Lowrider @ HQ, Adelaide(16/10/09)

Mon 19th Oct, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Sydneys Empire Rising made an impressive debut to the Adelaide stage, the Hip Hop/ Rock outfit performing with a full band including keys.

Showcasing a diverse range, the group moved smoothly between fast bouncing tracks into more slow and mellow tunes. The contrast in sound from the female vocalists and the addition of a voice changer in one track gave the group a layered, full sound. The 6 piece displayed an energy and love for their music and this showed clearly during their performance.

The set included Future and Feelin Pressure from The Future 1.0 ep (which i believe sold out on the night! ). Other tracks including We Rise , Today and Still Cant Let Go are unfortunately not on the EP, so hopefully we can look forward to a release soon.

The group finished with a version of Scribe’s Not Many , before thanking the crowd yet again and heading back stage to enjoy the rest of the night.

These guys are fantastic, i will be keeping an eye out for shows when they have a chance to head back over here.

The screen behind stage finally lit up with visions of a rollercoaster car, as the ride kicked off with Going Up , for Lowrider ’s first Adelaide show since March.

The group took the stage with an energy and stage presence that didn’t lessen during the course of the show, it grew with each song performed. There seems to be a love of performance with these guys, where they are genuinely happy to be with the crowd, and seem to thrive and draw from the crowds enthusiasm.

Working through tracks from Lowrider and Diamond Amongst The Theives , we heard Try and See Red and All in Hand before slowing it down so couples all through the club could sway to Riverside and Let’s Go Now .

Friend saw all hands raised or joined, while Other Lovely Things again had the crowd singing along, turning the song into a mashup including Stairway and Magic Carpet Ride ... the transitions were seamless and worked perfectly.

The guys took a break while a sneak peak of their upcoming album played (due for release 2010, way too long, hurry up!!!!) and we were treated to a drum display from Mr Cee, who played along to 99 Problems.

Lowrider joined us again to close out the set with How Brave, What Are You Looking For and finally, for those who begged for it, Be Bad again had everybody moving and singing.

Smooth and Sensual and appealing to music lovers of all genres they bring together Funk, Soul and Hip Hop to create the beauty that is Lowrider. Their live shows are always something to remember, leaving you feeling uplifted and energised long after the doors close.

Joe Braithwaite ’s voice is incredible and unique, coming together with the bass, the beats and the keys, everything just…works.
This has seen them supporting big name international acts, as well as working with the best of our own home grown, most recently appearing on numerous tracks from the Hoods State of the Art .

An awesome show as always, with a great turnout, although the venue felt less intimate than previous shows.

Finally, a few moved to the Soho bar for an after party, where Joe, Scott, Paul and John relaxed with family, friends and fans over drinks, before wishing Scott a Happy Birthday. Not one for long speeches, Scott delivered an insightful and well thought out thankyou…’Party On Bitches!’