Live Review: Sampa The Great, Vulture St Tape Gang, 30/70

The old faithful, Northcote Social Club... A place where you can expect a cool beer on tap, and perhaps whatever grunge band that is sweeping through High Street, until this particular Friday, 13 Nov. 30/70 hit the stage to open, with their nine-piece, tight funk-hip hop tunes, before hip hop-meets-Pink Floyd group, Vulture St Tape Gang.

The outrageous phenomenon Sampa The Great, who's prowling her way around the east coast at the moment, starts the set with her three back-up vocalists to her left. She embodies Female with strong vocals and power, sounding out each letter; Sampa The Great is the definition of female domination. Sampa The Great holds a darker, grungier mood to any other we've seen at this particular venue, but reiterates the lighter, more inspiring words: "Shake it off, be free. This is where you can be free, we're here to inspire you. I think we are born with a purpose, you're here with a purpose."

The guitar takes off, and Sampa The Great's melodies lose control. The band are called back for an encore, and she says to the crowd, "You just have to lose it though." Needless to say, the sold out venue loses it.