- It was an afternoon of warm sun, cool tunes, and cold beer. With the UK's Norman Jay headlining, the Sounds on Sunday Brisbane launch didn't dissapoint.
Locals Claire Morgan and Mark Brias kicked off on the Terrace at 2pm with some cruisy vocal house. Inside in the Cocktail Lounge, Paprika and Reekay started with some nujazz, before getting into some downtempo breaks and hip-hop - even throwing in the "Bus Stop".
Back on the Terrace, Rousey and Mr Sparkle served up some deep and funky house. Tracks like Coloursound's "Fly With Me" and DJ Sneak's "Fix My Sink" got a few of the punters up and dancing. At 5pm, Brazen and Mr Gaunt began their set in the Cocktail Lounge. Their expected 2 hour breaks set was extended to 4 hours, as Seven (Sydney) seemed to be a no-show.
Craig Obey (Sydney) took over with some instrumental house on the Terrace, then worked a few breaks tracks in before launching into some funky house, finishing up with DJ Falcon and Thomas Bangalter's "So Much Love To Give".
By the time Norman Jay (UK) stepped up the decks, the small dancefloor on the Terrace was almost packed. His 3-hour set was filled with bouncy, soulful house numbers, including remixes of Aretha Franklin's "Say A Little Prayer" and The Police's "Roxanne".
Elroy's (Sydney) 9pm set featured laid-back hip-hop, including Arrested Development's early 90s hit "Everyday People". Also at 9pm, the Lovesexy Room was opened with an R&B set from Deja Vu (Gold Coat), making way for James Lovesexy (UK) at 11:30pm.
The crew have picked a good venue for Brisbane SOS. Friday's Riverside indoor/outdoor dance areas are good for a smallish, intimate crowd, and the location (right on the river) is great for sunny Sunday afternoons.
SOS Brisbane has great potential, but needs more support from the local dance music crowd. The launch has set a high standard for future events, and this reviewer is looking forward to what's in store!