Atmosphere and Evidence @ The Hi-Fi

Posted on May 16, 2012 by ChuckTaylor

Rhymesayers label mates Atmosphere and Evidence just completed a tour of Australia and we got out to see them close it off at The Hi-Fi on Saturday night.

Being a massive Dilated Peoples fan and also of Ev’s solo shit, I was so amped for this show. We arrived right at the end of the supporting act, Horrorshow, and the crowd was already buzzing. It was also the first time I’d seen the Hi-Fi since they renovated it and changed it’s name from The Forum. Sadly, they’ve knocked out the elevated sides, closed off the second level and made the moshpit 3 times larger. It’s a great setup, perfect size but it’s just not the Forum, it was such an awesome intimate venue.

Anyway, it was time for Evidence. Coming out to lukewarm cheers he started out with The Red Carpet which got the crowd bobbing heads to but not much else. By track two Ev was loose and flashing that smile and clearly enjoying himself. About 20 minutes in though it was obvious the crowd was here to see Atmosphere as it wasn’t a large contingent that was getting too into Evidence. That kinda sucked because I’m a massive fan of his work and it’s a little hard to get into when the crowd is indifferent. He still managed to get the crowd going at some points with To Be Determined and You which featured Premier’s Full Clip beat which was sweet as. Other than that. A bit lackluster. Take nothing away from Ev though, I think in front of an Evidence/Dilated crowd it would’ve been a better vibe.

The intermission between Evidence and Atmosphere was strangely a highlight of the evening. Keeping with the theme of recent MCA tributes, they were spinning strictly Beastie Boys tracks as the crowd jammed in closer and were prepping for Slug and Ant. Fight For Your Right came on and it was go time.

Out walks Ant and their guys on guitar and keys to a salivating crowd then Sluggo wastes no time launching into his first track. As if to warm up, they started slow but it was clear only a few songs in that most of these people in the crowd knew all the lyrics to these songs and were totally engaged. Knowing only half of their shit, the crowd carried the experience for me, then vibe was contagious. It was a lot of fun. GodLovesUgly and Trying To Find A Balance were insane. The crowd was at their peak during those tracks. It was raucous as hell.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYBGX29Gngc&w=640&h=390]

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zyrZZLzXys&w=640&h=390]

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SqkW2De7UM&w=640&h=390]

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-XrwpDRyC8&w=640&h=390]