Review: Body Control Events presents Solsta and Lowbrain at Geisha Bar

Body Control Events Presents: Solsta and Lowbrain at Geisha Bar
Friday, July 26, 2024

Since the end of lockdown, Perth's electronic music scene has bounced back in a big way, with last Friday's event hosted by Body Control Events epitomising this exciting era of music. Though having previously hosted popular artists such as Rebūke and Bella Claxton, Body Control Events—led by WA-based DJ and producer Tina Says—has proven itself to be a strong advocate for promoting emerging local talent. On Friday evening, Body Control transformed Geisha into a pulsating epicentre of rhythms and basslines as Solsta and Lowbrain took the stage, supported by Banksia Blaq, Tina Says, Sinfeni, and Lucien. Despite the chilly temperatures outside, the atmosphere inside Geisha was galvanic, with its quality sound system, dynamic lighting, and intimate ‘Boiler Room’ setup style creating an immersive experience where the DJ and crowd felt closely connected.

As the clock struck ten, Banksia Blaq kicked off the night with a standout solo debut, delivering a set packed with funky, high-energy tunes. Her performance was a dynamic mix of fast-paced beats and occasionally heavier tracks that instantly urged the crowd to dance as she curated the venue’s electric atmosphere. Her thoughtful track selection and focus on the dance floor solidified her debut as an impressive display of talent that set the bar high for the evening, leaving the crowd buzzing with energy and eager for more.

Next, Lowbrain seized the stage and raised the energy even higher. His opening tracks ignited the tempo of the night, featuring a diverse selection that each evoked reactions from the crowd. Deep Blue Sea by Anna Lunoe prompted a particularly enthusiastic response at the beginning of his set, with Lowbrain then transitioning into the more urgent, bass-driven rhythms of both garage and UK garage. The introduction of Stylin’ by Club Angel marked the peak of this transition, heightening the set’s intensity and steering the dance floor into deeper, more compelling territory. Throughout his performance, Lowbrain’s adept transitions and ability to maintain the energy of his performance delivered a captivating musical experience, and as the bass-driven rhythms morphed into something much heavier, the crowd followed him, growing larger by the minute as they became immersed in the sound.

As midnight approached, Perth DJ and producer Solsta took to the decks for his much-anticipated hour of power. Known for his innovative take on house music—reminiscent of Bicep and Ross from Friends—Solsta surpassed all expectations with a performance that was far from his usual mellow style. With a selection of tracks that included those of Kyle Starkey, KETTAMA, and EFESIAN, the crowd responded with renewed vigour, moving as one in a sea of flashing lights as they danced the night away to the sounds of garage and techno. Solsta’s willingness to experiment with sounds outside his typical repertoire demonstrated his versatility and skill as a performer, with cheers and an ever-buzzing dance floor testifying to the impact of his set on the crowd, proving that pushing musical boundaries as an artist often results in an unforgettable performance.

Following Solsta, Tina Says took the stage and blew the house down with a performance that truly demonstrated her experience in the music industry. Known for her ability to merge classic house grooves with contemporary techno influences, Tina Says crafted a vibrant and engaging performance that kept the energy high and the dance floor packed. Her stage presence was as dynamic as her sound; she exuded confidence, dancing behind the decks as if it were her second home. To say the very least, Tina Says did not disappoint: her track selection elicited feelings of both nostalgia and freshness, and the performance itself exemplified both her experience as an artist and an event planning mastermind. She actively engaged the crowd, forging a connection between herself and her audience that was so strong that it felt as if she was dancing among them, and their response—raised hands and an electric dance floor still humming with energy—highlighted the success of her performance.

Still riding the high from the previous acts of the night, Geisha’s pulsating atmosphere showed no signs of letting up, with the audience prepared to dance well into the new day. As the early hours of Saturday morning approached, Lucien and Sinfeni took over, ensuring the night’s momentum remained at a fever pitch. Stepping in first, Sinfeni kept the dance floor packed with her skillful mixing and sense of rhythm, sparking up the crowd with her inclusion of Higher State by Drunken Kong. 

From 3 a.m. to 5 a.m., Lucien seized control and delivered a monumental set that capped off the evening in spectacular fashion. His inclusion of the bold, boundary-pushing sounds of Odd Mob as well as the deeper, more groove-oriented sounds of Human Movement prompted massive reactions from the crowd, solidifying his role in closing the night on a high note. Lucien's performance provided a fitting finale to an unforgettable night, leaving everyone with a positive and long-lasting impression of Body Control as a top contender in local music events.

OLIVIA WILLIAMS