Review by Tracey Moyle (@musicmavenevents)
Photography by Paul Blackburn (wysiwyg.pix)
Last night’s performance from Aussie hip-hop legends Hilltop Hoods was yet another testament to how this band have risen the ranks to become one of, if not THE country’s most loved musical acts. The crowd were caught in a whirlwind of energy from the first song to the last. The love for these artists was felt by everyone present.
Night one of their Brisbane shows, technically the second show in ticketing order, gave the Hilltop Hoods their second sold out night in Brisbane with both shows packed to the rafters. Brisbane Entertainment Centre was a gathering place for fans of all ages, flooding in through the gates from early in the evening. The merch tent had a constant line-up, and the energy almost carried its own heartbeat with the excitement spreading like a wildfire. Dedicated fans from the early days, fans with their kids and younger fans across all ages were here for their first, second, fifth or maybe twentieth Hilltop Hoods gig.
When a band have been around this long, it can take fans a while to warm to new music, but this is never the case with MC Suffa (Matthew Lambert), MC Pressure (Daniel Smith) and DJ Debris (Barry Francis). Their songs have a magic formula of keeping it quintessential but addictively fresh leaving fans devouring the tracks from their day of release. Their ability to lyrically capture life as it is ‘right now’ is relatable. This sparks a connection between the fans and the music that is unique in this day of disposable music.
The crowd were aptly warmed up as they poured through the doors, by world renowed turntablist DJ Total Eclipse. With thirty years in the industry Total Eclipse took the gathering party goers on a journey. His skills with the turntable combine technical mastery, musical instinct, and stage presence proving he is a master at his chosen art form.
The show officially starts when renowned producer and member of Aussie hip-hop duo A.B. Original, Trials (aka Daniel Rankine), hit the stage, bass guitar in hand, making his solo live debut on this tour. No stranger to the Hilltop Hoods, he’s back touring after ten years busy taking on his own projects. Showcasing new music from his upcoming debut solo album, ‘Hendle’. His music matches his heartfelt approach to his performance. He is intentionally aware of the fans, giving the feeling he was playing to a room full of friends. His songs touch on real live struggles and personal growth. The artist, bearing his soul to a room full of strangers, captured the crowd with the vulnerability in his music, leaving a warm connection with the crowd regardless of whether they were familiar with Trials or not. He played tracks from his upcoming album and welcomed acclaimed First Nation artists and cousins Birdz and Fred Leone on stage for a powerful moment of respect. Calling all men and boys in the crowd to lift their torch lights to recognise their responsibilities in making sure women are safe in this world, performing What’s The Colour Of Love? He finished the set with another new track from ‘Hendle’ and left the crowd with good feels and on a high.
Change over was quick with Maverick Sabre carrying on the party vibe the artist no stranger to Hilltop Hoods fans. Sabre provided guest vocals on Won’t Let You Down and Live And Let Go and joined the band on their Restrung albums, touring with them on their 2016 ‘Restrung’ tour. In his own right this English born-Irish singer-songwriter and rapper has built a solid fanbase with his soulful voice, heartfelt songwriting and emotionally honest lyrics. Sabre captured the venue with his blend of soul, hip-hop, RnB all laced with undeniable folk influences.
He opened his set with the moody and soulful track These Days. His songs were in sync with the vibe of the night, his distinctly personal lyrics touching on real life themes like social issues, love and personal growth. His distinctive raw vocal style shone through on the incredibly soulful Lay Down On Me, mesmerising the crowd. He warmed up everyone’s vocal cords, leading the fans into a massive sing-a-long with his version of the Oasis classic Don’t Look Back In Anger. He finished his set with the crowd warmed up and more than ready for their Aussie hip-hop idols to take the stage.
Fans had to wait a bit longer for the main act as DJ Total Eclipse came back with some remixed bangers turning the main area into a dance floor mixing up tracks from AC/CD to Dr Dre to Eminem to House of Pain to Gwen Stefani, Backstreet Boys and more Oasis. By 9pm fans were more than ready.
Right on time Hilltop Hoods arrived on stage to a thunderous roar from the crowd anticipating the next hour and a half to be pure, top-notch entertainment. The intro was less than a minute but felt like longer, then finally the massive curtain dropped and band appeared and the show kicked off.
