Horrorshow have always been welcomed with open arms by their loyal Adelaide crowd and it was no different this time around, with a whole lot of familiar faces flocking to The Gov despite it being a chilly Sunday night. It might have something to do with the fact that it’s been a minute since Horrorshow were last in Adelaide for a headline show; it might have something to do with the support acts bouncing across the country with them, the new kid on the block B Wise and wordsmith Omar Musa.
It might also have something to do with the fact that Horrorshow have ingrained themselves on the Australian scene over the years, only cemented by the continued success of the One Day collective and label Elefant Traks.
He’s the freshman of the Elefant Traks crew and recently dropped his new EP Semi Pro to a fantastic reception. This was definitely reflected in the relatively young and excitable mini-mosh that gathered front and centre before B Wise even hit the stage. There is no doubting the African-Australian’s stage presence and ability to engage his audience. Hands were thrown and heads nodded as he rolled through his catalogue. “Risk It”, “No Questions” and “If You Wanna Know” were all big-time crowd bumpers. Expectedly, his show included a plethora of sharp snares and two-paced tunes that built the crowd up for them all to get down to, whilst his message of love and unity comforted those who needed it on a seedy Sunday night.
The boys from Western Sydney have always kept their fans guessing when it comes to their live shows and it’s now apparent that this tour is no different. Adit was putting little switch ups on some favourites of the past and Solo was making it up as he went after a little mishap in his introduction to the stage with their Like A Version, Lou Reed‘s “Walk On The Wild Side/Can I Kick It”.
There was definitely a bigger party emphasis in this show compared to gigs of times gone past; Horrorshow have been more inclined to strip it back and show off Solo’s vocal repertoire in acoustic settings, but they really brought the energy to The Gov this time around, with the influence of their peers from One Day apparent. “No Rides Left”, “All Summer Long” and “The Rain” headlined the old timer tracks, there was yet another on-stage wedding proposal (something the Sydney duo must be getting accustomed too) pre-empted a rendition of “Walk You Home”.
The crowd were even treated to a few teaser-tracks off their upcoming record before long-time friend/collaborator and local Adelaide MC/vocalist Jimblah jumped up on stage for an edited version of “Any Other Name”, which filled the venue with an electric harmony. They finished their set off with the lead single off the upcoming album and excuse for a tour “If You Know What I Mean”. Omar Musa and B Wise also hopped back up on stage for their posse cut “Right Here”, something the Horrorshow crew have regularly put together leading up to their national tours.
Horrorshow are seasoned members of the Australian touring scene and are now at a point where their live show is becoming so fine-tuned that they know they have to add a little bit, change a little bit and give a little bit more to every performance, which they always deliver upon.
Don’t blink because with new music on the way hopefully we see these boys back on the road soon.
Horrorshow hit WA this week (Mojo’s in Freo on October 27th, Amplifier in Perth on October 28th) before taking things to Queensland (The Zoo in Brisbane on October 29th, Sol Bar in Maroochydore on October 30th).
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