The Herd @ MetropolisFremantle (09/09/11)

Tue 13th Sep, 2011 in Gig Reviews

It was a cosy, somewhat nostalgic evening in the harbour city, The Herd had finally returned after a lengthy hiatus with only solo visits from Urthboy and Jane Tyrell to tide us over, but with the release of new album Future Shade it was WA’s time to re-gather the herd.

With a solid early-bird crowd to bring the funky beat to, Latest Elefant Traks darlings Sietta didn’t disappoint. The formerly two-piece shook off soul and hip-hop vocals and beats to an appreciative crowd. Singer soul songstress Caiti Baker held the audience in her palm through latest single What am I Supposed to Do?.

The heat had risen and after a shortish change over, The Herd bounced onstage, and wow, aren’t there lots of them? Ozi Batla and Urthboy stalked the stage front with the beautiful Jane Tyrrell in tow.

Busting through much of their new album, the Fremantle crowd lapped it up as funky track after funky track was thrown out at frenetic pace. The only breathers came during the slower track; Grandma’s Song and Redgum cover; I Was Only 19.

Ozi Batla was tight all night, but Urthboy has to be the best lyricist in the country, his performance was clear and precise and seemingly effortless through Spin Cycle and old school hip hop anthem Red Queen Theory.

A reworked version of big single The King is Dead had a few people scratching their heads, but all in all it was an amazing performance that left people loudly declaring their love for The Herd as they made their way back into the Freo Night Air.