On a humid Sydney evening, a quick glance around suggested we might have been headed to a 90s Brixton nightclub, instead we were making our way to the steps at the Sydney Opera House forecourt, eagerly awaiting British dance music duo, Basement Jaxx. It’s been more than 15 years since the full live band has been down under and what a magnificent feeling it is to welcome them back.
People of all ages were there, groups of twenty-somethings and those who’d been listening to the duo since their early beginnings. It was a reminder that their music has soundtracked dance floors for several decades. As the evening sky deepened, the stage burst into a full blown dancefloor with Good Luck, quickly followed by Jump ‘N Shout. Some grooved solo, others danced together, a few weaved through the crowd with drinks in hand. Romeo and Red Alert added a deeper layer of funk. It didn’t take long until the forecourt felt less like the Sydney Opera House and more like a heaving, open-air nightclub.
Between songs, the performers swiftly changed in a rotation of eccentric costumes that gave disco chic. Sleek bodycon dresses gave way to oversized tulle, while live visuals like petals were peeled back while disco ball lights bounced around. There is a certain kind of messy, brilliant chaos amongst the crowd, the kind of fun that only comes around when Basement Jaxx is in town. Suddently, a ballerina appeared in a shimmering silver tutu and pirouetted across the stage before signalling the bass to drop.
For a duo who arguably need no introduction, Basement Jaxx’s legacy is one that emerged from the South London underground scene and since gained popularity far beyond. Their maximalist set was a reminder of how fluid the duo’s sound had always been, shape-shifting effortlessly between house, UK garage, Latin-inspired rhythms and everything in between. They don’t sit comfortably between one genre and that in itself is a beautiful thing.
After a brief goodbye, they returned for two final tracks, Where’s Your Head At – one of their most recognisable tracks, along with a Latin rendition of Take Me Back to Your House.
Even after a career that continues to span over three decades, their energy felt as vibrant as ever.
-Caitlin
When she’s not globetrotting Caitlin Martin loves to scope out Sydney’s hidden gems, with a camera and soy cap in hand.
The Plus Ones were invited guests of Sydney Opera House.
Image credit: Ravyna Jassani.
