Live Review: BadBadNotGood

Canadian experimental jazz outfit BadBadNotGood soared above and beyond new heights with their sold out live show at The Metro. The band rocked up on stage to a roaring audience, eager to witness the sheer talent and musicianship emanating from each of the members of the band. Rounds of applause and cheers were heard in short and long bursts throughout most pieces, and every time drummer Alexander Sowinski took to the microphone.

Their set developed and evolved almost in a narrative format, moving from moody, highly emotive themes towards the subtle and light. Goosebumps were felt around the room - BadBadNotGood are so clearly a band that consistently gives their absolute all when they play a live show. "We're in a beautiful city filled with so many cultures... where we can be ourselves and enjoy live music. And it's a beautiful fucking day!" says Sowinski before they break out into Speaking Gently, off their recently released album IV. Bearing witness to a jazz/instrumental hip hop band playing saxophone and flute live is something truly spectacular, with multi-instrumentalist Leland Whitty effortlessly switching between the two.

BadBadNotGood followed through with crowd favourite Lavender (featuring Kaytranada), initially slightly sped up and towards the end of the track marvellously slowed down to its original tempo. Sydney producer/vocalist Jonti made a guest appearance on stage, the performance inspiring fans to throw up their hands and sway, while Whitty stood on the edge of the stage, abstractly bending and swaying with the crowd. Their last track rounded off with the band encouraging the audience to collectively count to three, take a deep breath and sigh, stating, "This is a very large venue and we're very happy to be here. Thank you so much Sydney!" Following wildly passionate howls of "encore!" from the crowd, the band hopped back on stage to end with a track off their third album, Since You Asked Kindly.