Jack Rabbit Slim’s 2nd Birthday @ Jack Rabbit Slim’s
w/ Bells Rapids, Ziggy Ramo, Rag n’ Bone, The Southern River Band, Koi Child, Oh Gosh, Palais, Lilt (pictured above), Ngaiire and Good Friday DJs
Friday, July 7 & Saturday, July 8, 2017
There’s always something distinctly motivating about a street party. For me, it’s the idea of getting around ludicrous council legislation in the name of getting pissed. So when Jack Rabbit Slim’s announced their 2nd Birthday with a killer line up to boot, there were definitely a few ears perking up and both nights sold out for what would become the bender of all benders.
Opening their doors on the Friday at the ripe time of 8pm saw gal pal rockers Bells Rapids tearing the night up to a crowd of 30 or so with their 90s recklessness. Onto some hard-hitting truths for Ziggy Ramo, he gave the crowd topics to really chew on with the smooth dulcet production and his rounded rap virtues.
Bringing something a little grittier to the table was Rag n’ Bone stepping up to the plate. The first remarkable aspect of the band is frontwoman Kiera Owen’s damn voice. A warm and kind caress when it needs to be and a ferociously long and winding counter point at other times. The bass lines also shone melodically strong making up an essential part of the moodiness.
Finishing up the string of straight-up outstanding live acts were the boys from The Southern River Band… and boy, even if you didn’t dig their Thornlie pub rock sound (which would have been difficult) frontman Callum Kramer sure does entertain. The darndest down to earth Aussie mate you’ll ever meet donned a white flared suit – presumably stolen from Elvis Presley’s grave and the most horrendous (legendary) mullet your eyes have ever witnessed. His banter was truly top shelf, throwing out feelers for a lift to the Duncraig and a Joondalup boy’s footy game before continuing to shred his rock socks off to a sincerely enthusiastic crew.
From 12am onwards the decks came out and the doors to the outside party opened as the club began to fill. Venturing out into the set up you’d find DJs going back to back in a silent disco, a hot toddy and some mulled wine and a good chill out space to chatter. The night got a good dance floor going from the likes of Koi Child, Oh Gosh and Good Friday DJs and the usual house party vibes picked up and carried us throughout the night.
Night two saw another line up of phenomenal artists, and from Feels to Ngaiire the electronic tones brought a sense of cool but definitely no sense of calm. Arriving for Palais saw a spacial chill electronic vibe sending waves across the dance floor and a few tails wagging with his Instant Crush and his remix of Sbtrkt’s Wildfire both featuring the cotton candy voice of Your Girl Pho.
Following them had my personal favourite Lilt giving us more than our money’s worth with their dramatic and pulsating sound. Straight up with Capture we were kidnapped from the get-go. Carried up and above with Powerless, the warping and weaving Wait No More was next.
Wrapping up the live party for the second night was the stunning and sophisticated Ngaiire. The harmonies, the soprano sections, the brooding soundscape and the strong beats had many watching and swaying in adoring admiration. She’s modern passionate soul and brought the live night to an unequivocally successful close. Warming our bones up for the remainder of the blurry evening we’re the beloved Up Late DJs as the weekend finally came to a close.
Dear Slims, thank you for your diner, take you for the countless incredible live acts, thank you for opening your doors a little wider this weekend and thank you for always providing a safe carefree venue where our wildest dreams can run free.
Kind Regards, happy punter.
