- The acceleration of Aussie producers and DJ's worldwide is growing rapidly primarily due to the quality music of all spheres being signed and released. Phil K happens to be one of these highly respected and capable people, a face not new to many, gracing the shores of Melbourne clubs since the 1980's. His love for Melbourne and global travel limits his visits to Australia and it was a rare Saturday in June that he ventured to Sydney to create that dirty, dark electro/breaks vibe he is well renowned for.
It is no secret that since the release of his Balance CD that Phil has grown to the likes of many in the US and UK stamping his authority as a pioneer in his area. With rumours of Global Underground release, Phil seems un-phased and prefers to play and produce quality music that not only makes him happy but gains the respect of those that matter most to him, the listeners. The Cave at Chinese Laundry is not an unfamiliar location for Phil, playing here on his last visit to Sydney. The small, dirty, close-up setup in the Cave highly suits Phil's persona and he was due to play a very late 2-4 set.
Prior to Phil's start Elliot Eastwick, a man associated with the very very early acid house and electro sounds of the UK, was cranking out some quirky, electro house sounds with some deep jazzy disco numbers next door. His smooth transition from sound to sound, record to record, seemed to please many, especially after a quality visit not long ago at Toasted.
But it was obvious Phil K was the one many were anticipating to see, as the small area of the Cave filled up rather rapidly, like the scenario of an international DJ coming to town. After a brief chat with him, Phil came to the decks a little before 2 really pumped to impress a previously zealous bunch of Sydneysiders. Slightly different to the previous 4 or so times I had seen him, Phil started in very dark, deep and housey opting away from the atmospheric moments I remembered (far from a bad option). The rumbling baselines, the twisted sounds, quirky bleeps and off beats all mashed together as Phil and the crowd began to get down and dirty. His technical abilities in my opinion are bettered by none, even the Great James Zabiela has a few tricks of the trade that could be mastered through Phil.
The combination of his work on the CDJ, turntables and mixer is inspiring as he can turn a simple vocal into a distorted mumble, rewinding, fast-forwarding a rate beyond light years. Ok before I get ahead of myself, it was the memories of Dirty Gringos - Cowbell (Homskillet mix) that really got the crowd's booty-a-shakin. Dropping his new work Furball and Andy page / Spicetraders - Elemental electrofunk certainly got appreciations from this end and the night kept getting dirtier and darker. Never shy, in fact more content, with whipping out Aussie produced work, Phil's last hour saw the likes of Nubreed, Infusion, Andy Page and the duo work he has done with Luke Chable and Ivan Gough all getting a huge workout. The music and enthusiasm that he delivers it at, is what makes Phil K to me one of Australia's best. Unfortunately his demand overseas in the near future will see him depart our shores for a while, which is a shame to both Sydney and Melbourne purveyors of music.
An evening of Phil K's music is never dull so if u get the chance next time he wanders our way be sure to give him a listen and say hi, he wont bite.