It takes a lot to get this usually raving roving reporter out on a school night, something that needs to be truly spectacular to see me waxing lyrical about hip hop. After listening to a few of their tunes on the radio, I just had to go out and buy the new Bliss N Eso CD Day of the Dog and was very soon ‘converted’. Naturally I jumped at the chance to get to check these guys out in the flesh.
The Sydney ‘hip hoppers’ blew the place away with their dynamic energy, poetically brilliant lyrics and true blue down-to earth Aussie attitude to life, music and the genre of hip hop. Up until now, it seemed that Aussie Hip Hop was just a poor imitation of the British scene or wannabe US gangster rap, but in Bliss n Eso along with their brilliant DJ Izm it seems that Aussie Hip Hop has come of age. We now have a culture that is uniquely Aussie and proud of it. Bliss n Esso are true poets of our day and have managed to capture the lifestyle and culture that is so uniquely Australian. Who else could sing about racing down hills on wheelie bins?
The line-up of local talent supporting these guys was really quite delicious and made for a night of fun, crazy on-stage antics and plenty of crowd interaction that left everyone buzzing and screaming for more. Brissie local Halfkast kicked things off followed by the Gold Coast crew with Tactic One, Syntax and M-Phazes. Coalition Crew brought some funky bass into the night with Toxic Al on the bass guitar. Beat Boxer extraordinaire Tom Thumb blew everyone away with his amazing abilities along with the funniest rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billy Jean’ I have ever heard, while giving the audience a hilarious lesson in musical appreciation and proving that you don’t need a set of decks to scratch up a storm!
By the time the head liners came on, the crowd was well and truly pumped and revved up by the support acts. The avid fans in the front row knew all the words and jumped at the chance to see their heroes up close and personal. Bliss n Eso kept them happy asking several times throughout the set what the crowd wanted to hear and obliging to the many requests for some of their older stuff. The played all the favourites from the new album including my favourite ‘Up Jumped the Boogie’ a stomping, party tune that had everyone bouncing. Speaking of bouncing, these guys never stop for a second making taking snaps a real challenge! The have energy to burn and a real love for the scene which makes for a top show and a truly uplifting experience all around. No doubt about it, like the boys say; Bliss n Eso throws the ‘illest’ bash in the village.
An impromptu on stage beer sculling competition preceded their legendary anthem ‘Beer O’Clock’ which saw two members of the audience pulled on stage and during the track ‘Party at my Place’ the room was divided into two in order to out-shout the other side, making for the ultimate in crowd interaction. It was mayhem and madness all around with DJ Izm going crazy on the decks, showcasing some serious scratching talent and doing a superb job of holding the act together despite some earlier technical difficulties.
When the set was over the crowd just about stomped the roof off the Rev and were lucky enough to receive an encore performance with Izm giving heaps of thanks to the crowd for their support. What really impressed me about these guys was that they came back out after the gig to meet the fans and sign T-shirts, CDs and posters. Posing for photos and shaking hands with everyone, easily winning over everyone they met. They certainly came across as really decent guys with no taint of ego whatsoever. All in all, a top show, a great night out, and a real glimmer of light in the Australian music scene to see this much talent, skill and enthusiasm. But next time Rev, shout the guys a bloody beer will ya? ;)
