Live Review: Thundamentals, Astronomy Class, Fozzey & Van C, Eloji

Local MC Eloji kicks things off, his performance of new single Thinking a standout. Next on the bill, Queensland kids Fozzey & Van C have quite the following as they power through their back catalogue as well as new single Gimme Love. As the duo conclude their set, they perform a video game-themed freestyle, which is pretty killer. Astronomy Class are next to take the stage; the Sydney hip hoppers mostly perform material from their upcoming release Mekong Delta Sunrise. The trio definitely bring something different to the stage with their Cambodian-inspired breed of hip hop. The inclusion of female vocalists Srey Channthy (a Cambodian singer who features heavily on their upcoming album) and Vida-Sunshyne within their set is a nice touch as this gig is definitely lacking oestrogen onstage.

As Thundamentals head up, the room gets a little louder. Their adoring fans are more than ready. Beginning their set with some live trumpet playing and MPC beats, the trio get straight into their How You Been single. Backed by some awesome visuals, Thundamentals then perform My Favourite Song and Got Love, all the while displaying the clear connection that they share as a group. MCs Tuka and Jeswon take the opportunity between tracks to let their audience know how happy they are to be onstage with their “best mates”. In an industry that can be so competitive – in which we are constantly fed stories of beefs and rivalries between collaborators (think Jay Z/Drake or Q-Tip/Phife Dawg) – this kind of sentimentality is welcome. As they continue on with performances of Quit Your Job, Paint The Town Red and The Groundhog Song, Thundamentals' thought-provoking lyrics have their loyal audience singing along to every word, which, of course, Thundamentals encourage. Crowd favourites Noodle Soup and Smiles Don't Lie are next, backed by their awesome video clips that play on the screens beside the stage. Again, the crowd sing along with every word.

The trio wrap their set with Something I Said, inviting guest vocalist Thom Crawford to join them onstage. By night's end, So We Can Remember is officially available for purchase. What better way to celebrate the album's launch than by performing to a sold-out crowd?