and the general vibe was really positive. Combined with Kontinuum’s visuals, the Krachmacher banners and artwork add a unique and distinct character to the event and venue.

After Fiend, Doppelgänga stepped up to provide entree to the mains. Doppelgänga sent out some more subtle and darker tunes with MC Danyellsan joining him.

The first track that Simon Bassline Smith hit the crowd with (his own, Freestyle Mambo) whipped the dance floor into a frenzy and the same phenomenon was repeated numerous times throughout the set. His set consisted of a wide array of the latest big tunes going around some of which were: Dillinja’s Twist ‘Em Out (his own remix) Distorted Minds’ T-10 and Ram Trilogy’s remix of Pac Man. Perhaps if I was a bit more of a purist, I could point this out as a criticism, but really who cares when everyone is having a great time and the vibe is right?

Mixed in-between these big tunes Bassline Smith also weaved in many of his own tracks, culminating in a very punchy, energetic set. Bassline Smith really worked the crowd well, letting the energy levels peak and trough appropriately. Furious MC-ing by Wasp and Danyellsan added to the high energy and volatility of the tunes. Special mention to MC Danyellsan’s witty lyric, “We’re into the alternative with the SBS-Simon Bassline Smith!”

There was slight problem with pa perhaps, but according to legend this is not an uncommon occurrence for SBS! It didn’t by any means hamper the performance however.

This event provided the optimum elements to a Melbourne drum and bass night, the best of sounds, visuals and venues. Top marks Krachmacher!