Live Review: Fat Freddy's Drop, Jones Jnr.

Jones Jnr start off the evening with some homegrown music as DJ Morgz of Thundamentals perfectly blends his contemporary samples with the smooth-as-fuck vocals of Ev Jones. Every facet of Ev's tone and range can be heard perfectly through The Tivoli's flawless system as few sing along to their nu-soul and gospel sounds. They share a little bit of MPC education before Morgz jams outs Ev's own harmonies on the pads.

Fat Freddy's Drop walk out into a roar as the last word, “drop” from MC Slave's introduction echoes out into the darkness. One by one, each Freddy adds his element as they layer into Blackbird, immediately creating that entrancing sound which sells out their shows globally. Joe Dukie drops his guitar for a moment to take the mic under the spotlight and remind everyone of his most mesmerising instrument. They get into the bounce of Silver And Gold as the brass trio, who are all dripping in sweat, blasts and binds everyone into their spell. The venue snaps out of it briefly for a cheer when the plucking intro of Cay's Crays is heard but they're soon back in that prolonged limbo state of musical richness as the dub effects are amped. MC Slave returns onstage indicating a rise in BPM as they have everyone calling out “Fire!” and “Do it for the love of music,” before he and Dukie freestyle. Then it's time for Tehimana Kerr to kill his guitar solo, which has the crowd and even his own band members going crazy. Trombonist/tubaist Hopepa, who's been dancing between breaths, has not only taken his bowler cap off but has actually changed his suit to some short-shorts and knee socks. As Dukie returns from jamming out with DJ Fitchie to pick up his guitar he gets told to take his shirt off by a fan, to which he replies, “You take your shirt off!” He then takes time to give big ups to Brisbane, Queensland and Wellington for their biggest Australian tour so far.

The sorcerers continue to jam out on stage – layering, looping, harmonising, surprising even others with little add ons, dancing and simply just creating live magic that's as crisp and precise as any of their records. It's clearly appreciated by the smiling, moving crowd who are so blessed to witness it all coming together. Trumpeter Toby Laing seemingly steps out of his own trance briefly to give a jaw dropping solo as spit blows out of his instrument. DJ Fitchie, who's been in intense mode all night, controls the production and creates the crispest drumbeats ever heard without any actual sticks or skins, then takes a shot chased by a beer. As each band member gets some time to show off their style the brass trio clearly gets the biggest cheer of the night. They encore with The Raft, which has everyone singing along in delight.