Live Review: Deadboy, Clunk, Untitlted Sound Alliance

The end of the 2000s signalled the beginning of a very important era for electronic music. Taking bits and pieces from its definitive predecessors UK garage and 2-step garage, this was truly the resurgence of UK underground and the dawn of what was to be coined 'future garage'. With artists like Joy Orbison and James Blake making a mark with this crucial sound simultaneously familiar and yet overtly original, it wasn't long before Perth got its wits about it and snapped up one of its forerunners. When ICSSC flew Deadboy over to our Western shores back in 2010 for their very first show, the Perth night scene changed for the better. The Facebook event page's opening line read: “The long awaited second show with the dude that started everything for us... we're super proud to present!”

Otherworldly visuals from the Syrah boys (composed of the very exciting up and coming pair that is Trilllionaire and Biome) splashed backdrops of deep red volcanic galaxies that resonated nicely with the formed soundscapes. Untitled Sound Alliance set the scene for Deadboy as supporting act, laying down some suitable tech house rhythms from the likes of A Guy Called Gerald and Midland.

The highly-anticipated Deadboy unassumingly crept behind the decks around the midnight mark and began what was to be a particularly eclectic performance. Kicking things off with his signature R&B-integrated future garage with an inclusion of the sultry sounds of his own Wish U Were Here, Deadboy turned up the heat very early. The set went on to incorporate everything from dancehall to grime, including the unrivalled track of the night which has finally been identified as 040's Minors, receiving a warranted rewind response from the hysterical front row's avid hand gestures. Concluding his set with the high-energy vibrations of Mssingno, Clunk inherited the mammoth task of maintaining the momentum. Clunk adopted a similar presence to Deadboy with some rap music for good measure, including Young Thug's self-indulgent sing-along, Stoner. Four years on and fans of the scene continue to be spoilt rotten by seemingly countless quality internationals. Perth is fast becoming recognised one of the true hubs of the electronic underground, and the beauty of it all is that it's only going to get better.