Live Review: Bok Bok, L-Vis 1990, DYP, Sleepyhead

Nearly every core Night Slugs affiliate has graced Perth's blessed shores to date, and co-curators Bok Bok and L-Vis 1990 returning only a year or so since they were last out is indicative that we're doing something right. The nightclub-cum-record label has continued to shape a revered and identifiable but ultimately eclectic palette of soundscapes with its diverse array of talent.

In an interview in 2013 with Spin, Bok Bok stated that, “Our belief is that club music shouldn't be treated as something you're going to hear once and forget about it. It should be a slightly more rich and immersive experience – thinking about things in terms of textures and aesthetic properties.” This notion came through with sincerity on the night, and laying down the solid foundations prior to the duo's performance was a host of local talent, including Sleepyhead and DYP, who went back-to-back for what was a fun-filled set, equal measures party rap rhythms and deep house delights. At one stage the pair got up from behind the decks and had a mid-set boogie amongst themselves, a testament to the light-hearted nature of their set.

The Slugs began their performance coolly albeit a little behind time, L-Vis 1990 exhaling successive puffs of smoke from an electronic cigarette that distinctly resembled a miniature flute. The absence of visuals and lights contributed to the intimacy of the experience, which emphasised their signature stuttery and syncopated percussion. The first half of the performance centred around squelchy house grooves, before the pace quickened and adopted a more sensual direction. Coining the term 'Rhythm & Grime' to describe the sounds of his new EP, Bok Bok toyed around with these emerging soundscapes, but to the crowd's dismay failed to play out any of his own production. Aware or otherwise, the pair went considerably over their time slot, taking things again to another level with some authentic footwork including the late DJ Rashad's Double Cup. The 2am Bakery curfew was surpassed, but it was clear the boys were eager to continue, displaying a very humorous master-level wrestling match with the sound guy. The 'aesthetic properties' continue for Perth though, with the ineffable spacey slugger Girl Unit in the mix over at Ambar next month.