I find this quite strange to admit, but this performance was the first time I’d ever set foot inside the UNSW Roundhouse. Just thought I’d put that out there. But it’s a venue I quite like – it’s just a bit of a pain to get to!
The set up, and the premise, of the Red Bull Soundclash events is as follows: two stages are erected opposite one and other, each featuring a different artist. Together, they battle it out through a series of musical challenges, the winner chosen by an applause-o-meter over 4 rounds. It’s certainly a unique way to bring some local artists into your living rooms – as Channel [V] will be screening the gig in its entirety – and not a bad night out, either!
In this incarnation, the artists were Melbourne indie kids Little Red, and Perth’s Downsyde, who covered the hip hop side of things… They were accompanied by DJ Leeroy Brown (Katalyst), with Renee and Kyle from Channel [V] being the VJ supports for each “team” respectively. Ah, the television production!
It launched with a warm up – each act performing tracks of their own to get the ball rolling. Little Red started the night out, running through “She’s Not The Only One” and “It’s Alright”, off of Listen to Little Red. Downsyde, meanwhile, showcased songs which included “Master MC” and “Takin’ It Over” off of All City. And from there, the games begun.
It was clear from the outset who was going to win – Little Red, a band with amazing musical talent, but limited skills in the “crowd interaction” department. Downsyde, meanwhile, have been in the “game” for more than 12 years, and know just how to get the crowd on their side, in more ways than one. This, I found frustrating, because the talent was definitely in Little Red’s corner. When the first round, a cover of MJ’s “Billie Jean” came up, Little Red totally nailed it. A fantastic rendition of the classic track, with a few “hot babes” dancing behind them.
Downsyde, meanwhile, gave the track a basic remix, and then just freestyled over it. Although it kind of felt like they were using lyrics from their other songs… but anyway. It was good fun, there was “hot babes” with even bigger jugulars dancing behind them – but it wasn’t a cover. I would have loved to have seen them actually try and perform the song properly… but for the traditional takes on the challenges at hand, this was left to Little Red. Downsyde just did whatever they wanted, basically, and won the first round for it.
This followed on in the second round, where the bands have to finish the tracks of the other team. Little Red started off with “Speedo”, in which Downsyde took over half way through to finish it up. Instead of emulating, they basically freestyled their own lyrics, for a length which extended the original! It’s all well and good to turn something into your own, but they just milked it for way too long each time. When Downsyde performed “Less Fortunate”, Little Red finished the track in almost reggae fashion, and they definitely pulled it off – thankfully, they were the winners of this round, but I’ll burst the bubble early: it didn’t save them in the end.
The third round consisted of each band having to re-appropriate their own songs into a different style. Downsyde did quite well in the Electropop department, with “Everybody Here is on Pills” proving quite appropriate. Meanwhile, Little Red’s “Fall” was both awesome AND hilarious when performed it Reggae style – So much Cowbell! Downsyde won this round, no doubt aided by their Electro rendition. Everybody loves Electro! I’d like to say this made it 2-1, but the point system was weirder than that, and by now it was clear that Downsyde had taken it.
The final round brought along a special musical guest to each band – Little Red with Andy Bull, who led an awesome version of Rolling Stone’s “Sympathy For The Devil”. The highlight of the whole night! I’m not a fan of the kid’s solo stuff, but he sure can do a fine cover. Downsyde decided to, once again, not challenge themselves musically, and brought on Jimmy Recard for Drapht’s song of the same name. Thankfully, Little Red won this round, but it wasn’t enough to keep the crown off of Perth’s hip hop heavyweights.
The show ended in a timely fashion, with both bands performing “Get Up, Stand Up”, for a crowd who was quite into it for the entire performance. It was certainly an interesting evening, if nothing else, and while I don’t agree with the outcome (could you tell!?), I can’t help but appreciate the fact that these sort of events are happening at all. Bring on the next!
Red Bull Soundclash screens on Channel [V] Sunday November 1st 2009 at 11am
