DJ Sotofett and DJ Fett Burger in Sydney

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  • Jam Gallery is one of the last bastions of late-night culture in Sydney, a city that's had its club scene significantly wounded since the introduction of stifling lockout laws. Although the venue's sound is often too harsh and the space can feel too big, locals have been conditioned to make the most of what they've got. It was, then, a pleasant surprise to descend into the dimly lit space on Saturday night and be greeted by a few welcome changes. Most noticeable was the Funktion-One soundsystem that had been brought in, quelling any anxiety that the music would not be presented in its full glory. The space had also been recently redesigned, with a makeshift wall erected and lined with couches, turning the sometimes cavernous dance floor into something more intimate. Colourful upturned umbrellas adorned the roof and a red glow bathed the DJ booth, keeping things simple. The subtle venue changes buoyed the crowd, who were already excited for an all-night showcase from DJs Sotofett and Fett Burger. A healthy contingent of the audience had been at Victoria's independent Inner Varnika festival the previous weekend, where the Sex Tags duo had crafted a brilliant five-and-a-half-hour session. Many from the Sydney crowd, heaving heard whispers of this performance, wanted a taste for themselves. The brothers began with a two-hour foray through spiritual jazz as people slowly filtered into the room. Once they transitioned into tracks with regular kick drums, the crowd swiftly filled the floor. From there, the duo traded places all night, swapping between playing records and getting stuck in on the dance floor. They dug through the darker, dubbier and more esoteric parts of their record collections, with fellow Sex Tags artist Bjørn Torske getting some good air time. The duo switched things up an hour before the end, moving into euphoric house after an extended spoken word breakdown from Sotofett. Heavenly, the promoter behind the event, proved that with attention to detail it's still possible to throw a special party in Sydney, even in trying times. As the lights came on, Sonya Spence's recently reissued heart warmer, "Let Love Flow On," swelled from the speakers and the busy room was filled with smiling faces.
RA