The set was epic. Six giant screens planked the back wall of the stage. High up had drums to the left, horn section to the right with DJ Debris on the floor, Suffa and Pressure bounding with energy, not showing signs of slowing down even after more than three decades making music and touring. Yep, you heard me 30 years. Hard to believe for all of the old school fans who still remember The Nosebleed Section making the 2003 JJJ Hottest 100. But who would know. There is no lack of energy from these guys on stage. They opened the night with Leave Me Lonely starting the party with light shows and tonnes of confetti, adding to the energy of the crowd.
The horn section was on fire taking the energy level up a few notches joining in with Chase That Feeling. With a fanbase reaching across decades there is one track everyone knows and the band brought everyone together with Nosebleed Section, fans jumping around singing along word for word with the MC’s.
Collaboration is the key component to Hilltop Hoods music. They create depth and contrast in their songs with perfectly chosen artists, who they invite back multiple times. First up fellow Adelaide artist Nyassa joined them for her vocal part in the title track from the latest album, Fall From The Light. Her dreamy indie-pop vocals add warmth to the raw storytelling of the songs hip-hop lyrics. Her melodic tone adds warmth and vulnerability, creating a powerful contrast that make the verses feel more emotional and expansive. A beautiful new track that proves there is no going backwards for the band.
Popular Adelaide artist Montaigne joined the party next and a welcoming roar from the crowd showed a lot of love and respect for the songstress. 1955 is a fan favourite, lyrically capturing the slow, simplistic feel of their hometown. Montaigne’s edgy pop style brings a soulful and nostalgic feel to the song and her bright energy lifts the performance.
More from the latest album with The Gift, celebrating music and how it shapes us growing up in a home where the love of music is passed down. Sampling is an crucial key to Hilltop Hoods success and the tracks they use are eclectic. The opening refrain of 1969 track Harlan Country by Jim Ford is perfectly overlayed by DJ Debris, his skills are the glue that keep the music flowing. Indigenous singer-songwriter MARLON joins in bringing his soulful R&B vocals to this warm hearted track. Nyassa was a permanent addition through the night adding backing to I Love It, and joining in when Maverick Sabre came back to the stage for his soulful parts of ‘Walking Under The Stars’ hits Won’t Let You Down and Live And Let Go.
More hometown guests with award winning singer-songwriter Adrian Eagle on stage as always for his part in Clark Griswald. The crowd broke out in a roar when much loved rapper Illy hit the stage, joining Nyassa for Exit Sign. With all the ‘family’ introduced to the crowd the hits just kept flowing. Nyassa stayed on for backing, as Suffa and Pressure took the fans through old and new. They started the crowd off on a brief sing-a-long to Pharrell Williams’s Don’t Worry Be Happy before an abrupt segue into Don’t Happy Be Worry. There was no downtime, the energy from these hip-hop artists appeared boundless. Their show is epic with massive visuals, pyrotechnics, laser lighting, confetti, continuous guests and two frontmen that have enough energy to run a marathon. It’s hard to imagine Hilltop Hoods every playing in the smaller clubs of the early days.
The tracks kept coming, fan favourites and new tracks soon to be. Pressure ‘fucked up on stage’ calling the Brisbane crowd Melbourne. Suffa made him do 10 push ups to pay for his sin, much to the pleasure of the crowd. Their 20 track set list continued with songs including, Something Bigger Than This, Higher and Rattling The Keys To The Kingdom.
As the night started to wind up, they introduced and thanked their band, and fellow artists were back on stage for a final bow. A quick break gave the fans the chance to chant ‘MORE’. The boys were back for the upbeat, danceable Still Standing and the frenzy invoking smash Cosby Sweater to end the show on a dynamic high.
Walking out fans were buzzing and would without doubt be ‘chasing that feeling’ for as long as they could. Hilltop Hoods are adored for a plethora of reasons. Not just their ability to blend musical styles and genres and find the best, random samples for their songs, but how their lyrics capture honesty and vulnerability in a way that almost anyone can relate. They obviously adore their fans and their musical family and that is returned tenfold.
The band have one more show tonight in Brisbane tonight 14 March, with Perth on the 21 March concluding another sold out national tour that will be held in the memories of fans for a long time.
Thanks to On The Map PR
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