Live Review: Mind Over Matter, TJM, Gio

Grand Final Eve is usually a pretty rowdy affair; just add an Aussie hip hop show for an exceptionally rambunctious evening. A sparse crowd gathers as Gio displays an aptitude for the mic that, once nurtured, could become something great. Then, after enough time for a toilet break and beer run, TMJ appears on stage. Energy ripples through the boozy crowd as they play the kind of set that wouldn't be out of place at Future Music Festival. Older tracks like Fire Away and Thank You soon make way for newer offerings such as Bad Wings and The 13th, each delivered with more energy than the last. TMJ end with Decay and it's a “stomper”, they tell us. Sure enough, the crowd dissolves into a pit of bro-ish, fist-pumping ecstasy.

It's a slightly muted audience who return for headline act Mind Over Matter. It soon becomes clear that the 'bros' are gone, with only the hip hop enthusiasts and loyal fans left. Touring their newest single Somebody's Love, the duo have DJ Ntaprise and vocalists Ernst Carter Jnr and Kiki in tow. What's overwhelmingly obvious when watching Willow and Smiles Again is that they're acutely aware of one another's presence: The way they weave around one another is masterful and the considered way they allow the other to shine hints at a solid, committed friendship. Rapper's Wonderland and Off The Chain are highlights of the first half of their set, while Adele and Barry White singalongs encourage crowd participation. Be A Pirate is an endearing addition to the night, a song that perfectly demonstrates the duo's ability to not take absolutely everything so seriously.  Somebody's Love and Real harness the powerhouse vocals of Ernst Carter Jnr and Kiki respectively, while DJ Ntaprise gives us an impressive scratching solo (he also kindly thanks Centrelink for being his sponsor).

After 40 minutes of quality music, Mind Over Matter leave the stage and we're left with the impression that these guys really 'get' hip hop. They rap with cadence, ride their beats, keep their energy levels high and tie their tracks together with really strong hooks. Suffice to say that if they keep it up, big things are in store for Mind Over Matter.