Matisyahu @ UNSW Roundhouse,Sydney (31/03/10)

Thu 8th Apr, 2010 in Gig Reviews

My nostrils fill with a mix of chewy, Lynx and smoke machine fog as I step onto the hardwood floor of the UNSW Roundhouse theatre, immediately transporting me back to the days of high school discos. Not quite the scene you’d expect to be reminded of at a Matisyahu concert. But then again, there’s little point in having any expectations when going to see a 30-year-old American Hasidic Jewish reggae musician. He doesn’t really fit any moulds.

Bounding on stage with Time Of Your Song, Matisyahu is immediately met with hands in the air, a response many artists don’t get until later in a show. There are clearly some dedicated fans in the house. Dedicated fans so happy to see their favourite artist they will be appreciative regardless of if the show is good or not.

That’s not to say that the show wasn’t good. There is certainly something very special about being in the presence of someone who has defied conventions and won over fans both because and irrespective of his religious beliefs. But at times Matisyahu’s reggae-hip hop-rock blend has a tendency to sound repetitive.

As he moved between recognisable hits such as Youth and not so exposed newer tracks We Will Walk and Escape I couldn’t help but feel unengaged. Although he was giving it 100%, drawing the crowd in with his slower, softer songs then throwing out all his energy for his heavier tracks, Matisyahu, with all his inner-peace, seemed unable to fill the high ceilings and empty hallways of the Roundhouse. Some piercing feedback issues earlier on didn’t help matters either.

My interest was recaptured however when Matisyahu showed off his beat boxing skills. Having read about this section of his show in past reviews I was interested to hear if he was really that good. Simply put: he is.

Leaving the stage with his biggest hits unplayed, it was clear that the encore was going to be worth sticking around for. As the crowd built up a chant of “One Day”, Matisyahu reappeared with a grin and for the next 15 minutes made up for any prior grumbles I had about the show.

As the crowd was posed the question “What’s this feeling?” with the opening lyrics of King without a Crown I noticed people around me closing their eyes and pounding their heart with their fist. This guy’s music really means something to people, regardless of their religion.

As the night wore thin Matisyahu proved me wrong about not being able to fill the awkwardly shaped venue, he even went as far as to throw himself into the crowd for a surf. Although his popularity may still owe itself to his older tracks, Matisyahu stands as a beacon for anyone who would prefer follow their faith than the charts.

Check out the photos from the gig