Project Description

HILLTOP HOODS

+ Shadow
+ Mojo Juju

@ RAC Arena, Perth

07/09/19

(Live Review)

Reviewer: James Birkin

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HILLTOP HOODS // Photo – Matt Young

 

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Now 25 years into the Hilltop Hoods timeline, with the band now demanding Arena shows, it was finally Perth’s time to soak up the good time vibes of one of Australia’s, no let’s call it now….Australia’s, greatest “ever” hip hop bands. With album number eight released earlier this year, The Great Expanse and following another round of support slots for none other than the G.O.A.T aka, Eminem in February it was fair to say the ‘Hoods had a swirl of momentum around them heading into these shows.

First up to get the infiltrating crowd bouncing was a local rapper, Shadow. A homecoming of sorts for the South African born rapper, his EP, Cream dropping earlier this year and it was with gusto he delivered his set including a rollicking version of the track, ‘My City.’ Very appropriate for the occasion. It was my first introduction to Shadow and initial thoughts had me comparing him with UK’s Stormzy, who most recently appeared on the Ed Sheeran ‘Collaborations’ album, but with a little more ‘bounce’ and a little more gusto. Fierce in delivery, Shadow welcomed the Perth crowd with open arms, a great start for the night.

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SHADOW // Photo – Matt Young

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Mojo Juju entertained the rapidly growing audience next with a soulful blend of R’nB, soul, funk and dabs here and there of hip hop. Juju’s soothing vocals were the perfect build up for Hilltop, her passion for her art clear for all to hear. Her lyrics inspiring. The single, ‘Native Tongue’ a jaw dropping track, one I wasn’t familiar with but following the show had me quickly adding the track and album to my Spotify playlists.

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MOJO JUJU // Photo – Kyle Davis

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The Hilltop Hoods stage quickly transformed, as did the crowd, who suddenly appeared en masse from the realms of the RAC Arena (likely bars). The crowd was literally, packed to the rafters. Even the fourth tier of the venue, hardly used, was full to the brim making the last show of this Australia tour a momentous one, with the attendance breaking through 15,000+. As MC’s, Suffa and Pressure saunter onto the run way the true extent of the ‘Hoods stage show is apparent. At the rear of the stage is the architect or conductor in DJ Debris. Alongside him a mini version three prong attack of the orchestral side of the band for these shows, with drummer, Plutonic Lab perched on the opposite side adding a profound live experience to Debris’ beats.

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HILLTOP HOODS // Photo – Kyle Davis

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When the beats do hit, the RAC Arena explodes. The opening one-two punch of ‘Chase That Feeling’ and ‘Leave Me Lonely’, catapulting the crowd into a bounce fest, with Suffa and Pressure running around to all parts of the ample stage. You can’t help but get involved, and besides the obvious sing-a-longs, it was encouraging seeing so many of the 15,000 strong crowd so in-sync with the enjoyment this Adelaide crew bring to the live scene. The ‘Hoods swayed through a repertoire of new tracks from The Great Expanse to a swagger of old songs, including ‘The Nosebleed Section’, ‘Through the Dark’, ‘The Hard Road’ and ‘I Love It’.

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Whether new or old, it mattered little to the crowd that were up for every moment, whether it be crowd participation, some karaoke, waving arms side to side or that mobile phone torch “light ‘em up” moment for the classic, ‘I’m a Ghost’.

The set was not without a few surprises either. Hilltop Hoods have had their fair share of guest vocalists in their time, particular some of the melodic choruses, and fellow South Australian, Nyassa filled the breach this tour with her impeccable vocals. To be honest, it was hard at times to remember the names she was filling in for such was her inspiring take on them, and she can be commended for certainly adding to the spectacle. On top of that, Ecca Vandal joined in for her choruses on the singles, ‘Exit Sign’ and ‘Be Yourself’, with rapper, Illy also taking the mike for his parts in ‘Exit Sign’, before briefly an impromptu ‘Happy Birthday’ sing-a-long from band and crowd for the Melbourne hip-hop legend.

If that wasn’t enough, during the encore closer, ‘Cosby Sweater,’ Perth locals, Shadow and Drapht joined in the fun with some epic takes on a few extra verses on the well-known track, taking the whole crowd by surprise, but more importantly sending off the Hilltop Hoods to their next Europe and U.S ventures in a few weeks’ time riding on a wave of popularity. A killer live show that will go down as one of those ‘I was there’ moments looking back in a few years’ time.

Check out Matt Young‘s gallery of the Brisbane show here

Check out Kyle Davis‘s gallery of the Sydney show here

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