- The vibe for this party was massive. I had missed the first El Barrio, much to my chagrin, but when so many people started whispering excitedly about the next instalment I was sure not to make the same mistake twice.
There were a few people milling outside the front of 101 Smith St but when we entered the lower floor was empty. Looks can be deceiving though, because as we jumped up the stairs we saw that the first level was jumping. The room was full of smiling faces and house music lovers.
Ant J Steep and Angela Maison were tag teaming behind the decks and served up a very tasty mix. Lots of big house numbers from the Groove Assassins to The Deep - ‘Dom Dom Jump’. But a soulful, skilful mix was not without its surprises - a remix of Eminem’s ‘Without Me’ getting a loud cheer.
To top off the jazzy, self-styled “ghetto” feel, a saxophonist played up a storm, accompanying the latter part of their set.
Then it was time for Franky D, Melbourne house music legend, to wow the crowd. What a sensationally crafted set! Franky was able to touch on many subgenres of house, changing the flavour of his set by going from funky to all out jackin’ stuff.
His accompaniment was courtesy of the keys and the drums, the trio of instruments all playing off on each other to brilliant effect.
This was a lush evening of house, with an upforit crowd that were locked to the dancefloor til the end thanks to El Barrio’s “real house” selections. The pretentions were largely left at home, the music was top notch, and the vibe was superb.
Well done El Barrio – when the next one rolls around, I’ll be one of the people excitedly whispering about it!