The first thing I noticed when I pulled up at Transit Bar was the hectic line that was practically curling around the block. I thought, “shit, have I got the venue wrong?” Who were all these people and since when do they go out a) on a Thursday night, and b) to a hip hop gig? Well, apparently a few, if we’re talking about the mighty Funkoars, who were touring off the back of their brand spanking new album ‘The Hangover’. Supported by local favourites Wax Lyrical, and former Canberrans and Hospice Crew members Newsense and Ciecmate, hip hop was back with a vengeance in our tiny town after much too long a break. It would appear that the lads from Radelaide have subsequently cemented themselves a place as one of the tightest and most well known acts in Oz hip hop.

Kicking off the night was the uber-smooth sounds of DJ Buick. As a fixture on the local scene for a long time now, he continues to evolve with the times and effortlessly sets the scene for any gig. Next up Wax Lyrical Crew flexed their muscles-the WLC lads have certainly got a very loyal following in this town, and it’s easy to see why. I remember seeing their first gig over two years ago, and during their set I blew out at how much hard work and dedication has gone into their beats production, stage presence and delivery. They effectively demonstrate that hard work and persistence pay off so mad props are in order. Newsense and Ciecmate similarly didn’t disappoint. Hailing from Canberra originally, it was nice to see the dynamic Hospice crew duo return to their hometown with fresh new material. Perhaps it was the anticipation of their album dropping the following Monday, but if the live show was anything to go by, I’d be copping their recently dropped CD, A Tale of Two Cities. Their beats, combined with their lively performance mean they always rock any venue.

As for the main act; one thing can be definitively said about the Funkoars- they can draw a crowd, and deservedly so. While this would appear to be a recent development (in Canberra anyway), and perhaps as a result of some extended airplay on Triple J, it’s comforting to see a wider appreciation for their funky beats, dope cuts and unbeatable stage presence. Along with crowd pleaser tracks from their Greatest Hits album, the lads certainly haven’t dropped the ball when it comes to their third album- the result is a more sophisticated, edgier product which manages to remain consistent with the infinitely classic Oars’ sound. If they’re coming to town near you, be sure to check out the spectacle.