Hilltop Hoods ‘Never Coming Home National Tour’

Qudos Bank Arena.

Time to Chase That Feeling all the way up the hilltop, and see if the Aussie hip-hop spark is Still Standing strong. Australian hip-hop pioneers Hilltop Hoods bring their ‘Never Coming Home’ tour, celebrating the release of the bands’ ninth studio album ‘Fall From The Light’ released last August, tonight stopping at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. (in case the title wasn’t indication enough)

Are you ready for Hilltop Hoods?…

I’m genuinely concerned that the DJ filling the gaps and building the hype, or at least trying to that is, has alzheimers. Every two or at the very most three minutes, he keeps asking us “are you ready for Hilltop Hoods?”, which I would’ve thought that an arena packed full of fans going out of their way to experience a, wait for it… Hilltop Hoods show would be obvious enough, but even when the DJ return between support Trial and Aaradhna, he still keeps asking us “are you ready for Hilltop Hoods?”, so I deduce that he must have alzheimers. Okay okay, but in all seriousness, if I had a shot every time I heard him say “are you ready for Hilltop Hoods?” I would NOT be Still Standing, no, I’d be dead.

As for supporting artist Trial, his flavour on hip-hop with his more baritone voice and his DJ spinning tracks was a nice way to build up the energy in the ever-growing arena. But now…

“Are you ready for Hilltop Hoods?” (That’s five shots so far people). I’m gonna go out on a limb and say if you’re reading this your probably both ready for Hilltop Hoods and getting quite inebriated if you have been following thus far. But before Hilltop, is Aaradhna. Aaradhna is quite a surprise, she has a serene hypnotic, and at times emotionally forceful voice, and her blend of soul, reggae and hip-hop beats is calming and mesmerising, but as beautiful as it is, I don’t feel it’s suitable for a Hilltop Hoods support slot. Although the crowd are enjoying it, it doesn’t seem to raise the energy suitably to precede Hilltop Hoods.

“Are you ready for Hilltop Hoods?” (That’s six). If you’re still able to see straight and keep reading, then amazing, because Hilltop Hoods are here! 

To my absolute delight, the band open the set with arguably my favourite Hilltop hit, ‘Leave Me Lonely’, which is then followed by another one of my absolute favourites ‘Chase That Feeling, then to my surprise, dishing out the classic hit ‘Nosebleed Section’ nice and early.The band not only whip out the high energy on stage presence their shows are known for, whilst keeping true to the songs accuracy with a full band production, including drums and keyboards, but also weave in and out of pyrotechnics shooting billowing flames up from the stage. I’d really hope that the times the flames shoot up, the band are making use of the apparently small runway protruding out from the stage’s middle, seeing as the heat here at the front barrier is intense enough, let alone what it must be like up there! As the set goes on, the energy on stage and here in the crowd doesn’t wain, nor does the the crisp perfectly mixed sound, allowing my ears to get drunk on the potency of sounds, lead by the bands impressive intricate wraps, and in songs like ‘Chase That Feeling’, ‘1955’ and ‘Exit Sign’ (the latter two along with ‘I Love It’ which I believe the band get Aaradhna to accompany them on setting a bouncy happy vibe even more), highlights the piano nicely! On top of the high-proof sound mix, the set is filled with copious amounts on pyrotechnics, rather impressive light production, which is extremely effective along with the pyrotechnics  and even confetti, to further amplify songs’ impact.

The cocktail of tracks tonight, apart from the ones I previously mentioned, include tracks like new single ‘Never Coming Home’, ‘Still Standing’ and the grand finale in the encore like the last call at the pub, ‘Cosby Sweater’. The band connect with their fans animatedly throughout the set, clearly having a load of fun up their on stage which their energy is reflected in the audience, from start to finish, which along with the high energy in sound and body for the complete 1 hour 45 minute set, is remarkable.

Even though I felt the support were a bit lacking as far as building up the hype, Hilltop Hoods have yet again proven why they are at the top of the game in Australian hip-hop, and can sell out two consecutive nights here at Qudos Bank Arena. I think what tends to set Hilltop aside is the way that they can stay true to their own unique sound across nine studio albums, but not get repetitive or too comfortable doing the same thing time and time again, by collaborating with many different artists across different regions and genre’s. This along with doing projects and tours like when they toured with symphony orchestras brings new perspectives and flavours to a classic blend. And just like a loved classic blend of whiskey, keeps you returning to it over the years.

Until next time…

“Are you ready for Hilltop Hoods?” (That’s 7)