Melbourne local and Australian hip-hop innovator Phrase returned to Canberra last Thursday as part of his Babylon tour. After two long weekends in a row, it seems Canberrans were all worn out, with a less than expected turn out. Supporting were The Owls and The Preachers, a surprisingly different warm up which suited Phrase’s new musical direction.
Up first were the four guys from Newcastle. The Owls and their impressive moustaches rocked the early birds and let us know it can be rewarding to turn up and check out what new talent lies ahead. Effortlessly flipping from garage to three part harmonies, the band had something for everyone with their track The Middle standing out, and guitarist Dan Flegg using the spare floor room well.
The Preachers were up next, despite complaints of a sore throat, the two lead vocalists complemented each other superbly. The Sydney favourites entertained with some great unorthodox dancing from Isabella on synth and vocals and Gideon alternating between rough and collected singing with immense talent. When the band plays you can feel that they enjoy what they are doing and it reflects well on their music.
The crowd was still lacking when Phrase hit the stage, accompanied by a full band including Alex Burnett from Sparkadia, dressed in matching post-modern suits and ties. As any truly good artist would, Phrase embraced the few that were there and joked that it was nice, like starting again, which fit in well with his change of pace.
The set started with some of the more traditional hip-hop tracks from Babylon, getting into the mood and starting the heads bopping. In the middle of the set he introduced his beautiful wife and fellow artist Jade McCrae onto the stage to perform his hit Clockwork.
After an instrumental break, the set went on with some of the more rule breaking tracks from Babylon proving that Phrase has evolved from a ‘hip-hop artist’, to an artist that sings hip-hop. Bringing Jade back on for Spaceship, Phrase ended the set with a more than satisfied crowd and proceeded to the floor to mingle with the people. Another great success for Aussie hip-hop.
Photography: Chris Whitfield
