Live Review: Syrup Arcade

So Y R U uP? A simple question that has your ordinary 2am internet dweller completely baffled on any given weeknight, but if you found yourself at Fremantle's Westgate Mall last Saturday night, the answer would have been all too obvious: To immerse yourself in Perth's biggest and most anticipated club night. A night where a description should simply be left to the promoter's own accord because, let's face it, they conjure up some extremely juicy imagery: “We will be transforming Fremantle's Westgate Mall into a geometric jungle of hypercoloured hysteria and cosmic commotion”, and “Direct your eyes and minds towards your future environment of eclectic energy”. Making a bold shift from Northbridge's Gilkinson's Dance Studio, as well as making a dramatically earlier start and finish time paid off some nice dividends: lines were evidently shorter and the overall mood seemed consequently higher. Donning Perth's only Funktion-One sound system, the monitors effortlessly picked up the lowest ranges of bassline and highest ranges of hi-hat. A large tree hung lazily over the main stage where some of Perth's best local talent resided, complimenting the deep green jungle theme that manifested. Just to single out a few of the highlights: House jams from D.Y.P and Bolsty, contemporary R&B selections from Leon Osborn and traditional trap rhythms from Genga and Benny P truly showcased Perth's variety and talent. Deadweight affiliates Boy P and Saxon went back-to-back to conclude the night, with a bouncy and fun filled set of dubstep and UK garage selections. Daniel Beddingfield's 2001 heartfelt club singalong, Gotta Get Through This, went down as a real tongue-in-cheek treat for the crowd. The Deadweight boys finished off the night with Skream's iconic Midnight Request Line, paying homage to the dubstep pioneer who was also playing in Perth on the night over at Villa Nightclub. A Ren & Stimpy stamp from the Arcade was required for after party entry over at The Clink Nightclub, where there was a similar but more intimate atmosphere. The night certainly lived up to its extravagant and wondrous event write-ups, whilst also standing as a testament to the strength of the upcoming Freo party scene. Syrup has truly solidified its position as the most important monthly club night in Perth.