Live Review: Thundamentals @ Felons Barrel Room, Sydney

Thundamentals

Nestled within Manly, the epicentre of the Northern Beaches’ nightlife, Felons Barrel Room is a new, state-of-the-art live music venue.

The 600-capacity open-plan space on Manly Wharf is characterful, with stacked wine barrels lining the back wall, customised orange neon signs at the far ends of the venue tinting its interior, and pool and foosball tables pushed against the far wall.

Unlike most live music venues, its south-facing entryway remains open to the North Harbour, allowing natural ventilation that comfortably regulates the room’s temperature, giving concertgoers the perfect conditions to flash their fashion, whether they favoured minimal or heavy fits.

Patrons initially seeped in, with the evening early enough for civility to glisten before the Saturday night late, late revelry. Though the opener and headliner had advertised via social media that Queanbeyan’s MC and poetry-extraordinaire Omar Musa would start at 7:30 and 7:45, respectively, his set began at 7:55 pm. This delay was to his benefit, as it allowed the crowd to build from a smattering to a small gathering.

Omar was commendably no-nonsense with his opening, introducing himself succinctly, acknowledging the Eora nation, and launching into Dead Centre within a minute. His performance of the 2017 track highlighted his live performance experience, demonstrating excellent body language by brandishing an air katana to reinforce his “I swing a katana” lyric. He caught the audience’s attention early with the double-timing in his second verse, demonstrating developed breath control and relying on no backing vocals or a hype man.

He spotlighted why he’s one of Australia’s bravest, most powerful political voices when, early in his set, he took a moment to contextualise his experience for a mostly Caucasian audience by growing up in the post-9/11 era as a Muslim Australian before launching into Assimilate.

His audience engagement and awareness were apparent throughout, with consistently exceptional and intentional eye contact and comments like, “[This set is] not just political introverted shit; I know you want to get hype, as well“. His set ranged from playful to vulnerable, evocative to energetic, ultimately leaving an impression on all attendees.

Exactly 15 minutes after the inaugural Australian Poetry Slam champion exited stage left, DJ Morgs entered. Like Musa, the Thundamentals demonstrated their consummate professionalism, launching into an instrumental intro before MC Jeswon shot on stage, dapping up all hardcores as he launched energetically into their cowbell-ladened banger Never Say Never. However, if you hadn’t seen them perform since the height of their output and commercial success in the 2010s, you would have noticed a change.

In 2022, founding member and MC Tuka announced he was stepping away from the group, writing, “After more than 15 years of extensive touring, I’ve decided to focus my energy on my songwriting and personal/family life”.

The absence of a core member like Tuka would have sunk lesser collectives. Instead, Jeswon and Morgs have revitalised their live show by incorporating other MCs, often subbing in their long-time collaborator—one of Australia’s greatest storytellers—Horrorshow’s Solo. This marrying of talent allowed for a polished, flawless performance.

Jeswon’s personability shone between songs, speaking comfortably with an approachability that endeared him like a friend. This resonated with the crowd, who shrieked with excited realisation as he skillfully linked into each song.

The audience’s composition was impressive, with the front row for the bulk of their set consisting of more than two dozen youthful women, with cameos from emphatically enthusiastic men and a gleeful group of women who likely enjoy the benefits of senior cards. This representation spoke to their appeal and the safe, communal experience they have cultivated with their fanbase over their nearly two decades of touring.

They took their diehard audience on a musical roller coaster through their truly remarkable catalogue of popular music that resonates deeply with listeners. They evoked the emotions of many with their narrative-heavy tracks, like their triple j Like a Version classic, Brother, amped the audience into popping corn kernels with bangers like Top of the World and their Hilltop Hoods collaboration, 21 Grams, and often leveraged their audience connection for call and response, especially with their single Eyes On Me.

Ultimately, Jeswon’s unfakeable swagger, Solo’s crooning that earned him the nickname Smooth Nicholas, and the way Morgs seamlessly worked the decks—scratching frantically like a kid with eczema—were proof that these craftsmen had mastered the fundamentals. The thundering applause that closed out their show reminded everyone why they’re called the Thundamentals.