Roller has long been a bit of an institution for Perth’s tight and burgeoning drum and bass community, having started at the Wembley way back in deep, dark 1999 and operating from the Rosemount Hotel since 2001.Thursday nights have been the scene of much ruff action for some time now, and steady attendance by the faithful means this night always offers a guaranteed good time. The corner bar at the dear old Rosie has also recently had one hell of a nip and tuck, so in addition to some fine tunes you will find a shiny, spanking new bar, a kitted out stage and DJ booth, comfy sofas, pool table and, in the words of Zoolander, really, really, really good looking bar staff.

Proceedings are overseen by a formidable posse – the devilish Devo, dynamic Dart, karismatic Kent and booyakin’ Blend, along with the regular addition of ‘special guests.’ On this particular Thursday, one of the last of those balmy summer nights we will soon be yearning for, the sizeable beer garden was packed out with a chilled out crowd. There was plenty of eye-candy amongst this relaxed bunch of people, the music the crazy glue that binds them all together. These guys had an eye to the crowds and an ear to the tunes – conversations were occasionally punctuated with a ‘yeeeah’ and a slap of the table when a favourite track wound its way into the mix. There was no ‘too cool for school’ attitude about the music here – people are quick and loud in their appreciation.

Later in the night, the volume was jacked up and the crowds started to arrive, with a few brave souls even making their way around a quiet dance floor. Rollicking hip-hop and rhythmic d & b were the perfect backdrop for a comfy chat in the courtyard, loud but not invasive. Winter chills are sure to drive the crowd inside over the next few weeks, which will make for a cosy, warm environment and maybe encourage a few more people to bust their moves! This place comes highly recommended – check it out.

Roller is at the Rosemount Hotel, Fitzgerald St, North Perth every Thursday night.