The Hilltop Hoods -Parade of the Dead

Mon 22nd Nov, 2010 in Music Reviews

Admired internationally for their amazing rhymes, rhythms and genuinely fantastic personalities, The Hilltop Hoods are true pioneers of modern Australian hip-hop. Coming off the success from the double-platinum selling album, State of the Art, the Hoods have released the film, Parade of the Dead, that combines elements of horror flicks, live concerts, documentaries and an outstanding use of Australian humour, all to create perhaps one of the most engaging, enjoyable music video releases to date.

The hour-long film sets the scene with an opening line that still manages to force a laugh after multiple views. “In 2010 a virus spread throughout the worlds population killing millions and turning many survivors into mindless zombies. Around the same time of these apocalyptic events, the Hilltop Hoods were due to make a DVD for their album _State of the Art_… As civilisation collapsed, people died in the streets, thousands starved… The Hilltop Hoods were so self-involved they made the DVD anyway.”

It’s clear from this simple, comical opener that we are to be in for a treat, and the film that proceeds does not disappoint. The Hoods don’t hold back for a second, they include as much blood, guts, cursing and cheap jokes as they possibly can. Their acting ability is surprisingly convincing and with special cameos from Scott Dooley and fellow hip-hop artists The Funkoars, it is easy to recognise how fun this production truly is.

To accompany the film, an intimate performance by The Hilltop Hoods, filmed at The H.M. Gaol in Adelaide, has been included in the special features. With an audience of approximately 70 people, The Hoods pull off a killer set of tracks from their latest release and some old classics to leave fans content. Shooting an intimate gig in a unique location such as the goal adds special feel to the DVD, which couldn’t really be created by a theatre performance or festival set.

And as an added bonus, we are treated to the music videos from the main singles of their latest album, Chase That Feeling, Still Standing and The Light You Burned. The behind the scenes footage is just as fun to watch as the real film, watching the ‘zombies’ as real people is classic and the petite “Gunter, Professional Zombie” feature provides us regular folk with the insight into the life and times of a zombie actor… riveting stuff.

This DVD is simply a must-see for fans of The Hilltop Hoods, Australian Hip-hop, or even just the good ol’ fashioned comedy, Parade of the Dead caters for all markets and will see bigger and better things for Australia’s favourite urban artists.