Live Review: Illy, Jackie Onassis, Remi

The final show of the sold out Cinematic Tour had an excellent start with lyricist Remi delivering some lyrical gold. His flow was smooth and his energy was contagious. Everyone was nodding and bopping along as if they came solely to watch him. Camera phones were out in full effect trying to catch a glimpse of the 22-year-old triple j Unearthed winner while he enthusiastically paced across the stage. Sensible J kicked in some hype vocals, complementing Remi's animated stage performance with groovy beats. Remi dropped his new song Living and the crowd-pleasing Sangria before he high-fived the whole front row as he left. It was a solid act that confirms that all opening acts are not created equal.

Pumped and ready to party, Sydney hip hop duo Jackie Onassis took to the stage. Kai Tan had nothing but love for the heaving crowd, leading into Juliette, Holiday and the popular Smoke Trails. It was all smiles and appreciation from the boys. Everyone happily waved their hands in the air and shuffled back and forth in a bouncy two-step. “You're so beautiful,” commented Kai as he looked genuinely stoked at the response of the crowd. It felt a little sleepy for a moment, but then Ralph Dixon laid down some heavy bass, cranking the vibe to a proper dance party level. The first notes of Crystal Balling prompted a huge cheer while the full capacity crowd jumped, leading into a unanimous chant of Party & Bullshit. A heartfelt “thank you” concluded the optimistic set.

The venue was absolutely humming with excitement while DJ Cam Bluff provided an entertaining interlude. Kanye followed by tracks from Aussie favourites Hilltop Hoods and Bliss N Eso stoked an already burning fire.

A thunderous roar welcomed Illy, paving way for the final celebration of his fourth studio album, Cinematic. Touring with a new set up including live drummer Ben Ellingworth and Cam Bluff, it was all systems go for the trio. By the second song girls were already sitting on shoulders. The notorious Cigarettes proved an anthem in its own right while Save Me, Talk, a Hilltop Hoods tribute and his triple j's Like A Version track proved equally well received. But shit got real when Drapht himself made a cameo for Yo Yo. I'd seriously check the hospital records for reported cases of popped ear drums and strained vocal chords.

A mellow and honest Am Yours created an intimate moment that was quickly hyped up with Heard It All. A deserving encore included One For The City, Tightrope and Cinematic leaving sweat-dampened fans beyond content.