On the eve of Good Friday, “Brews, Beats & BBQ in the ANU Beer Garden” orchestrated by newly formed promotions group Soul’d Out Sound, or SOS, held host to some of Canberra’s best local talent, headlined by Obese Records’ Reason, Fraksha and DJ Flagrant. The outdoor setting provided the perfect atmosphere for a laidback gig, a relaxed and thoroughly fitting settings for a night of brews and beats, allowing patrons to enjoy the very last of the warm weather.

Old Al spun the decks early on in the piece, with a signature set of old school funk and hip hop. Al’s experience on the scene always reminds us youngsters where the best beats originated from, showcasing some of the best vintage there is. DJ Buick followed up with a similarly relaxed if not slightly more upbeat set, and together they kicked the night off in fine style.

Cross Culture Settlement were up next. The execution of talent possessed by MCs Convict, Flipadeck and Belief, accompanied by the beautiful vocals of Molly, showed why they are indeed scene veterans, and still hold a very dear place in the hearts of local hip hop heads. It was refreshing to seem them back on the scene after seemingly far too long. They indeed set the mood very effectively for the acts that were to follow.

Wax Lyrical crew then stepped up and served up a brilliant set, a highlight particularly being their tongue in cheek track referencing to certain liaisons with “older” women. The lads certainly hold their own in this town, and can be seen supporting almost every interstate act that hits Canberra.

Dazed and Flawlezz followed, another crew who we haven’t heard much out of lately, but their well rehearsed set proved a delight to listen to, and who provided the perfect prequel to Reason, Fraksha and DJ Flagrant’s set.

DJ Flagrant has been a favourite on the Melbourne hip hop scene for the better part of a decade. His skills on the decks, which are recognised nationally from various DMC championships, are notoriously tight and provided the best backup for Reason and Fraksha’s set.

Reason’s standard of delivery and his understanding of how to connect with an audience is indeed evident from his years of experience in the Oz underground hip hop scene. His lyrics are upbeat and positive, and truly reflect his individual style and why he stands out as a very talented artist. Similarly, UK’s Fraksha, balanced out the set with his wicked delivery and the clipped British accent worked perfectly with Reason’s lyrical style.

All in all a great night out with some top music and a great setting. I look forward to seeing more of what the visionaries from SOS have to offer in the coming months, if this gig was anything to go by.