Michael Franti & Spearhead @Metropolis Fremantle(23/10/08)

Wed 29th Oct, 2008 in Local News

It’s a crazy world where a silent two finger call for peace is trite, but it is undeniable that it has lost a little meaning. Thankfully, Michael Franti & Spearhead’s restless dedication to peace through the championing of rights, equality and understanding restore a little of its dignity, and did so on Thursday night.

Spearhead shows are undoubtedly charged, and with a packed house and their last show in Aussieland, the air was buzzing with good vibes, excitement and anticipation. Queensland lads The Winnie Coopers kicked it off and easily got the crowded moving. Aussie hip hop on a stick with simple beats and fun lyrics. Thankfully, the boys don’t take themselves too seriously and this results in a good mood for all. Their contribution is reminiscent of beer and chips in the summer time, and will surely make you thirsty for another.

The lads gave way to a bit of Bob Marley action by the dj, which ended up being the reoccurring theme of the night. Shortly after feeling the love, Jamaican songstress Cherine Anderson came on to woo the crowd a little further. This dancehall diva has talent on all counts. Her brilliant gospel voice wrapped up Marley’s Redemption Song to which the audience wholeheartedly sang along. Next, the girls got a little envious and the boys a little jealous at Anderson’s screaming hips while she cooed through Coming Over Tonight. Impressing and a little mesmerising, with enough rebel reggae power to get everybody moving, she was the perfect support for Spearhead.

A show by Spearhead guarantees a good time.

Their live performances are always richly textured and remixed, and most songs barely mimic the recorded version. Many are extended, generously sprinkled with pace changes and touched up with solos. Not one part of the Spearhead band failed to feature brilliantly and impress with an individual solo or two – Carl Young showed off a deep, walking bassline with true bluesman showmanship; Dave Shul, a little more cheeky and excitable, delivered equally well on guitar, Manas Itiene struck a fine djembe solo and contrasted Franti’s rough vocals with his more delicate voice; Raleigh J Neal kept it pretty low key until the end, when his keys solo energized the crowed further; and, of course, Michael Franti, a true performer, appeared innately positive and constantly encouraged the crowed to reach higher.

Nearly their entire new album, All Rebel Rockers, was played, as well as a good mix of older favourites. A particular beauty was Sometimes which was stripped back and played on acoustic, turning it into a perfect singalong. Other notables were the danceable newbies A Little Bit of Riddim and Soundsytem, both of which Anderson joined in on, as well as a footstomping Light Up Ya Lighter and of course the anthem-esque Everybody Deserves Music. And, in tune with the good vibes and freewheeling of the night, the medley of _Get Up Stand Up, Stir It Up, Red Red Wine and Ganja Baby poured extra rhythm into the already moving crowd and sent up the sweet scent of sensimilla. Along with the reggae, hip hop, rock blend that Spearhead seem to produce so effortlessly, dub seems to have gained a definite hold on the band, resulting in the groove-infused All I Want Is You tickling the most sober and restrained of tastebuds. Yell Fire! and Say Hey (I Love You) were left for the end, topping off an already stellar night, and the very fitting Could You Be Loved by Marley walked the crowed out.

Spearhead shows rarely disappoint. They tend to leave everybody feeling positive and empowered. However, the classic Franti’s rhetoric of social justice seems to have changed tack and become more peaceful. It may be the result of age or experience, or wanting to be more relatable and relevant, but his talking with the audience remained uncontroversial and largely sedated. Even the backdrop soaked up the peaceful sentiments. There are still signs of the old vibe: reps from Amnesty International and Oxfam, feelings of positivity and unity, and slogan-filled politically-conscious lyrics; but, the show failed to move you to action.

Also, while the venue guaranteed brilliant lighting, it failed to resonate the experience, and an outdoor venue like Belvoir or something more homely like the Fly By Night would have been more appropriate.

Despite these distractions, Michael Franti & Spearhead undeniably delivered on their guarantee.

For pics of the show, click here.