Brisbane-based Halfkast has come a long way since his earlier forays into the world of live performance as a support act for Sydney hip-hoppers Bliss n Eso a year ago. Since then he has gained a band and recorded an impressive debut CD called Turn up the Volume.
Not having heard the ensemble since Halfkcast and his crew became one, it was good to see the merging of talents and enthusiasm for what they do that is Halfkast and the Cure for Everything.

“Tell them we’re really good” enthuses bass player Dave having a drink by the bar before the show, Simon the saxophonist concurs: “We’re really terrific!” he quips, a huge grin on his face.

DJs Cutloose and Julian Love warmed the crowd up spinning some funky carribean reggae tunes that had the girls groovin’ nicely. At this stage the Moon bar is pretty packed and the security chick comments on how she’s bored because everyone up here tonight is so mellow there’s nothing for her to do, but she’s happy to be just listening to the music.

By the time Dubmarine take to the stage just after 11pm, a loyal following of fans have accumulated on the dance floor to get a taste of the dubalicious reggae sounds of this vibrant five-piece band complete with bongos. The passionate vocalist has an incredible range of ability that had him doing a Prince-like falsetto on Got it Right Here to mimicking the sounds of a didgeridoo to create the indigenous feel during the instrumental breaks of Inspiration Drive. This is toe-tapping funky, sexy dub at its’ finest. Dubmarine deliver a well-tuned, highly-polished set of an ensemble that really knows its’stuff. The vibe in the Moon Bar was definitely uplifted and laid-back with appreciation shown by those drawn to the dance floor by the seductive, smooth sounds.

At around 1am Halfkast and The Cure for Everything took over the stage with an elaborate array of instruments and characters. Hip-hop and the traditional rock four-piece, with the addition of the tenor sax create a marriage of rock and rap made in heaven. It soon becomes evident that the moral as well as musical support this band has given MC Halfkast has been just the confidence booster he needed to go forth and ply his trade to the best of his ability. The musical direction the experienced band members and long-time friends have taken with this talented Brisbane hip-hopper give it the edge over the traditional hip-hop acts.

This is not just about a rapper and a boom box, this is Brissie Hip-Hop, and like all things we do up here, it’s done with a mind of its’ own! It’s a bit less serious, a bit more gritty and real and a little less-manufactured. It has soul. It’s great to see this much talent and joy of the music in the one room. They started out with a track called Simple Things, by the time they did Thank You, the dance floor was pumping as those who had come along to see Dubmarine stayed on to appreciate the merry madness of Halfkast and the Cure for Everything.

They played a fourteen track set including the much-anticipated live versions of the five tracks from the CD including the title track Turn up the Volume. The only issue on the night was the sound mixing which at times made it difficult to hear Halfkast doing his beautiful word thing over the very enthusiastic, but at times a tad overwhelming band. This is not the case on the CD in which Halfkast’s lyrics are clearly heard and brilliant. The worthy addition of the saxophone makes the sound reminiscent of early Madness or the Specials coupled with the rappin’ of a natural born poet. New Wave-rap maybe? New-hop? Whatever it is, it’s cool.

The show over, Halfkast is humble and unassuming and thankful for the opportunities that have come his way, and thankful to the crowd for supporting them. It was a top show a great vibe and an awesome line-up at the Moon Bar on Friday the 13th. The CD Turn up the Volume is well-worth a listen and is available on Pure Volume. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have one of the last tracks played; Brizzy Hip-Hop which is a Beastie-boys-style classic, but word is there’s a new CD in the pipeline soon which should be worth looking out for. The live act rocked!