Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Thursday August 22, 2013 :
Stopping by the Cambridge as part of “The Vacation Tour,” Seth Sentry confirmed his ever growing popularity with a Thursday night sold out show. The crowd was a diverse mix of styles, from hip-hop fanatics to mainstream wannabe’s, who were out in force to support this up and coming rapper.
Opening the night, Melbourne based Grey Ghost redefined traditional hip-hop by combining street poetry with indie beats and electronic mixes. Throwing out free mixtapes, before jumping on the barricade, his song ‘Dynamite Love’ was a crowd pleaser.
Mantra was second support and from the start he engaged in friendly banter with the crowd. Performing newly released track, ‘Loudmouth’, it was evident why he is held in high regard amongst other MC’s. Eloquence isn’t a description typically associated with hip-hop, but Mantra displays this quality in abundance.
A chant for “Newcastle, Newcastle” was started during Mantra’s set and continued into Seth’s. Interacting with the audience, Seth asked “what’s the noun for someone from Newcastle?” to which one chick replied “bogan.”
After being discovered by Triple J in 2009, it was evident why Seth is in high demand for the festival circuit. His sense of humour, profound lyrics and catchy beats appeal to a wide audience. Backed by DJ Sizzle, he reeled off crowd favourites including ‘The Waitress Song,’ ‘Dear Science,’ (complete with a pink hoverboard) and a cover of Frenzal Rhomb’s ‘Punch in the Face.’ At the request of one punter, ‘Room for Rent’ became known as ‘Room for Brent’ and Seth was surprised when another audience member introduced himself as ‘Jimmy the Rapist.’
Joined on stage mid-set by Grey Ghost and Mantra, Seth requested that punters provide the material for a five minute freestyle session by throwing up the most random things in their bag. Using a fishing permit, Westfield gift voucher, container of bobby pins, bow tie, Pac Man belt, eye drops, and a Zelda hat, the three MC’s wove a tale that was uniquely suited to our town. Overall, whilst his album is good, Seth’s live show takes his music to a whole new level.
Reviewer: Mel Woodward
Photographer: Chrissy Kalavieros
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