Live Review: Xavier Rudd, Yeshe

Byron Bay's Yeshe took on opening duties; equipped with exotic instruments and a world traveller's diary worth of tales, the multilingual musician's global roots sound was well suited to an evening of earthly tunes. With a selection of songs sung in French, Spanish and English, along with a well-received cover of Bob Marley's No Woman No Cry reinvented on the African stringed instrument the kamale ngoni, Yeshe left fans warmed up and ready for the main event.

A sunrise backdrop lit the stage as Xavier Rudd stepped out before the Enmore. Taking up a position behind his drums and didgeridoos, Rudd appeared as if he were a conqueror sitting upon his throne of sound, the thud of his foot vibrating the bodies of his loyal subjects who danced in unison to the thick beat, testing the give in the Enmore floor. The lyrically sparse Lioness Eye repeatedly charged those in attendance, as each different instrument emphasis was met with a burst of energy.

As the set unfolded, Rudd worked his way through tunes both new and old with recent single, Follow The Sun, mingling nicely alongside the likes of the time-tested Messages. Whether it be the Sea Shepherd Captain Paul Watson reference in Creating A Dream or the familiar melody of Let Me Be, the crowd was cheering, chanting, clapping and uplifted by Rudd's genuine appeal.

However, the show belonged not solely to Rudd but also Freddy Leone (aka Rival MC), who was in traditional Indigenous dress and intermittently appeared on stage. He interpreted the spirit of the music through the rhythm of his movements and helped further Rudd's mission of reconnecting the audience with traditional Australian culture. At one point he stole the show with a concise and crisp rap verse delivered during a cover of Buffalo Soldier, which had been lyrically reworked with an anti-mining message.

Some love also needs to be sent to Rudd's roadie, who worked overtime swapping around an array of instruments and early on was quick to reconnect the power after Rudd's guitar came unplugged during some wayward onstage strolling.

Closing on the powerful Spirit Bird, it's evident from watching Rudd that over a decade of performing has not diminished his passion for music. Rather than be burdened by his message, Rudd celebrates his cause and connects with his community, namely his fans. Humble and joyous, Rudd's set was incredibly moving.