Blending hip hop with a symphony orchestra; it’s the kind of innovative thinking that would have our Prime Minister drooling in his sleep. However, with pyrotechnics and heavy beats from DJ Debris and Plutonic Lab, sleep was the last thing on anybody’s mind at Rod Laver Arena tonight.
This tour follows the February release of Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung, a re-styling of the Hoods’ two latest albums in collaboration with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Adelaide Chamber Choir. The Hoods previously collaborated with the ASO on 2007’s The Hard Road Restrung, and they often bring small string sections on tour with them. However, for this run of shows they have stepped it up by involving each state’s top symphony orchestra, guided by conductor Hamish McKeich.
As the massive black curtains were drawn back to reveal the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with DJ Debris perched above them in a ghostly face mask, an ominous beat and an array of audiovisuals signified the arrival of the boys from the Adelaide Hills. The set started with new single, Higher. Alongside the MSO were the Polyphonic Voices chamber choir, and they were in full flight from the outset. For anyone that had doubts about this tour, this track would’ve been enough to dispel them. The choir’s vocal support brought a richer sound that tickled you in all the good spots.
A number of guests came out throughout the set. Montaigne took the stage for the recent hit single 1955, looking every bit the star she is sure to become. Remi came out during the encore to add a verse to Cosby Sweater, much to the delight of many. And support act Maverick Sabre came back onstage to add his honey-soaked vocals to Live and Let Go and the anthemic Won’t Let You Down. Meanwhile MC Pressure’s solo track Through The Dark has always been incredibly moving, and this was amplified in the live setting.
But it wasn’t all about songs off the recent albums. There was a nod to the origins of the restrung concept with crowd favourite The Hard Road, before going even further back to Nosebleed Section; the track that initiated the Hoods’ stadium-dominating popularity.
This was the biggest ever national tour by an Australian rap group, packing out stadiums usually reserved for global pop stars, and it was well and truly deserved. Not only do the Hoods have a knack for creating some of the catchiest hip hop music in the world, but they have a live show to match.
BY EBEN ROJTER
LOVED: The restrung concept in action. Incredible.
HATED: Stage selfies by performers. Can we make them illegal?
DRANK: Boag’s.
PHOTO BY: DAVID HARRIS
