INTO THE MOSH 096: HOT DUB TIME MACHINE | SYDNEY | REVIEW
Words by Josh Ma.
Hot Dub Time Machine's performance at the Hordern Pavilion on June 15 was a spectacular journey through the musical eras, offering an exhilarating blend of nostalgia and modern hits. From the moment the show kicked off with The Rolling Stones' Paint It Black, featuring a live guitarist, the energy was electric, setting the tone for a night filled with timeless classics and contemporary bangers. The event seamlessly transitioned through decades, capturing the essence of each musical era while keeping the audience on their feet.
The 1960s and 70s segments were marked by iconic tracks like Born to Be Wild and Fortunate Son, which had the crowd singing along passionately. The performance of YMCA by Village People saw the audience erupt into coordinated dance moves, while Fleetwood Mac's Go Your Own Way, offered a moment of nostalgic reflection. The setlist continued to traverse through the 80s and 90s with anthems like We Will Rock You by Queen and Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves, each track met with enthusiastic cheers and vibrant dancing.
One of the standout moments of the night was the 1990s segment, which featured a diverse mix of genres. From Tina Turner's What's Love Got to Do with It, to the energetic Circle of Life from The Lion King, no one stopped moving. The inclusion of The Foo Fighters’ tracks brought a surge of rock energy.
As the setlist moved into the 2000s and beyond, the energy only intensified. Britney Spears' …Baby One More Time, had everyone singing along word for word, while the infectious beats of We Like to Party by Vengaboys and Tsunami by DVBBS & Borgeous kept the dance floor pulsating. The eclectic mix included everything from FKA Twigs' ethereal sounds to Black Eyed Peas' party anthem, Boom Boom Pow.
The night was not just about the music, but also about the immersive experience. Hot Dub Time Machine's use of confetti, CO2 cannons, and fireworks added a spectacular visual element to the show. These effects, combined with flawless transitions between songs, created a non-stop party atmosphere that kept the audience engaged and entertained throughout the two-hour set.
Tracks like Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield and Ride with Me by Nelly, brought a wave of early 2000s nostalgia, while later hits like Black Betty and Satisfaction, had the crowd jumping. The inclusion of Sidney Samson's Riverside (Let's Go!) mix was a high-energy highlight, prompting a frenzy on the dance floor.
The latter part of the show featured a blend of pop, electronic, and hip-hop hits, including Avicii's Levels, Lana Del Rey's Summertime Sadness, and Azealia Banks' 212. Modern favorites like WAP by Cardi B and Turn Off the Lights by Fred Again… kept the momentum going strong. The grand finale, featuring The Killers' Mr. Brightside and Oasis' Wonderwall, culminated in a euphoric sing-along. There was also a wonderful life rendition of Sia and David Guetta’s Titanium, which proved to be a crowd favourite.
Hot Dub Time Machine proved once again that music transcends time, creating a unifying and joyous experience for all attendees. From start to finish, the show was a masterful blend of nostalgia, high energy, and impeccable showmanship. As the night ended with Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline, it was clear that Hot Dub Time Machine had delivered an unforgettable musical journey that left everyone eagerly anticipating the next time they could step back into the time machine.