Review: Laidback Luke @ Metropolis Fremantle

The Netherlands; most famous for clogs, the rich art culture, being a powerhouse in football, and home to one of few cities in the world where smoking marijuana is legal.

It’s also known for producing some of 21st Century’s most popular DJs too, with the likes of Armin van Buuren and DJ Tiesto hailing from Holland. And the latest DJ making his mark in the music world is Laidback Luke.

Perhaps better known for featuring alongside fellow DJ Steve Aoki and Rapper Lil Jon in the internationally successful hit Turbulence, lately the Dutchman has collaborated with the likes of Wynter Gordon and Example in an attempt to go more mainstream.

On Friday February 3, 2012, Metropolis Fremantle hosted Limelite’s 5th Birthday, and were treated to an awesome night with Laidback Luke headlining the night.

After a recent spate of searing heat, it was nice to finally enjoy a night out in much cooler conditions.

Coming to Metros Freo on a Friday night is always a bit strange – with limited access of the venue, actually being able to move through the dance floor, and the crowd is notably better behaved than the Saturday night crowd.

After playing at a sold-out Salt on the Beach on Australia Day – also hosted by Limelite – Laidback Luke was back with Mel B and Zelimir to further wow the Perth (or Fremantle) crowd, this time with ROGERSEVENTYTWO and Jus Haus lending a hand to spin tracks.

Upon arriving, electro beats were being played, which had everyone into a relaxed mood and setting up for a long and exciting night. The electro music was quite enjoyable, and a good way to ease into (or kick on with) the night.

Not entirely sure how many people would have been there for this kind of music, but the transitions between tracks were sound, and seemed like one continuous track – the dance floor was slowly growing and grooving to the set.

And soon after, a change over in DJs signalled a slight shift in the music – into a more techno-house feel. And as the DJ stint drew longer, songs were slowly being eased into as the crowd was growing in anticipation of the main act.

Throughout the night, as we ticked towards midnight and the showpiece event, the multiple interchanges of DJs saw clubbers treated to vibrant and robust sets of music. Everyone was entertained as numerous crowd pleasing tracks and self productions were in full flight for the strong and enthusiastic crowd to enjoy.

And finally, the man-of-the-moment Laidback Luke graced the stage. The dance floor was packed, everyone was ready to get down and dirty with Laidback Luke’s signature sound of Dutch House.

Luke gets off to a lively start and his set was filled with tracks which got the Freo crowd into full flight – it was exhuberant, energetic, and dance-filled. You could just feel the change in atmosphere with the renowned DJ behind the deck.

With scratching and remixing incorporated into the set, those who were present were no doubt thoroughly impressed with Luke’s tunes, as he played tracks of all sorts – songs, remixes, even a bit of dubstep.

There’s no doubt everyone was happy with how the night panned out, and being in the presence of a star the calibre of Laidback Luke. Everyone was appreciative of a prominent DJ playing in little old Perth.

With more collaborations and the near future looking busier, 2012 could be a huge year for Laidback Luke, as he looks to conquer mainstream music, and become even bigger.

Limelite always puts on a good show, and their distribution of the electronic scene into the public domain is ever-growing. They never cease to disappoint, and with the first five years a major success, there can only be many many more installed for the future.