- Summer Break featuring Krafty Kuts, A-Skills, Dub Pistols & Scratch Perverts
Friday 26th December 2003
Bondi Pavilion, Bondi
Fuzzy Fantastic
Feeling somewhat worse-for-wear on Boxing Day afternoon, I headed along to Fuzzy's Christmas event, Summer Break. Having recently bought the Krafty Kuts/A-Skills latest CD, and also seeing the Scratch Perverts a few times back in London, I had a good feeling about the day and was in good spirits.
Following the sea of trucker caps, sweatbands and beautiful people I headed to the venue, the Bondi Pavilion. Not having been there before I was pleased with the layout, especially the seating area by the main bar where you can just chill with a beer and people-watch. I was also pleasantly surprised by the sound system and relieved there were no sound issues as were present at Global, a couple of weeks prior.
Arriving a little late I missed Jon Wall's set but caught the end of Kid Kenobi's. Kid Kenobi is perhaps Sydney's most busy DJ, and yet again he proved why he is the locals favourite, playing a breaks set that quickly filled up the dance area with eagre clubbers and got everyone moving with a taste of what was to come.
Due to commitments elswehere, Krafty and A-Skills were given an early set. This was a shame, but in no way did it affect the quality of the event as sometimes can happen. They played a party breaks set (not dissimilar to their CD infact) that was just so perfect for the day. Add to that a truck load of scratching, samples and acapellas and you have an idea. Any trainspotter would have revelled in it. For me, it was the best set I've heard this year and by far exceeded all expectations I had of the lads. Some may argue the set was too commercial, but this is a rant I commonly hear, and besides, anyone who plays Born Slippy Vs Groove Armada deserves a little respect!
Next up was London lad Barry Ashworth (Dub Pistols). Barry's set was a tad faster, and the grassy dance area become even more full with everyone dancing under the Boxing Day sun - And kicking up lots of freshly cut grass in the process!. He played a very London influenced breaks set and I think I even heard some Garage beats in there too which made a nice change. Barry was without a doubt the most enthusiastic DJ at the event and perhaps the tightest mixer too, his impromptu MCing at the very end of the day was also a great surprise - I will definitely be making the effort to go see Dub Pistols again.
As the sun started to set, the Scratch Perverts (minus Plus One) took to the decks. I thought the dramatic reduction of bpm from Breaks to Hip hop would upset the flow of the day but infact I found myself welcoming the change, and the Perverts kept us going into the night, showing us all why they have the skills to be up there with the best of the world turntablists. Hip hop jumped back to breaks and then onto some Jungle and D n B that was pure heaven. The progression of beats working everyone into a frenzy that proved to be one of the best parts of the day. Fuzzy take note - More D n B please!
A great event that will be remembered as one of my best - Well done Jon Wall & the Fuzzy team!