Live Review: DJ Krush, Resin Dogs, Tigermoth

There are few supports that would be more appropriate for this occasion than Brisbane's Tigermoth. For years, this gifted artist has been giving local crowds glimpses into the world's most potent blends of instrumental hip hop, all the while developing and evolving his own musical voice along the way.

Tonight, his perpetual persistence in climbing to great heights is as evident as ever. Projected visuals give an added point of accessibility into his world but once inside it's the music that does the real talking, carrying listeners away on its subtle whispers of wonder and woe. A new record is right around the corner and if this set is anything to go by then it's another exciting time yet again in the career of this local crusader.

A typical set from Resin Dogs would have probably been a bit too bright for the palette of this night. This stripped-back incarnation, of DJ Katch and Dave Atkins on the decks, paints with all the right tones though. Charting a lengthy career that saw the two first perform in support of Gil Scott Heron, tonight's set is a celebration of this journey and the 20-year history of their label, Hydro Funk Records. It's a megamix of rare beats and hip hop gems, with a touching tribute to David Bowie, via Space Oddity, thrown in for good measure. It plays out like an ode to cultural memory and creative communities, and it hits with a resounding resonance.

The release of Butterfly Effect late last year saw DJ Krush put an end to a more than decade-long wait between albums. The live arena, however, isn't a place the Japanese beat-wizard has been shy during this time. Close on three years ago, he played this very venue. It was a rapturous set that completely eclipsed his two prior visits, and from the moment he kicks off tonight it's evident that he's lost none of his momentum since. If anything, the album's eventual completion seems to have acted as wind under his wings.

He sets the room alight with a run of intoxicating tunes before delving far into the depths of his craft with a majestic working of Portishead's Glory Box that slowly sinks at its end into the deepest waters of his own compositions. Lurking in the furthest depths is Butterfly Effect opener Probability, the affecting impact of which stands testament to the enduring power of his artistry all these years on. There's certainly a vast darkness present in these soundscapes, but the immense beauty of the light that trickles through is always prominent, and it's these illuminating sparks that keep the dance floor electric throughout.

A brilliant reworking of the 1994 classic and fan favourite Kemuri shows that a seamless flow has always run its course between the two banks of his career, and the current has always been strong enough to sweep listeners off their feet. While there is a characteristic intensity to his performance tonight, there's also the sense that he's effortlessly gliding his way through the whole thing. His skills behind the decks are flaunted with an array of tricks that work melodic and rhythmic wonders on DJ Shadow's Organ Donor, The Fugees' Ready or Not, and John Lennon's Imagine.

He takes his departure on this note of sentiment, but is soon bringing the party vibes with his customary, beat-laden encore of classics, including We Will Rock You, Whole Lotta Love, Smoke On The water, and Billie Jean. Another set of masterstrokes from one of the world's best!