[Live Review] SPIT SYNDICATE

Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
Wednesday 24 April, 2013 :

Anzac Day Eve welcomed Sydney hip hop crew, Spit Syndicate, to Newcastle’s Great Northern Hotel as apart of their “Sunday Gentlemen” Australian tour.

The punters were there early, and by the time Elemont, the first support act was to take the stage, the show was a sell out. Elemont, a young rapper from Wollongong, warmed up the crowd with local Dj Micks King lending his services for the evening. Elemont proceeded with a quick dynamic flow over solid boom bap beats, carrying a stage presence way above his years. After supporting Illy and several established acts over the past 12 months, it definitely shows with his live performance. Watch out for this kid as he matures as an artist.

Next up were Sydney up and comers and fellow One Day Crew members, Jackie Onassis. These guys have come along way in a short period of time, and I was curious to see first hand what all the fuss was about. I have to say I was put into two minds from the performance that was provided. Half of me enjoyed the energy by Kai that resembled a crazed UFC fighter, but the other half felt like it was too over the top and it felt forced rather than smooth and flowing over the beats that ranged from reggae pop, slow jungle vibes through to a funk hip hop melodies. In saying this, every time Kai commanded the crowd to put there hands to the sky, the crowd responded by doing so, and he worked the crowd very well.

Unfortunately, a three minute technical difficulty thinned out the crowd, before the bottom end had the floorboards shaking once more. The summery beats made way for catchy sing along melodies on the hook, with Kai’s flow on the verses that sat nicely on the detonating drums. Jackie Onassis completed their set in style with a sea of arms bopping up and down like a float in the open ocean, and a catchy track that contained a crazy horn section, along with the Jackie Onassis catchy flow. The bait had been taken and warmed the crowd for Spit Syndicate to bring down the house.

DJ Joyride jumped up behind the decks and layed down some heavy electro beats, before mixing in the Hilltop Hoods’ ‘Nosebleed Section’, before re-introducing some swinging looping grime beats. The house party was in full swing and welcomed the headliner Spit Syndicate to the stage.

The opening track made way for a performance of soulful melodies and feel good hip hop music. The production complimented the two MC’s style and energy, and they know each other’s game back to front which really is quite impressive. Individually the two MCs have there own charisma and style but gel together to provide a really dynamic story telling perspective. This really stood out to me, and really had me drawn in from the start to the finish.

The diversity of the crowd was something special also, from buff tight shirted muscle men, to country kids strutting in flannelettes and work boots, but mainly it was a university student crowd. It was great to see so many smiles and crowd participation, hands clapping, and middle fingers up to the roof. The sold out crowd was getting wild, and really added to the atmosphere. Spit Syndicate mentioned that this was close to their tenth time playing in Newcastle and by far this was the best crowd they have ever had.

Spit Syndicate’s music is really classy hip hop, their lyricism is always on point and I feel it represents there perspective of inner city living with clever rhymes to catchy hooks. They are always smiling up on stage, and it seems they are really enjoying themselves. This is what I like most about SS, and I can’t wait till the boys return and pack out another show.

I cant speak highly enough of the night that unfolded before my eyes, great performances all round, great sound with a sold out show, a great crowd with no fights or drama, I couldn’t of been happier.

A big shout out goes to the Great Northern hotel staff and especially the security. The way they dealt with certain issues on the night was professional and was great to see. Thanks for letting everyone relax and get loose, without letting things get out of hand…it really is appreciated.

Let’s hope these kind of crowds keep bringing hip hop back to Newcastle and a venue that is willing to support it.

Reviewer: Mickie “onemike” Williams
Photographer: Ashlee Kellehear

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