Live: R&V Soundcheck feat. Magnetic Man, Diplo, Nero, Digitalism and Ruby Frost at Vector Arena

Rhythm and Vines Soundcheck feat. Magnetic Man, Diplo, Nero, Digitalism and Ruby Frost
Thursday September 29
Vector Arena, Auckland

I wasn’t too sure of what to expect when I was asked along to review the Rhythm and Vines sound check, but from the look of the line-up I was more than a little interested to see whether I would be pleasantly surprised or not. Unfortunately the line-up was dampened at last minute with Katy B pulling out due to ‘Personal Reasons’ only to be replaced by UK producer Nero. Upon arriving at the venue I quickly found out that debauchery and dubstep were going to be the general themes of the night. There were plenty of bum slaps, slappers, shirtless dudes and people wearing sunglasses at night. Also on show was more than enough bump and grind to make R. Kelly feel prudish, oh and of course the obligatory couple busted in a cubicle in the mensroom for a little bit too much of the latter.

Vector Arena had been wonderfully transformed to stage such an event, the stage was drawn up to the halfway mark, curtains had been draped around the outer ring and there was a bar area in the middle decorated with an abundance of neon lights. By the time we arrived Nero was already winning over the crowd with what could only be described as perhaps trance step. With each song being overly unrecognisable from the next he catered to what the audience wanted; a variety of chainsaw and or didgeridoo noises over what sounded like the same heavy bassline. We then discussed when exactly had dubstep gone beyond the point of no return, it was agreed that it was when Korn recently announced that they were making an album with dubstep producers. Towards the end of Nero’s set he brought out a blonde guest singer to make it feel like a late 90s Gatecrasher event, was this one of the singers from Deep Obsession? It could’ve been.

It would’ve been great to have been there a little earlier to see how Ruby Frost went down, as it seemed like all the punters wanted to hear was dubstep. This was made apparent when Nick D and Dan Aux came on in the intermissions, as soon as the sounds of dubstep left the air a bunch of punters, or should I say munters, left to get more booze etc. Sadly they missed out on some of the most rewarding tunes of the evening as the duo played a phenomenal selection from across the electronic spectrum and provided a timely reminder as to how exciting dance music can be when it doesn’t all sound the same. Someone mentioned though that it sounded as if the soundsystem was turned down which would be sad as Aux and Dwyer were providing the same if not a better level of entertainment as the internationals in the lineup.

Diplo over the last 5-10 years has cemented his place as one of the biggest and more influential names in music and with this in mind his set came as highly anticipated. Would we be in store for a cutting edge set featuring some of the latest and greatest tunes? Or would he cater to the masses? The answer is a bit of both. It was a decent set but also a largely predictable one that covered everything that he has done thus far. There was a new Major Lazer tune dropped, although I now find it hard to recall, it certainly was no ‘Pon De Floor’ (also dropped). Even though Diplo’s set wasn’t mind blowing he definitely worked the crowd, brought an amazing stage presence and reminded us as to how much of an effect he has had on dance music and pop culture in recent years.

Skream and Benga’s collaborative outfit Magnetic Man were up next with a set that was comprised of a more grime influenced dubstep and although it was nowhere near a say The Bug or Kode 9 it was a welcome change of pace. It would’ve been great to have had Katy B there too as I’m sure a guest appearance in their set was destined and she was definitely missed from the evening’s proceedings.

Perhaps they could’ve moved Digitalism forward because by the time the German duo took to the stage I decided it was time to call it quits, my ears and eyes had faced a barrage that evening and were ready for a rest. Rhythm and Vines is known for offering a wide range of artists that appeal to a diverse mix of people but by the end of the evening I found myself a little exhausted by what at times felt like a constant stream of dubstep. Hopefully when the main event rolls through later this year there is a bit more balance as they definitely are capable of delivering one of the best parties around.