Gig Review: Hot Dub Time Machine, April 19 @ The Metro

Words by Scenewave Australia - Published on April 26, 2014

Words by Roger Ma

“Best. Party. Ever.”

 It’s a big claim that DJ Tom Loud, master and pilot behind Hot Dub Time Machine outspokenly proclaims to those entering his musical timewarp.

For the uninitiated, the show’s concept is simple yet incredibly effect. To think, ‘why hasn’t anyone come up with this before?’ is bemusing. In a nutshell, HDTM takes you on a chronological journey though the greatest, best, and cheesiest hit songs of the past 50 years. A hit song from each year is played, starting from 1954, working all the way up until today.

It’s a journey you’ll want to take.

But before we get to the main event, was support from Furnace & The Fundamentals, possibly Sydney’s best cover band. The well dressed six-piece effortlessly played though a range of instantly recognisable songs including Toto’s Africa and Dexys Midnight Runner’s Come On Eileen, before finishing with the big one, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Needless to say, the crowd went absolutely mental.

A 15-minute countdown timer appeared on screen as the sold out Metro Theatre crowd eagerly awaited to get on board the Hot Dub Time Machine. By the time the countdown hit the ten second mark, the crowd was more than ready to begin the audio-visual experience

And thus began the “Best. Party. Ever.”

The proverbial time machine is said to be powered by ‘hot dub’, a mystical life and energy force made up of the essentials for a good party: dancing and singing along. And hot dub was in no shortage this night. We were transported right back to 1954, testing out our vocal chords and dance moves through 60’s rock, 70’s disco, 80’s synth, 90’s cheese, and the modern classics of today.

There were a number of surprises throughout, including confetti cannons, red balloons and a special encore which rounded out the epic three hour set with a mix of awesome, random songs hand-picked from the past five decades.

Look no further than the sweaty, satisfied crowd walking out of the event, for justification Loud’s initial bold claim. The smiling faces, sweaty bodies, and sheer joy from what that gig gave them said it all.

To put simply, a Hot Dub Time Machine show is one of the best parties you can ever go to. Period. And it’s what’s made the relatively new show a breakthrough success. So if you have a chance to see Hot Dub Time Machine, go. You won’t be disappointed. 

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