Live: The Herd
By Alphonse Elliot • Jun 15th, 2008 • Section: Music, Reviews
The Herd
Hi Fi Bar
June 13, 2008
It’s quite entertaining to watch a sea of white guys (myself included) dancing enthusiastically to hip-hop – the stern faces, full-body lurches up and down, and awkward hand movements.
But when you’re confronted with the dynamic eight-piece arrangement employed by Aussie hip hoppers the Herd, it’s difficult to stand still. Complete with acoustic and electric guitar, bass, clarinet, plenty of mics and – my personal favourite – a piano-accordion, the Herd live is as compelling aurally as it is visually.
Last week’s show at the Hi Fi saw the band energetically spruik its new release, Summerland. The album features more of the group’s genre-challenging, funky, hip hop beats, and from the politically charged single The King is Dead, through the light party track Zug Zug, to the biting reworking of Aussie bush ballad Toorali, it made for an exciting live experience.
But there was plenty on offer for those who hadn’t yet snagged a copy of the newbie. Hits dating all the way back to the 2001 self-titled debut were pumped through to an eager audience all too willing to participate.
We Can’t Hear You, Unpredictable and 77% were big crowd favourites, and a powerful cover of Redgum’s I was only 19 pulled everyone together for a highlight arm-in-arm sing-along.
The band finished off with a fresh take on its popular ode to the fish and chip shop, Scallops, which sported a new, jazzy feel. It sounded great, and topped off a very solid performance that is sure to keep fans happy ’til the next round of shows in August.
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