- Room 680 was the venue for a Big Day Out Melbourne warm-up set for 2ManyDJs on Friday 27 January, though most left the venue probably thinking that the gig at Princes Park would be hard pressed to top the performance.
It’s a good venue Room, and despite the vibe being a little lackluster for James Murphy's strong set (which seemed lost on the crowd wedged between party favourites Ajax and the headliners) prior to the mash-up master class, this may have increased the energy when 2ManyDJs did come on, as most punters were pretty keen to get moving to something by that time.
I am not sure if anyone could say that 2ManyDJs, made up of the Dewaele brothers, are all that groundbreaking an outfit in terms of what they actually do, but they are the masters of timing with a knack of playing the right track at the right time.
Though not popular with copyright lawyers and record executives for their flagrant utilisation of the world of hits available to them, the Belgian lads get away with it, and are supported by superstars such as Missy Elliott because whatever you call what they do … it sounds pretty good.
Their remix of "Pump up the Jam" was welcomed by a two arm salute from most in the crowd, and up on the balcony overlooking the stage, the comfy couches were vacated as there was a push to get to the rails to see just how crazy the whole place was going. One of the best albums of last year was not overlooked either, as the Sean Ryder vocals on "Dare" by the Gorillaz filled the air – the very hot air.
This was worked in nicely around the time well received versions of 80s classic "Funkytown" was cranked out, and New Order’s "Blue Monday". The party set continued as the Stone Roses track "Fool’s Gold", made even more famous by its inclusion on the Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels soundtrack, was added in. Track of the night had to be Tiga's remix of Thomas Anderson's "Washing Up", can I get a hell yeah!?
While the best looking 47-year-old in a purple leotard, though not actually present, was also represented in full audio effect. Soulwax were given a couple of runs too by the Belgians (NY Excuse, E-Talking remix).
Local lads Cut Copy were given a pre-BDO Melbourne plug as their "Nowhere" track was given a nice mixing over as the atmosphere in Room continued its climb to the peak.
2ManyDJs then pretty much captured the theme of the set with a straight-up spin of "Get Your Rocks Off", which definitely didn’t fall on deaf ears, though some might wonder if they would actually want to hear that song by anyone else at any other time…not sure I would.
Agent 86 followed perfectly, opening with Chem Brothers’ "Galvanize" and also dropping Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out" with a big reaction, keeping a buzzing crowd humming along beautifully.
It is fair to say Room 680 kicked off a Big Weekend Out in Melbourne nicely.