Review: Big Ape @ Shape Bar – Feb 11, 2012

“Ladies and Gentlemen. We understand that you have come tonight to bear witness to the sound of drum and bass. We regret to announce that this is not the case as instead, we come tonight to bring you, the sonic recreation of the end of the world. Ladies and Gentlemen prepare to hold your colour.

“Okay. F*** it. I lied. It’s drum and bass … What you gonna do?”

These were words made famous by drum and bass sensation Pendulum – who, interestingly enough, were formed in Perth – from their debut album Hold Your Colour.

No doubt Pendulum would have been featured at one point or another on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Big Ape at the Shape Bar.

Every second Saturday night since July 23, 2011, Shape Bar has been home to Big Ape – which is a fun-filled night of drum and bass, dubstep, and dance beats. It’s a very different feel and certainly a different crowd to the alternative Saturday nights at the venue, which is also home of Hush – an R&B and hip hop themed night.

The night started off quite late, because Manchester United were playing Liverpool at Old Trafford (to those who follow soccer, they would know the backbone behind this much talked about and controversial game). And arriving around 11.30pm, it felt like something was in the air. And boy was the gut-feel right.

Of the eight or so months Big Ape has been around, it has been known to attract some world renowned DJs and artists to spin tracks at the jungle. It’s also heard through the grape vine this a popular place for 18 / 19 year olds to go. It also felt like walking through Amplifier or The Republic with all the young indie crowd hopping about.

It took a while to get in, but once inside, it was easy to get into the swing of things. Aside from the congestion at the entrance (mainly due to the bar), downstairs was blasting a mixture of top 40 remixes and dance, while upstairs – which opened at midnight – was playing drum & bass, dubstep, techno tracks.

Following Laidback Luke at Metropolis Fremantle last week, another Dutch DJ in Dem Slackers had come to town to put on a show – and the crowd was very receptive and thoroughly enjoyed his set.

At the tender age of 20, the Dutchman has multiple titles next to his name, four EPs, and has internationally recognised remixes of songs such as Katy Perry’s ‘Last Friday Night’ and ‘That Money’ by Lil Wayne.

Perhaps we don’t know it yet, but with the world at his doorstep, we were treated to a (possible) star of the future. He has rave reviews next to his name, DJed at world class festivals and events, and has had the support and backing of names such as DJ Tiesto, Steve Aoki, and Crookers – anyone would be happy with those credentials next to their name.

The Shape Bar was pumping with loud music, people jumping up and down, some serious head banging, and oversized shirts with top buttons done up. You can’t help but think this is a new addition to the list of places for indie people to go – despite being so far away from all the other pubs and clubs around Perth.

Easily, this music can roll into the early hours of the morning. With sets both up and downstairs getting the crowd going bananas, the small dance floors getting very sweaty, Big Ape had a party feel to the event – which probably is indicative to the age group which attended. The outside section always seemed to be busy too, with patrons going out for the regular smoke/drink combo.

It is good to see the Shape Bar draw a different crowd, and there is a feeling Big Ape will most probably be around for a while – with the indie crowd growing, and the demand for more places like this to hang out rising.

You’ll either keep coming back here, or come once and realise it’s not your thing. Dubstep, heavy bass, drum and bass – probably more the moshing and flailing type of music (as opposed to dancing), but it is definitely an event everyone should check out for the experience.

And with the ever-growing popularity of Big Ape, it probably won’t be long til the likes of Pendulum, or world-class DJs like Steve Angello or Sebastian Ingrosso spinning their tracks at Big Ape. Watch this space!