Review: Loading Error and the Importance of the Park Party

The “park party”, for the lack of a better name is a key element to Melbourne’s underground scene. Things are stripped back to basics. Great local DJs, a good sound system and maybe a few basic lights under a marquee is all you need. This is exactly what was provided by Loading Error at their recent park party in Melbourne’s east last weekend, and it was one of the best damn gigs I’ve been to in a long time.

The added mysterious element of setting up a stage in public brings a unique essence that you don’t get at a club. Things feel a little bit naughty, which I quite like. The mystery looms when you’re walking under the shade of night through the green slither of bush that hugs the Yarra River. The first real burst of excitement hits when you hear the bass rumbling in the distance for the first time. You mind wonders when you can hear the party but just can’t see it.

My crew and I entered the foliage, following the sound. Eventually, we emerged from the bush and shrubs into a delightful little spot amongst the gums, fit for a few hundred people. We were graced with the sight of the most humble of setups, but I’m glad to report that an ample speaker system was providing the thump.

The crowd is the engine room of the rave.

For me, the crowd is the second most important element of a party (second to a good sound system). They are the engine room of a rave, providing energy for enjoyment. Its hard to have a bad time when the crowd provides a good vibe.

The best thing about Loading Error was that the right people who wanted to be there came. It makes you wonder why these parties are illegal. People where respecting one another, the land and the music. There was a comfortable and welcoming feeling amongst the crowd.

Slapdash was on the boards when we rocked up. He had the music at a good, quick pace as he laid out a selection of groovy, dub-inspired techno. Nothing too hard, and just right as a warm up to DJ Kiti. I think a quick tempo is a perfect way to bring chilled-out house & techno music alive. It’s a contrasting quality to the type of relaxed vibe that music is trying to set in the best of ways.

The vibe got heavy when DJ Kiti took control of the mixer. Kiti is damn good at what she does behind the decks, so I won’t harp on about her. For those who know her music will know exactly what I mean. Her distinct flavour of techno is just infectious and didn’t fail to give the crowd an extra buzz. Concealed where a proper follow up to Kiti. The young techno duo is starting to make some real waves around Melbourne, and their set was a testament to the hype.

The raw essence of techno counterculture.

Something that is missing from Melbourne’s techno-culture is the all-night open-air event. Due to noise restrictions (amongst other things), outdoor night partying is something that is confined to the bush. We have to travel a fair distance away from the city to dance out under the stars until the early hours of the morning. But the idea of a park party is to be cheeky and rebellious, the true essence of the kind of counterculture that techno represents. This is what raves were initially built upon.

I ask you, is there anything wrong with people simply having a good time amongst some trees? Did any harm come to anyone from dancing to some good music or meeting some new people sharing a passion for music? Is it a crime to have some unsanctioned fun? The answer depends on which side of the legal and moral fence you sit on. I say no. All we had a was a damn good time.

So to Loading Error, I say thanks. You put on a really good nights entertainment. It’s not to say that I don’t like going to Melbourne’s clubs. If the music, setting and speaker system is right, I’m guaranteed to have a brilliant time. But I had more fun Loading Error than I could have had in a club.