Reviewed onThursday June 16 (photo by Ashley Mar)
Normally at the helm of a live trio, recent Elefant Traks signee Okenyo casts a lone shadow on the Oxford Art Factory stage. Here, every loop, trigger, harmony and arrangement is entirely of her own doing. It’s worth noting that this is a woman who serves as a commanding enough presence simply by singing. Once she takes over the reins entirely, it’s impossible to look away – Okenyo presents a lean half-hour of steely eyed yet sultry neo-soul recalling Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu, yet still finding a firm enough stamp of identity to make it her own. Unquestionably one to watch.
“You’re probably used to shows where you stand around with your arms folded,” teases Mirrah, L-Fresh The Lion‘s pocket-rocket hype machine, as she mic checks. “That’s not us!” She’s not half wrong, either – what ensues is a set full of celebration and unwavering positivity, dancing like no-one’s watching and partaking in every last hip hop cliché (“I say”/“You say”, “Hands up” et al.) with uttermost glee. Recent singles ‘1 In 100,000’ and ‘Get Mine’ seal the deal at the set’s conclusion, but it’s a stirring ‘Never Alone’ that ensures the biggest applause. Blood, sweat and tears – that’s an L-Fresh show.
Urthboy has been a torchbearer of Australian hip hop for more than a decade, but it feels like only now is he finally getting his dues. It’s an opportune time as ever for this to be happening, of course – The Past Beats Inside Me Like A Second Heartbeat is unquestionably his best work, and tonight’s set reflects that in a big way. ‘Hey Juanita’ and ‘Little Girl’s Dad’ offer up introspect and sentiment, while ‘Running Into The Flames’ – as performed with the newest Elefant Traks member, B-Wise – adds urgent, toe-bouncing energy. That’s not even touching the singles: ‘Long Loud Hours’, ‘Second Heartbeat’ and ‘Daughter Of The Light’ all elicit huge reactions, not least for bringing out the likes of Bertie Blackman, Okenyo and Kira Puru for the occasion.
Urthboy’s new live set-up – mainstay Jayteehazard on the decks and three backing vocalists – has also developed substantially, ensuring there’s never a dull moment onstage. By the time the entire dressing room files out for an all-in cover of Meg Mac’s ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves’, emotions are high and spirits are soaring. That’s the power of what Urthboy’s doing. Long may he – and all his mates – reign.
