Xavier Rudd w/- Donavon Frankenreiter & Nahko and Medicine for the People - Adelaide, 25th September 2013
Words: Jo Taylor
The warm Thursday evening with dark clouds looming threatening to rain, somehow cast a strange energy upon the city of Adelaide. Oddly fitting for the evening that was about to unravel.
Kicking off the night was the enigmatic Nahko & Medicine for the People. Hailing from Hawaii, the four-piece were greeted by a disappointingly small crowd. However, within a few minutes of playing, the crowd quickly grew and energy levels went through the roof. It is rare for an opening act to receive such a huge response at such a rapid rate. Playing a three song set, with two of them yet to be released and one from an album only just being released here in Australia through Ten to Two Records the following day, the audience had little chance of knowing the material. However, this had little impact on how the set was received. The bands charisma and energy was channeled by the crowd and with every infectious beat, the desire to dance became stronger. As with the other two acts of the evening, Nahko & Medicine for the People have powerful lyrics driven by beats. The second song Warrior People from their latest album Dark as Night had reggae infused beats and it was nearly impossible not to smile when seeing the band onstage having so much fun. Lead singer/guitarist Nahko Bear wooed the crowd between songs with his energetic banter. Ending their short set with new song Wash It Away, inspired by Xavier Rudd, was a fitting ending, with lyrics about hope and staying humble resonating with the crowd. As they walked off stage, with a little cheeky guidance from Nahko, the crowd was soon demanding more Nahko! Think these guys (and girl) need to get their butts back to Adelaide for a longer set after wetting our appetites like that.
Kicking off the night was the enigmatic Nahko & Medicine for the People. Hailing from Hawaii, the four-piece were greeted by a disappointingly small crowd. However, within a few minutes of playing, the crowd quickly grew and energy levels went through the roof. It is rare for an opening act to receive such a huge response at such a rapid rate. Playing a three song set, with two of them yet to be released and one from an album only just being released here in Australia through Ten to Two Records the following day, the audience had little chance of knowing the material. However, this had little impact on how the set was received. The bands charisma and energy was channeled by the crowd and with every infectious beat, the desire to dance became stronger. As with the other two acts of the evening, Nahko & Medicine for the People have powerful lyrics driven by beats. The second song Warrior People from their latest album Dark as Night had reggae infused beats and it was nearly impossible not to smile when seeing the band onstage having so much fun. Lead singer/guitarist Nahko Bear wooed the crowd between songs with his energetic banter. Ending their short set with new song Wash It Away, inspired by Xavier Rudd, was a fitting ending, with lyrics about hope and staying humble resonating with the crowd. As they walked off stage, with a little cheeky guidance from Nahko, the crowd was soon demanding more Nahko! Think these guys (and girl) need to get their butts back to Adelaide for a longer set after wetting our appetites like that.
Soon to take stage was mustache extraordinaire Donovan Frankenreiter. The surfing troubadour, armed with his acoustic guitar, seriously rocks the mustache like none other. His gentle tunes brought the night to a slower, more relaxed vibe. The Californian singer/songwriter beginning his set with the dreamy Wondering Where The Lions Are followed by the gorgeously upbeat Free, which had plenty of hips swinging. Though to be honest, after the high energy of Nahko and Medicine for the People, it seemed people’s attention spans were a little less focused, as there was a lot of chatter going on. Guess the beers were flowing by this stage. However, it didn’t stop those who were there to listen to him from enjoying what he does best, when he cranked out the sexy beat of What’cha Know About. Frankenreiter is a quiet soul onstage and lets his music do most of the talking. The smooth Heading Home lead into the funky Move By Yourself, which definitely picked up the vibe and had everyone dancing. Taking it back down to a slower groove for Bend in the Road before ending his set with the song it seemed most were waiting for, It Don’t Matter, which included a good ol’ crowd sing along. It was a great lead up to what everyone was there for.
Xavier Rudd has a very loyal following, and he never disappoints. Kicking off his set with the beat driven Bow Down had feet tapping and the crowd singing along to each word. He then had a quieter moment with the gorgeous Messages, which slowly gained momentum and ended with his trademark rhythm. As is always the case Follow The Sun got a great crowd reaction and watching him pluck at the guitar while mastering the harmonica showcases one of the many talents this musician possess. With the recent government overhaul, it seemed that Xavier Rudd was exactly what the crowd needed to maintain faith in this country. His music constantly reminds us to fight for our rights and to make this a country to be proud of. Seems important right now. The powerful Lioness with its driving drum beat and stunning didgeridoo still remains one of his best live songs. The reggae inspired beats of Come Let Go and Fresh Green Freedom got the crowd dancing again and it has to be said once again, Xavier Rudd’s crowds are always super friendly people and the general vibe of his gigs are always really positive. This speaks volumes about his music and the influence he has. Highlight of the night was when Nahko Bear join Xavier onstage for Let Me Be which raised the roof of the Thebarton Theatre, followed by a killer cover of Bob Marley’s Buffalo Soldier with the crowd singing every word with conviction and passion. Bob Marley would be proud. Ending the set with energetic Footprint had the crowd on a high. When Xavier walked off stage, there was little doubt everyone wanted more. And he willingly obliged, with the stunning Spirit Bird bringing the night to a close. Xavier always farewells his fans with grace and gratitude and it’s returned to him ten-fold.
This was a well thought out gig, and the three acts on the night all fit in with each other nicely. The evening had a really positive feel about it... Possibly the only thing that could have made it better was having it at an outdoor venue, just would have been more fitting for the general vibe of the evening. But nonetheless, many walked away that night, with faith returned and a smile on their face. Job done. Job done well!
This was a well thought out gig, and the three acts on the night all fit in with each other nicely. The evening had a really positive feel about it... Possibly the only thing that could have made it better was having it at an outdoor venue, just would have been more fitting for the general vibe of the evening. But nonetheless, many walked away that night, with faith returned and a smile on their face. Job done. Job done well!