Hidden, Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth - 28/1/17

w/ Modestep, Delta Heavy, Zomboy, Matrix & Futurebound, heRobust, Trampa b2b Trollphace, Enei b2b Sam Binga, Ekko & Sidetrack, Peter Payne.

Two days after Australia Day thousands of West Aussie’s braved the scorching heat again for 8 hours of the best Drum and Bass and Dubstep lineup Perth has seen in years.

Setting the scene for the day were favourite local Perth DJ’s Peter Payne and Ekko & Sidetrack who played to a crowd mostly huddling under the few trees that have grown out of the amphitheatre steps. It was safe to say people were holding off the mosh while the sun was still in full form.

The place was filled with excited heads and the mosh started to form when it was time for two DJ battles Enei back to back with Sam Binga and Trampa back to back with Trollphace. It was England vs LA in a dubstep extravaganza that had the mosh so hyped, security had to break up the intensity of the pit. heRobust came out while the amphitheatre was at its fullest for a spectacular trap heavy hour, breaking up the dynamics of the day with a fresh set that had rinsers up and down the amphitheatre on their feet.

As the first summer storm of 2017 started rolling over, and the atmosphere started to cool, Matrix & Futurebound played an energised Drum and Bass set into an incredible sunset. Another Perth favourite, all the way from the UK. Finally, it was time for Zomboy. Straight out of Cornwall and his first show in WA for 5 years! His stage presence was as infectious as the others, and by the likes of the crowd I wasn't the only one stoked to see this man in action again.

Some people were defeated by the heat and headed home as Delta Heavy immediately followed. You would be spewing if you left, missing out on a filthy classic dubstep hour filled with insane drops and surprises at every beat. The laser light show was INSANE and was intensified as light rain started to fall. I don't think I've ever seen rain so happily welcomed at a festival, but it was perfect, and added to the incredible light show.

Ending the night was Modestep, another act that has been a Perth favourite for years. This was another set that just blew me away, every drop was different and heavier than the previous. ‘Sunlight’ stood out to me in this regard, being a Modestep favourite you thought you knew what was coming every drop, but it was even better than expected. You couldn't stand still if you tried. The live vocals of Josh Friend were absolutely flawless and added to the excitement of what was an epic end to an incredibly well designed festival.

Reviewers - Keeley Connolly, James Green

Photography - Keeley Connolly