IF you didn’t have the stellar New Year’s Eve you’d hoped for – so few live up to our expectations – then you had a pretty darn good chance of kicking off 2012 with a banging great time at yesterday’s Summadayze dance party.
The festival of fun in the sun, loaded with disco, drum ‘n’ bass, house, hip-hop and pop, pulled a large and spirited crowd despite the pounding heat and peculiar date signalling the first day back at work after Christmas holidays for many.
While the timing was off, the new Sir James Mitchell Park locale was spot on. Nestled on the South Perth foreshore and usually reserved for joggers and picnickers, it almost seemed too pretty for an event needing a heavy police contingent to weed out unruly revellers.
Almighty French electro-house duo Justice, comprising Gaspard Auge and Xavier de Rosnay, was the big drawcard for this partygoer.
With a deliciously heady mix of electronic, rock and pop (D.A.N.C.E., We Are Your Friends and Civilization were particular crowd pleasers) and a dazzling light show featuring their signature bold cross centre stage, the pair put on a dramatic extravaganza topping any recent set I’ve seen at a festival.
Entrancing and uplifting – much like fellow French outfit Daft Punk live – it’s fair to say Justice prevailed on the day.
But it wasn’t the only act worth a special mention.
New York rap legend DJ Grandmaster Flash, still going strong at 54, got the party started in fine form with a mash-up of iconic tracks – from Eminem to Guns N’ Roses – while eccentric Long Beach hip-hopper Snoop Dogg (in schoolgirl plaits…no shower cap this time, sadly) delighted punters with old favourites Gin and Juice, Drop it Like it’s Hot and Signs.
Baltimore hipsters Spank Rock also deserve a shout-out for their booming rap and electro-rock offering; it’s a shame more people didn’t see it.
Those who kicked on until closing caught sets from Perth drum ‘n’ bass act Pendulum, long-standing Connecticut DJ/muso Moby and flamboyant New York glam-rockers Scissor Sisters.
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WHAT: Summadayze
WHERE: Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth
WHEN: January 3
REVIEWED BY: Sara Fitzpatrick
PHOTOGRAPHED BY: Elle Borgward