- Sydney's a giver when it comes to clubbing, consistently delivering a series of fortunate events. The super clubs and smaller venues and well-kitted-out basement bars are graced by a generous stream of internationals backed by talented locals almost every weekend, especially during the southern summertime. That said, there were certain aspects of the Motor City Drum Ensemble gig recently that brought an extra-special touch to proceedings on the night the young Stuttgart native came to perform.
First, it was the debut of MCDE, AKA Danilo Plessow, on our shores, and the feeling Down Under is always one of hyped anticipation when someone graces us with a virgin visit. Second, he was playing for CO-OP, a small group devoted to the art of deep house and hosting tiny parties with fantastic acts. The CO-OP boys followed up their first event in May, hosting Motorcitysoul, with their second in early August, featuring Poker Flat's Vincenzo. Both events were sold out and well-received, leaving an already faithful allegiance anticipating the next affair.
The venue for this evening was a banking district bar called The Vault, which had never before been booked for an electronic music event. This proved both a blessing (the novelty factor and its small size were both a win) and a curse (teething problems were inevitable). The Vault caters well to its regular suited-up clientele, with high, stucco ceilings, gilded gold ornamentation and red curtains featuring in the main bar, where the CO-OP DJs held court for the night. Below that, a carpeted basement boasts a smaller bar, soft seating around the edges of the room, and not much more. Even the four walls must have been confused to see a small army of house fans filling the floor on this particular evening.
Not many (if any) who attended would disagree with the opinion that it was a beautiful night. It wasn't without its glitches, but that can be said for most events in the best established clubs in town. The main act arrived late. Close to an hour late. But he took to the decks in the basement just before midnight, immediately delivering Michael Wycoff's "Looking up to You" (The Revenge Rework), and the salivating crowd lapped it up. For three-and-a-half hours, Plessow moved things from Detroit to Chicago, mixed in some deep electro and, for good measure, threw in some of his much-loved Raw Cuts to the crowd's delight. His mixing wasn't perfect but it was nonetheless a solidly soulful set.
He was billed to play for five hours, but circumstance prevented it. Plessow's vinyl got locked behind his hotel's reception earlier that evening and, when the time came to rescue them, no hotel staff was available to get them out. Despite being restricted to his CD wallet, he gave boundless energy to the night, and delivered a well-constructed set in the face of frustrating adversity.
While the sound—particularly in the basement—for any future events at The Vault would need tweaking, on the whole the night was a success. (Just ask the uninhibited young fan who spent a generous portion of the night in front of the decks repeating the words, "They're my favourite!")