Live Review: Shlohmo, PURPLE, D33J, Nick Melons

In the absence of some of the quintessential members of the group, there was no doubting that we were blessed with a stunning grab bag and some of the most core and founding members from the WEDIDIT Collective.

Starting as cluster of modest DJ buddies at house parties in their hometown of Los Angeles, WEDIDIT quickly surfaced as one of the most intriguing and consistent record labels to emerge on the electronic scene. Label co-founder and recognised disc jockey wizard Nick Melons made a startling impression with his opening slot from the LA-based posse. Without a skerrick of production material under his belt to date, on an indolent first glance one might question Melon's inclusion within the label, but this would be a hasty and ignorant conclusion. Spinning some hearty melodic grime selections, Melons conjured up what was to be the start of a manic dancefloor. Djvan Santon, better known by his stage name D33J, brought the tone and energy down, if only a little bit, providing an ultra eclectic but somehow cohesive set brimming with an ambrosia of lo-fi house and low-slung rap. Differing drastically from the mellow and therapeutic vibrations emanated from his production, D33J managed to pull off a bewildering but certainly delightful display.

The gloomy and heart-wrenching melodies of PURPLE washed over the crowd when the clock struck 12, in what was to be a truly emotional and intimate performance from the enigmatic kid from Berlin. Peculiar fusions of witch house and industrial influences coupled with transient white strobe effects simply perplexed the audience. Shlohmo's most recent musical endeavour Dark Red is a deeply intense marriage of '90s IDM, sludge metal and jungle. Horrifically grim and visceral on occasions, it is perfectly understandable that it has divided fans with an immense departure from his traditionally delicate, folk-laced R&B. "What's up, motherfuckers? What's up, Perth? I'm having the best day of my life, man!" Shlohmo's testament rang equally true to the mesmerised and frenetic crowd. Navigating through his catalogue of harsh and refined productions alike, Henry Laufer (aka Shlohmo) pulled off an inspiring and visceral occasion assisted by the striking live arrangements, which included drum pads, keyboards, guitars and cigars.