Funkoars @ The GovernorHindmarsh, Adelaide(28-29/08/09)

Tue 1st Sep, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Friday
A sign of things to come, the Gov was already packed just after doors opened. The Sold Out sign clearly visible from the street. A group of people stood in the driveway, all but one looking pumped for a big night. As people walked past, they tried to avoid the pleas of – œGot a spare ticket? Ill pay you $50 for yours!’. Defeated, he heads for the street, only to be called back as an extra ticket is found. The smile was priceless! Inside, the 3 bars are already doing good trade.

After all, we are here to see the Funkoars, who after a 3 month, 28 show epic tour, were finally on the last leg and on home ground.
Dj Sanchez warms the excited crowd. A veteran in his own right, Sanchez seems to be well sought after, having opened many of the shows I have seen recently.

In true Adelaide fashion, the scene supports its own, with members of local groups After Hours, OTP and others spotted enjoying the show. Local lad Vents took over the stage with the help of DJ Ad-Fu playing tracks from his album _Hard to Kill_before closing with Love Song with the room ringing with Da na na na na na, Da na na Da na na. At the end of the set, a fan handed Vents a custom number plate; VENTS 1 After a short break, Flagrant hit the decks to warm the already hyped crowd for the arrival of Phrase. The match up of Phrase and the Oars has been a cause for debate recently, so i was interested to see what the outcome would be. Opening with a remake of the* Presets* _ – œMy People’_ ,

Phrase laid out tracks from his album Clockwork , with the help of his live drummer, which added another dimension to the performance.
He then went on to name, in his eyes, the best DJs in Aus… Debris from the Hoods, Bliss n Eso’s DJ Izm, The Oars own Reflux, and DJ Flagrant, the perfect opener for Flagrant to drop some skills. After the short breather, and a couple more tracks, Phrase closed out with Spaceship which the crowd chanted happily.
Finally, the roar of a somewhat intoxicated but enthusiastic crowd announced the Funkoars arrival on stage, bouncing into Reign on the Masses .

Hey Ladies was farewelled, as it would no longer be making the set list after 5 years on the rotation. Watching the entire room, females included, sing the lyrics was an interesting experience.
The crowd turned it up even more when special guest Drapht took the stage and belted out Jimmy Ricard and another track before heading backstage again.

As the beat for What I want sounded, I looked hopefully towards the stage, silently praying that Suffa would be joining the boys; unfortunately it was not to be, although the rest of the crowd didn’t seem too fazed.

We joined the Funkoars in singing Happy Birthday to DJ Reflux who had turned 30.

By the end, there was barely room to move on stage, with friends and family joining in on Black Sally and Whats your Malfunction?

And then it was over. The masses headed for the Bull and Bear for an unforgettable after party (note; There was an after party? Wait, Drapht got on stage?? Are you serious? Oh Man! I so don’t remember that!)

Luckily for those that , for whatever reason, had details missing from their night, there was

Saturday

A stark contrast to last night, there was no line up, there was no Sold Out sign…What there was were kids…lots of kids. The All Ages show giving those who missed the first show a diluted version of the cocktail that was The Funkoars.

Again, Sanchez took the decks, although later than expected. The younger, fresher crowd taking more time to warm to his style, but by the end dancing, or at least bopping their head.

Vents received a better welcome, with more people in the crowd seeming to know the lyrics to his songs.

Seeming much more laid back and comfortable, Phrase, Flagrant and the Drummer let loose with their set, spending more time connecting with the crowd, including a young girl that spent the whole night standing at the centre of the stage. She was extremely happy to walk away with a set of drumsticks after meeting Phrase.

For the last time on this mammoth tour, The Funkoars hit the stage, which looked a little different…empty. Someone from the night before had decided that the banner that normally hangs at front of the decks would look better at their house. Shame! A message to their fans from a Facebook status; To the so called fan that stole our Banner last night…...Please consider returning it. We work hard for our shit, it is mad expensive. Otherwise….amazing night…Round 2 tonight! So, if you come across it in your mates bedroom, how bout handing it in…after you bounce it off their head!

Showing no signs of the long night before, the Oars delivered another energetic performance, although this time minus Drapht and in some cases, shoes.

The Hangover and _ This is How_ seemed crowd favourites in what was a shortened set; Due to the late start of the show, and the fact that it was an all ages gig, the Oars were cut short by a few songs.
After passing out a few fliers to their next Adelaide show (Oct 24th) and 1000s of photos and autographs (Ok, maybe not thousands, it just felt like that for those of us that were waiting patiently to catch up!) it was over.

After 28 shows the guys are done, and having a well earned rest, ready to start all over again for the Summer Festival circuit. About time for another show I reckon.