INTO THE MOSH 115: DOTDAT | ECHO & BOUNCE | GIG REVIEW
Words by Harris Wakeling.
A Night of Underground Techno Excellence
Curated by Apparatus and Clarity & Communication, POINTS brought Indian techno phenomenon Dotdat to Meanjin for an extended set, supported by locals Jeani and Thought Integrator. Held at the beloved echo & bounce, the event promised a night of deep, pulsating techno in an intimate setting—one that would showcase the strength of the city’s underground music community.
Atmosphere & Venue
The interior of the heritage-listed building had been transformed into a near-blackout space, lit only by the visuals and the warm glow of the CDJs. The usual decorative ceilings and lampshades took on a more menacing presence, setting the scene for a big night of pounding techno.
The crowd was a brilliant mix—locked-in individuals lost in the music and energetic groups vibing together with more elaborate moves. The promoters floated around the venue radiating positivity, chatting to both new and familiar faces to ensure everyone felt welcome. Each of my conversations with them was filled with pride about the event and optimism for future editions.
Music & Performance
Jeani opened the night with atmospheric four-on-the-floor rhythms and sporadic breakbeat selections. The early dancers swayed like trees in a rhythmic breeze, with sizzling percussion elements adding a few extra degrees to the torso rotation. As Jeani brought the energy up, a steady flow of bright-eyed patrons filled any last gaps on the dancefloor ahead of Dotdat’s takeover.
Having established himself as a respected figure in the Indian techno and wider dance music scene, Dotdat’s first show in Meanjin carried a buzz of excitement. Fresh off his Boiler Room debut in his hometown Pune, he arrived ready to make his mark on a new city. Having lived in Australia while pursuing a degree in sound engineering and since returning for three tours, he was certainly impressed by the enthusiasm of the Meanjin crowd.
The Goa-based producer rocked the venue for the entirety of his three-hour set, exuding an ever-present energy behind the decks that made it look like he was having the most fun out of everyone. The set was a true journey – a mix of his trademark groovy techno, sci-fi inspired sounds, and the occasional deviation from the four-on-the floor rhythm. Acid synths would simmer under the surface before boiling over into waves of battering bass kicks. His sophisticated selections showed why he has the attention of heavyweight artists, labels, and events across the globe.
Thought Integrator took the reins to close the night, tasked with maintaining the energy after Dotdat’s marathon set. From the moment their opening track kicked in, heads nodded in approval, and there was no sign of the usual post-headliner dancefloor drain. The duo’s carefully chosen bass cuts provided momentary reprieve, making each reintroduction of the clobbering kick drum hit even harder. It remained packed for the next 90 minutes, with any departures swiftly replenished by a new army of two-steppers.
Production & Visuals
The new sound system at echo & bounce played its part masterfully, pushing the bass through the walls and into the car park. Even the toilet locks couldn’t resist, adding their own tambourine-like rattle in time with the vibrations.
Interlooper’s visuals provided a fitting backdrop, contorting wildly across the screen in sync with the fluctuations in energy. The skeletal-style optics morphed in texture and colour throughout the night, leaving me completely mesmerised on more than one occasion.
Community & Culture
Beyond the music and production, the event was a powerful reminder of the strength of Meanjin’s underground scene. Over 100 dedicated ravers showed up on a Sunday night, proving that passion for quality electronic music runs deep. The echo & bounce crew, as always, felt like part of the crowd—friendly, engaged, and enthusiastic about the music.
Six hours of dancing was a choice, not a chore, and it hasn’t felt that way in a while for me. Despite aching legs and weary eyes, I left with a smile on my face and a feeling of inspiration. Don’t miss the next one!