REV @ Bar 32, Canberra(5/12/08)

Sun 7th Dec, 2008 in Gig Reviews

All the usual suspects were present at REV last Friday night: the DJ tricks, dance moves and vibe but with the new raw energy of the Christmas spirit.

This Christmas spirit attracted a diverse range of punters as it wasn’t just the young and mighty soaking up the limelight. In fact the over 40s accounted for a third of the punters on the dancefloor and around the bar! The other two thirds were the 30-40 collective and the under 30 “usual suspects.”

As you may realise by now, it was the common un-represented generation who dominated the evening. But this didn’t stop them from shaking their hips to Sparkadia, MGMT, Guns N Roses and Does It Offend You. It would be interesting to see if they recognised any of the songs by these artists, except maybe Guns N Roses. Even if they felt they couldn’t dance, they did so without hesitation. Maybe some of them were dragged to the dancefloor by their wives who didn’t take no for an answer. But who cares! It’s the end of the year so everyone’s self-esteem levels are off the chart. Speaking of which, you may have noticed the punters who feel like letting loose and dancing shirtless and pantless even if they are told to put them back on! Ah the joys of summer. By the same token I revert to a quote from a review of Shakedown a while ago: “Girls wearing – œI can almost see you underwear if you are wearing any’ dresses” There were some of those present on Friday night but I suppose that is another thing that comes with the warmer weather.

The good thing about the songs played at REV on Friday is that you don’t have to recognise who they are because their tunes are so addictive to dance along to, especially MGMT. I for one found it complimenting that DJ Alex played a few of their songs so those of us that can’t make it to their shows in Sydney or Melbourne could have our own fun down here at home! Alex also played a catchy remix of Sparkadia’s Too Much To Do.

A renown expertise one can witness at Bar 32 is that the things they do well and are popular are what you’re gonna get every time. One of these expertises is their lighting effects, which were on full display throughout the night and made a perfect accompaniment to the music. If you look at it while you’re dancing it has the power to send you on an illusionary trip to your own comforting place where the song playing is being played just for you by a DJ at your service only.

One thing that comes with the warmer weather is the humidity, that builds up very quickly in bars and clubs, and unfortunately Bar 32 isn’t immune from it. Therefore, one has to limit themselves to short stints on the dancefloor, couch and outside for a breather.

But given that more and more people are going on holidays, one place where they’ll emerge despite the warmer weather will be the nightspots Canberra has to offer, including Bar 32 to turn up the heat!