In Surfers Paradise's thriving night-club district, the discerning electronica fan could be forgiven for wanting and expecting more.
On its opening night (20 September), NXT LVL promised to 'level up' the production of Gold Coast clubs including a custom-built Funktion One sound system milking all frequencies and an entire LED illuminated ceiling designed and programmed by Madrix Germany.
It's no surprise to find veteran promoter Mark James behind it all. The creator of Summafieldayze, Future Music Festival and GC's newest festival Circus Paradise (staged in March this year) just some of the strings to his bow that give NXT LVL a quality, international feel.
Clubbers queue at the opening of NXT LVL (20 September) - image © Erin Taylor
White marble pillars, diamante-studded purple velvet ottomans, booths dressed in bronze crocodile print and black marble tables set on heavy scrolling brass give a satisfying sense of opulence.
Electronica-centric fun seekers glide about with a refreshing absence of pretentiousness. It feels like a place for the music lover, those who came to cut shapes. Staff lubricate the mood: they're friendly, professional, experienced and on brand.
Bar staff provide a friendly, professional service - image © Erin Taylor
Gamers (clubbers) had selected a character, attributes, skills and a costume, now it was time to progress to the NXT LVL. Friday night's DJ talents ensured that all players levelled up smoothly as the evening progressed.
Taglo delivered level 1, easing us into the evening with deep house and dreamy trance breakdowns, losing oneself in the soundscape and becoming susceptible to possession, perfectly facilitating the wind-up spot. Mark James himself dispensed level 2, bringing out the deep house bangers that speak to the subconscious and persuade to be obeyed.
Click here for social photos from the launch night.
Having survived level 1 and 2, the place was bumping and it was time for the boss fight, headliner Hood Rich on his 'Let It Go' tour syphoned deep house out from the catacombs including dropping his new track 'Let It Go' feat. Brux.
Hood Rich brings an exceptional sound design and super-crisp texture to deep house and a uniqueness through blending elements of other genres. When it's finally game over players emerge from the cavern trying to brush off the dirt of Hood Rich’s filthy, psychedelic-laced deep house.
The less experienced gamer will no doubt be asking mum for laundry tips on how to scrub those filthy fractals out of their outfits weeks later.
