Having last played @ Newtown and Fishos twice this year to respectable but more modest crowds, perhaps the Black Seeds first impressive feat of the night was filling the Metro wall to wall with 800 or so punters. Not bad for a band on an Australian indie label, hailing from little ol’ New Zealand. However, there’s no question that this 8-piece haven’t been paying their dues across the ditch. This – coupled with their third album Into the Dojo fresh on the shelves here, support from popular locals Watussi and complete dedication from the ex-pat continent – made for a splendid turnout.
Watussi were never really going to disappoint a Black Seeds crowd. Their funky Latin rhythms and tight grooves eased the Metro crowd’s need to dance early on while front man Oscar Jimenez’s command of different languages and styles of delivery were impressive. The groups single Decide Yourself proved a crowd favourite for fans that were obviously there to see them, while their brand of horn-tinged Latin hip-hop surely won over a few more .
After a brief interlude from the Versionaries (free styling of the “all the ladies in the house say ‘Ho – Ho’ variety) the Black Seeds finally took the stage. Kicking off with Cool Me Down incontestably a contender for the next single – the group were in fine form. Showcasing their more funky numbers like Fire coupled with some old favourites from their first album like Coming Back Home the kiwi-band established a great platform of which to jam from and introduce the Australian crowd to some new songs. Spontaneous jams – like the horn crescendo that led into Turn It Around and the extended outro which became Something So True revealed a relaxed band confident with their repertoire.
The Black Seeds seemed happier to be playing new stuff from the more rootsy Into the Dojo, and in turn the harmonies, musical excursions and the bands sheer willingness to entertain, made for perhaps the tightest show I’ve seen these guys play this year. Finishing with the catchy Sometimes Enough and at their finest – the Black Seeds are welcome back any time.
