- It had been a pretty disappointing New Year’s Eve. But for the saving grace of a brilliant two hours from the Scratch Perverts, a below-par (to use a generous euphemism) Welcome had made this my worst NYE ever.
Some early morning sun lifted our spirits somewhat, as we prepared to join other punters choosing to stay away from the Summadayze masses and instead play among friends at Flake on the Lake.
This was to be Yeah Fuck Yeah’s biggest success to date, a success that they richly deserve. We were quietly excited about the party, given the fact it had received such an unprecedented response – selling out in advance and then selling out again after more tickets were released due to a new area being opened.
Of course, by the time we arrived at the Powerhouse, the clouds had reappeared, and a cold wind was whipping up across Albert Park Lake. No matter. Into the Powerhouse we went. A slightly confusing, disjointed venue, it featured a stairway up to the cashier, another stairway up to the inside bar, then a stairway down to a corridor leading to the dancefloor, then a stairway from there up to the toilets, then a balcony, a marquee, and another balcony.
We seated ourselves under the marquee and stayed there until the evening, going inside every so often to check on the music. The dancefloor was a dark, dungeon-like hall, with nonetheless exemplary sound, which these guys never scrimp on. Note to Hardware!
At this early stage, Slack was wrapping up and handing over to Dee Dee, who played a not too heavy, not too light late morning set. Back under the marquee we were seated adjacent to another room, which was in the process of being cleaned after a NYE function. Ultimately it remained empty for the rest of the day. It would’ve been fantastic to see this utilised as a second dancefloor, the panoramic views making for a very different character to the dark and dirty downstairs. Perhaps next time.
Back inside and The Lines were up at midday for a live rinse out. Comprising Machina and DTM, the two faced off from behind their respective banks of equipment, producing a lovely downtempo, minimal mash-up. Very, very smooth. We were eased into each new loop and layer with the most delicate of touches, force-fed changes in intensity without even realising.
Perfectly complimenting this engaging set was the equally entrancing Slieker, playing in a very similar vein. I really dug this set. It was superbly crafted and absolutely perfect for mid-afternoon on New Year’s Day. Slieker is one hell of a diverse DJ and here he had read the crowd just right and played his way into their hearts. It struck me as very similar to Heiko Laux’s Welcome set, but at a time when the audience was more receptive to the minimalism, and of course on a much better sound system. To the head honcho of YFY, I salute you!
Disko Pussy was up next and with seeming ease raised the intensity so that before we knew it the dancefloor was back in overdrive. Shortly after she started the dancefloor was at its peak for the day and going mental. Not least this reporter, red-faced and sweating like a mofo. Some have said that Daisy was a little under the weather, she herself said she had trouble stringing the set together, but it sounded damn fine to me!
Tweaka was in bed asleep, and consequently Cecille and Dave Pham spun a few of Disko Pussy’s records that more than filled the gap.
Speaking of being asleep, Digital Primate received special bonus points when he fronted up to the decks in flannelette pyjamas and slippers! I didn’t find his dark set as engaging as previous ones, and with inclement weather buffeting the outdoor areas, we retreated to the cushioned area by the bar.
Simon Mark played a similarly menacing set, and it was left to Mike Callander to funk it up some with a cavalcade of hits. Starting off with monsters like ‘Body Freefall’ and the surprise ‘Cowgirl’, he then took it down a notch with favourites like ‘Blue Monday’ and ‘I’ll House You’. We called stumps as Callander continued playing house to a dwindling dancefloor.
I richly enjoyed myself at Flake on the Lake. This party had all the right ingredients for success. The YFY crew’s no bullshit advertising and attention to detail meant that techno fans were assured of a quality venue and sound. The bar prices were ridiculously cheap. Jugs of cold water were offered, and bottled water was less than half the price at Welcome – where you weren’t even allowed to keep the bottle’s lid! Dee Dee was even seen mopping the dancefloor during Slack’s set, giving a fantastic surface on which to while away the afternoon!
I have no regrets about skipping Summadayze for this party. There wasn’t a shirtless muzza or stilettoed solarium victim in sight. And sure, there were a few characters amongst the crowd: people had come from as far afield as Welcome, Insectoid, Flirt, and more, giving us the two kickboxers, a pair of disheveled crossdressers, and our favourite, the man with the electrocution dance...but so what? This was a YFY crowd at its post-New Year’s Eve best.
Congratulations again to the Yeah Fuck Yeah crew, and to the Powerhouse for giving them ago. I hope the venue will open its doors more often through 2003 for more events (especially daytime ones!). And as for the next YFY party, well, I can’t wait!