Live Review: Childish Gambino & Miracle

After being suitably warmed up by the slightly comic performance of Miracle from Sydney, it's time for some big boy shit. Cue the dimming lights and the distinct gospel sound as Outside eerily bouncing off the walls of the Hi-Fi, and in walks Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover, aka T Bone) and his incredible, ripped, multi-skilled band. His back to the crowd, grey marle sweatshirt on, slouch khaki chinos, trademark steez and more presence than previously known possible, the anticipation is overwhelming (Australian rappers please take notice).

Outside is smoothly transitioned into Firefly and it is now we see that Gambino could allow Rihanna to take a 14-year holiday and become the new go-to guy for delivering perfectly infectious hooks. Five songs deep we get to wet our whistles with the Jamie xx mix of Adele's Rolling In The Deep and we witness the inability of most Australians to clap along with even a simple rhythm. The feeling of watching something truly tremendous and knowing sometime down the track this night will be referred to as one of those “remember that Childish gig where everyone was going off their dick” moments more than makes up for it.

LES only confirms the freakish talent that the comedian/writer/actor/rapper has. Heartbeat receives the biggest cheer of the evening, swiftly followed up by Bonfire and Sunrise. We are an hour deep and we haven't touched Royalty, surely T bone will do an encore? And he's back after a mere 30-second intermission… like it's that easy.

The Royalty material delivers slightly lesser-known commercial hits and showcases his ability to double time at a Busta Rhymes pace. Nice to meet you Stevie G lover, Donald's brother. Skills certainly run in the family as they freestyle about Melbourne. A very big mention goes out to the phenomenally talented four-piece band that must have some Prince/Love Symbol genes as they sashay through drums, bass, strings and being the boss.