- When I agreed to write this review I had so much in store. I was planning to include a couple of train spots, some attempted wit and plenty of similes for boring. Poised to continue living in my jaded little world where nothing is quite like it used to be. Unfortunately, Private Function #19 had a different idea.
I arrived at around midnight, well and truly pre-marinated. With scotch and coke in hand I headed upstairs to hear some of Dean Millson’s set. It was extremely easy to get into the set and have a bit of a dance to get the ball rolling. It would normally be about this time that I would berate the DJ's ability to mix or his track selection but Dean provided me with no complaints. He successfully provided us with an enjoyable set that would turn out to compliment Porter’s set very nicely.
Two o’clock rolled around, and with a few more scotch and cokes under the belt I needed to rest my weary legs for a moment. From the seating area I could hear Steve Porter starting off his set with some nice house tunes. Around summertime I am normally more acceptable of house and this was no exception. Not too many tracks needed to be played before I could no longer resist the call of the dance floor.
By this stage his set had progressed from house to what can only be described as funky prog. Something, before this set, I was convinced was an oxymoron. From here Porter shed off the bouncier elements of his set and progressed into something a little bit more driving. Those among us who are followers of the progressive “journey” should have been pleased with how this set was crafted.
For approximately an hour and a half I tore up the dance floor with only the occasional break to order a beverage. Many others appeared to be in the same boat as me. The whole set seemed to provide a perfect bar fly to dancing ratio. The total number of people was definitely my ideal for an international DJ, providing the small intimate party that all progressive fans dream of. However, perfect for me doesn’t necessarily mean perfect for the organisers, who would’ve most likely been slightly disappointed with the turn out.
At around 4:30am my legs could take it no longer, I needed a seat. So for the last half hour of Porter’s set I had to settle for some gentle head bopping from the seated area. It took me a little while to notice that Aaron Roach had taken over on the decks, so for adapting the style of the guest DJ he must be commended. Unfortunately, I soon needed sleep so left for home and collapsed into bed. My only regret as I left was that I had missed sets by both Ferris and Sasha Petrovic, two DJs who have impressed me in the past.
The next morning I awoke, mouth drier than a witch’s tit and with a pounding headache. All this was quickly forgotten as I recalled what had happened the previous night. For the first time in a very long time I had thoroughly enjoyed a DJ set. What most DJs seem to be only able to keep up for a small portion of their set, Steve Porter was able to maintain for three whole hours.
After most DJ sets I would be able to reel off a few tracks that were played, the exact times the DJ ruined a mix and ten reasons why I hate dance music. Steve Porter showed me that this sort of analysis is not possible when you are thoroughly enjoying yourself. Hopefully it isn’t too early to pre book my ticket for the next Private Function.