- Well as they say its better late then never. In this instance it’s referring to this review of James Zabiela @ Space nightclub in Sydney for his Renaissance Tour. Now his 2003 visit will probably live in the memory of many of those that attended. It was the first time James and his ‘unique’ blend of mixing and track selection was unleashed on Sydney audiences, and needless to say that it wowed almost everyone that attended, I included. The young man from Southampton has somewhat become a cult legend in Australia already, and this was only the second time he’s been here! Needless to say the excitement for this night was at a real high, but there was also a feeling that James had a lot to live up to after his brilliant set of last year.
Before I indulge on what JZ had to offer let us not forget that another top class DJ as well as live act played at Renaissance that night, and their names were Tyler Stadius and Australia’s very own Infusion (It’s not often we have international stars to be proud of in electronic music!!). Tyler was brilliant as he usually is, opening the night with some delicious tech house numbers. The baselines were quite smooth and promptly did more then ‘warm up’ those that were there. And there were many people! Tyler would have almost been familiar with the crowd as it almost mirrored a crowded night at London’s Fabric. The good news is that Tyler might be playing again in July in Sydney, so for those that missed him at Renaissance, I cannot urge you enough to go check him out.
Infusion followed Tyler and not much else needs to be said. It’s almost automatic that they seem to get things going in the right direction. The action was intense, with driving beats immersed in deep chunky, often roaring baselines. Many Infusion favorites were heard including their massive single ‘Girls Can Be Cruel’, as well as a number of forthcoming productions that will feature on their new album. As their performance notably got more up tempo and energetic, James Zabiela’s nerves slowly increased. ‘How do you follow this’ I’m sure he was thinking.
Perhaps he wasn’t as it took James absolutely no time at all to hit the energy level that was needed. Now I’m not afraid to say that I thought his set this year was even better then that last year. It certainly was tougher and driving, which I felt the time slot from 3-6 am demanded. When a 3 hour set seems to fly by in what I swear seemed like 30 minutes, then you know you must have been having fun during that time. With tracks like the reggae inspired ‘Killer’ by Scam, as well as the massive Wrecked Angle mix of ‘Bliss’ by Syntax, two tracks which helped shape his Essential mix, it should be clear that the quality of tunage was at a high. That combined with many moments of builds, drops, scratches, loops, edits, you name it, it was not only a solid display of good tracks, but a technical display of a DJ beyond his years and experience on how to rock a dancefloor. For me this set had more cohesion then his set last year.
And that was that. Another great night, which incidentally restored a little hope towards Space as a venue. I thought the Sounds crew did an excellent job, almost perfect. The sound was very good (not in Sydney, surely?), the crowd were well up for it, and the talent on show was nothing short of phenomenal. Now if they could only convince James to reside in Australia and play here monthly. Not to worry, we will all have his new album soon enough, to keep ''Alive'' the memories of this night.