INTO THE MOSH 114: PHASMID | BRISBANE | REVIEW
Words by Yash Charbhe.
After a month of Goa, my sisters big fat indian wedding - basically a month celebrating music and love all over bringing in the new years living in my suitcase, I embarked back to Brisbane but this time on a mission to catch Phasmids gig straight from the airport which became a journey that was nothing short of insanity — Starting from Mumbai, with a brief layover in Dubai, finally landing in Brisbane - all in all a 23-hour stopover that tested my stamina, but would be an exceeding limit for my passion and love for electronic music.
The excitement was as little as the unironical exhaustion at its peak, but so was the rush of trying to catch and breathe in every moment. Somehow I found myself racing through the airport, determined to collect my baggage, which obviously had to be delayed as every main character of a story has to go through. With no Uber available at that crucial moment, I found myself in a bit of a bind—until I met Liz, a kind (now not a) stranger, offering me a lift as she happened to also being heading towards Yeerongpilly. I was dropped off at KEPK for the night’s big event.
The gig curated by Apparatus, was a BYO (no single use plastics) event that took place in an industrial warehouse that had now been transformed into a pulsating ravers paradise, led by Brisbane-based techno producers and curators—Trigger F1gure and Roadw3rx.
The venue itself was an upscale, chic, underground charm, with raw concrete walls and industrial aesthetics that only heightened the immersive experience with its high ceiling and ceiling projected visuals. As I stepped inside, I was instantly enveloped by Phasmid's known acidic lines and shrilling insect-like reverbing rhythm along with the sultry energy of the crowd—a true celebration of Meanjin’s underground scene.
At the heart of the night is the UK-based producer whose reputation for hard-hitting productions making waves internationally. As much as I can stress on, his distinctively clean-cut, bass-led sound took over the room. Mixing breakbeat, electro, garage, and jungle, Phasmid delivered a set that was absolutely relentless. The energy in the room soared with every drop and build-up, and I found myself lost in the rhythm. The music hit so hard that I didn’t even need a drink or energy booster to keep me going for three solid hours.
After his set, I managed to catch up with Phasmid briefly. Over a quick conversation, he revealed his excitement for Australia, sharing that his next stops were lined up in New Zealand, Japan, and Malaysia. His passion for his craft and his genuine love for the local scene left a strong impression on probably the both of us.
Not long after, I moved on to catch Freeman’s closing set. Another brilliant Brisbane producer, bringing a unique filter to the night with his techno ravey production that perfectly complemented in closing the night.
As I made my way home, despite the long travel and hectic night, I felt energised and inspired. Meanjin’s vibrant scene which was on full display, with incredible talent and a community working tirelessly to build a fun and safe underground culture. This night was a personal testament to how music can defy exhaustion, connect diverse souls, and turn even the wildest journeys into moments of pure, adrenaline-fueled magic.