With his lyrics as politically and socially charged as ever, Franti used his massive frame and deep voice to make his audience move. He knows he’s preaching to the choir, thus the concert instantly becomes more of a celebration with like-minded people, rather than sitting at the foot of a soap-box.
Franti’s new tracks are fuelled by his visit to Iraq and Palestine. The title track, ‘Yell Fire!’ appears early on in the set and he performs every note with conviction. ‘Light Up Yer Lighter’ gets everyone to do just that. As the lights of the Enmore Theatre are dropped to darkness, all that surrounds me is flickering flames and the electronic glow of mobile phones. ‘East To The West’ warms up with a stirring solo guitar intro by Franti, a spot light illuminating him. It’s one of the highlights of a set that also features extended versions of new works like ‘Sweet Little Lies’, the infectious ‘Hello Bonjour’, ‘One Step Closer’, ‘Hey Now Now’, ‘Everybody Ona Move’, ‘See You In The Light’, and ‘Time To Go Home’.
Fans that didn’t want to hear the entirety of Franti’s new record wouldn’t have been completely disappointed. Spearhead also dished up some classic tunes like ‘Stay Human’ and Bob Marley’s ‘Get Up Stand Up’. There was also some awe-inspiring duets with Melbourne’s very own guitar prodigy Kieran Murphy and Natalie Pa’apa’a, who also opened the night’s proceedings with her band, Blue King Brown.
Spearhead is a collection of show pony’s, which makes them entertaining beyond their astounding musical ability. Bass player Carl Young oozed coolness from behind a big pair of sunglasses. He resembled a young Ving Rhames. Guitarist Dave Shul seemed very relaxed from beneath his baseball cap and drummer Manas Itiene is not only an amazing rhythm section, but has a singing voice to die for, often providing the sweetest of backing vocals that conjured a Jamaican flavour.
Michael Franti and Spearhead’s performance lasted for two hours, before his return for a triumphant encore. Franti played his classic ‘Bomb The World’ and then ‘Everyone Deserves Music’.
Overall, Spearhead’s performance was something quite profound and epic. The audience danced and jumped until they dropped, clapping and singing to Franti’s every whim. He knows how to keep the crowd in the palm of his hand. Franti’s voice and stature gives him an undeniably commanding presence, his long dreadlocks flew about like ribbons on a maypole. Instead of exiting side of stage, Franti jumps down in front of the barricade and spends time meeting people in the audience. It’s a shame not every performer can be this grounded and humble. Spearhead remain a world class act.
