Live Review: Dialectrix, DJ Disclosure, DJ Sizzle, Fluent Form & The Aphilliates

It's the night before SLAM Day, and, well, it's no wonder that we need a national event to remind people to support their local live music venues. The Aphilliates are rocking a set to a small but engaged gaggle of punters, followed by Fluent Form stepping up to the mic. “I've never played to such a big crowd before,” he deadpans. The audience may be small, but they still wholeheartedly appreciate the local MC's sharp, furious flow – his Flu 32 bars are a particular highlight. It's a tight, dedicated set under less than ideal conditions.

Having braved the storms of NSW (and the consequently delayed planes) to get to Melbourne, Dialectrix turns up at the nick of time. He wastes no time, jumping on stage to get things started with The Facilitator, DJ Sizzle behind him doing a fine job carving up the decks. The set is a balance of strong new material from Dialectrix's new Satellite EP (the title track is a particular highlight) and beloved older material, including Pieces Of The Puzzle and the ever-brilliant Priceless. Dialectrix is, as usual, on top of his game (even after a tough day) – he delivers rapid-fire rhymes with alarming precision. Few can match this impeccable MC.

It's the final song of the night, however, that reminds you that the biggest, flashiest gigs aren't always the ones you'll love the best. Fluent Form and DJ Discourse jump back on stage for Comin' To Getcha, the brilliant Dialectrix/Crate Cartel collaboration. It's four minutes of spectacular rhymes and hilarious banter between artists who are clearly enjoying themselves. The night finishes on a high note as the clock ticks past midnight. It's officially SLAM Day, and we've already been reminded why live music is so great.