It was an exciting prospect seeing Bliss n Eso live for the first time, at their home town show and off the back of releasing their strongest (and most critically acclaimed) album to date. Throw in a few stellar supports and a great venue like the Enmore Theatre and we had the makings of a great night.

First on the bill was Sydney hip hop duo, Mind Over Matter (M.O.M). These guys have been together since 2006 and have released a couple of mix tapes and an LP. On stage they were a four piece, MC’s Willow and Smiles Again being joined by a very talented DJ and guitarist. They began their set with an explosion of energy and this only increased as the crowd (very quickly) warmed to these local lads. M.O.M looked very much at home on the large Enmore stage and involved the crowd at every chance they got. The use of live guitar and the fact all four members rapped/sang only intensified their sound, and for me, really added to the experience. Their set culminated with the title track off their yet to be released second LP (Just Like Fireworks). This song had a more dance vibe and got the whole floor jumping. With their great material and gauging from the crowds response…Mind over Matter have big things ahead.

Diafrix were a different beast altogether; equally talented and energetic but took their hip hop in a totally different direction. They had a more ‘rootsy’ sound, but it was obvious their influences come from a wide range of genres, including; jazz, drum and bass, gangster rap and blues to name a few. This eclectic act were brilliant individually and still left enough space for the music to breathe. MC’s Momo and Azmarino were not only great rappers, they were great singers as well. The guitarist added his catchy riffs and some very nice melodic solos to the mix whilst the DJ’s kept a solid groove pumping from the back of the stage. This act had something for everyone and I enjoyed every minute of their set.

Not to take anything away from the supports… but Bliss, Eso and DJ Izm were on another level. They began their set to thunderous applause and it only got bigger and better from there. The first thing that struck me was how most of the venue seemed to know every word to every song and when your raps are as complex as some of theirs, that is no mean feat. This was compounded by their ability to know exactly when to leave breaks for the crowd to take the lead. Not only single lines but whole verses! The group’s chemistry was evident from the start, with Bliss and Eso throwing rhymes back and forth in a style reminiscent of The Beastie Boys. Their stage presence and charisma further served to increase crowd participation. 

Projected onto the backdrop was a combination of well chosen images, videos and some of their lyrics. These visuals only added to the sensory experience and complimented their tracks perfectly. The use of live footage taken from the stage was a great idea, and gave us punters a different perspective of the concert.

Mid-set each member showcased their individual talents. Bliss took this opportunity to whip out his phenomenal beat boxing. He was able to provide both a beat and a bass line whilst Izm scratched over the top. They mixed up the rhythms and tempo, demonstrating an almost telepathic connection. Eso did an accapella rap, showing his lyrical ability. His delivery was impeccable, and again the crowd shouted the words right back at him. Then it was DJ Izm’s time to shine… and shine he did! His mixing and scratching ability are second to none. He went from hip hop beats to drum and bass, throwing Pink Floyd, Midnight Oil and other ‘old school’ favourites in along the way.

Their set list drew heavily from their fourth studio album Running on Air; it included “Family Affair”, “Where the Wild Things Are” and of course (the single) “Down by the River”. But they also threw in crowd favourites: “Saturday Night”, “Up Jumped the Boogie” and “Party at my Place”.

As they left the stage the crowd immediately began to stamp, clap, cheer and whistle until the place was practically shaking. In fact, I’m pretty sure it was the loudest crowd (outside of a festival) that I have been a part of. The boys dually obliged, returning to perform “The Sea is Rising” and “Addicted”; the former appropriately accompanied by some harrowing images of our world. I left after the show with such a buzz that not even the riot cops waiting outside could dampen my spirit.