UK outfit Rudimental closed out the rescheduled Australian leg of their massive “Toast To Our Differences” world tour in style at Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena on Sunday night, helping to elevate their fantastic album Toast To Our Differences to even greater heights. Joining the band to bask in the musically driven madness of the Melbourne crowd, were Sneaky Sound System.
The Sydney group brought the fun to those early arrivals, with Connie Mitchell and co dancing up a storm on the Margaret Court stage. Their set gave those who hadn’t heard their tracks in a while chance to reacquaint with Sneaky Sound Systems’ tones, whilst still giving a nod to the diehards by playing old classics, “Pictures” and “UFO” alongside some of their newer recordings, such as “Can’t Help The Way That I Feel”.
The duo were the perfect warm up and whilst Sneaky Sound Systems’ dance heavy vibes didn’t entirely match with Rudimental’s funkier undertones, they successfully and brilliantly got the crowd pumped up and ready for the coming set.
As a live act, Rudimental are somewhat reminiscent of Kool & The Gang. They’re bursting with energy, happy to mix and blend all sorts of genres, and always manage to put a smile on the faces of everyone in the crowd.
Not only do all eight of Rudimental’s touring party seem to work in perfect synchronisation, they’re also constantly sharing the spotlight; allowing each member to show off their talents. The two groups may contrast in their sound, but not in their style. With a focus on fusion, Rudimental managed to work in funk, blues, as well as a few jazz themes amongst some powerful dance production work, thus taking the sounds of a stage band into the modern era.
Not content with just playing their own material, Rudimental also dropped in some extra little magic, with covers of Ed Sheeran’s “Bloodstream” and a little Rag’n’Bone Man through “Human”. The latter, proved to be a big hit with the crowd, and kept the energy levels high and electric around the arena.
The group’s fresh take on jazz, funk and electronica fusion left the crowd wildly energetic throughout, with a full Margaret Court Arena dancing to the throw down beats of Rudimental. Their synergy was perfect, with their tracks “New Day”, “I Will For Love” “Free” and “Feel The Love” all allowing the group to demonstrate some real musicianship.
Walking off the stage for mere moments, the crowd quickly levelled the “one more song” chant towards the stage, and while encores are somewhat played out it certainly amped everyone up for Rudimental’s final two songs: “These Days” and “Waiting All Night”. It was worth the wait for these fan favourites and it was clear from all the tired faces of fans leaving the dance pit and venue they had nothing left.
