Reviewed on Friday April 7 (photo by Ashley Mar)
With five albums under his belt across an eight-year-long solo career, Illy’s renown has grown with every release. But even he seemed to be taken by surprise by what the Enmore Theatre had in store. This was the biggest of Illy’s headline shows to date, and the merchandise-clad crowd was more than ready to enjoy itself.
The fans were as punctual as they were passionate. Impressively, many were already filing in to catch the first support act, Melbourne singer-songwriter Maribelle. Spit Syndicate were next on the bill, and playing to their hometown crowd, they really made the show their own. The lyrics “We represent the Inner West side of Sydney” were always going to go down a treat with the Enmore crowd.
In a change of pace from the night’s hip hop flavour, Paces brought his signature tropical electronica. With backup dancers and swirling graphics all in tow, the show had already proved to be quite the spectacle.
And then, on came Illy. The main man’s set was an absolute cracker of a good time – quite literally, judging by the fellow in front of me and his descending pants. As something of a retrospective affair, Illy’s Two Degrees Tour showcased more than just the tracks on his latest chart-topping album.
What sets Illy aside from others in the Aussie hip hop game are his ridiculously catchy choruses, usually performed by an up-and-coming vocalist. However, there was a disappointing lack of special guests tonight, with the support acts providing more features than the headliner. Illy did well and truly hold his own though, and didn’t need any gimmicks or clichés to draw in his already delighted crowd.
The seven-year-old track ‘It Can Wait’ was received just as well as the recent ‘You Say When’. ‘Tightrope’, ‘Swear Jar’, and Illy’s Aus Music Medley were all fan favourites, and ‘Paper Cuts’ finished the show on a ludicrous high.
Illy’s latest efforts have certainly been more radio-friendly than his earlier work, and for this he has indeed copped criticism. But all those fans donning the tour T-shirt and singing every lyric – new and old – proved they were really in it for the long haul. In an earnest moment, Illy took the time to explain that he knows his music has gone from “community to commercial” – but he is still making the music he wants and he loves.
