Utilizing elements of electronic and rap music as his hinges to create sonic worlds that are arcane and mysterious in nature, VOID features the hit singles Core, Scylla, Reminder (ft. I step out into the crisp October air and think to myself, “I need another beer.BBE, MADCAP & GEORGE FM PRESENT: RL GRIME VOID TOUR - FIRST EVER NZ SHOW MAY 6 2015Īfter selling close to 100,000 tickets in North America on his current tour, RL Grime returns to Australia and New Zealand in April for the Groovin’ the Moo regional festival and his largest headline shows to date, in support of his amazing debut album VOID. Though I was first nervous and even uneasy, I’m glad I went. “More power to them.” I stop and wave to Henry wishing him luck in all of his endeavors.
“They’re living life in the moment,” I say with a smile. With a chuckle, I realize how closely I once resembled these kids, reckless and starving for stimulation. It’s easy to look around and wonder what has become of youth. The party is clearly still alive, but many have overindulged. Girls with streaming mascara and wobbly knees try desperately to stay upright.
Guys in overalls and basketball jerseys pace the perimeter with hands held high. We decide the time is nigh to call it a night sidestepping crying, confused teenagers. Songs begin to blend into one another cascading between tribal house mixed with Hip Hop, Grime and Trap. Streams of exhale escape upwards like little steam engines around the stage. CO2 cannons blast overhead, reigniting the crowd into a frenzy. My friend finishes up front and we meander backwards, just as Drake’s voice breaks through. He looks to be genuinely enjoying himself, revving up the BPMs to 170. Henry (AKA RL Grime) pauses, raising the microphone to ask, “how are you doing Eugene?” The crowd loses their sh*t, reacting as if he has just gifted them a million dollars. I find myself mirroring heads around me with each revolving chorus. I’m alone as my buddy tries to get his images. He throws down a rapid bassline and bobs his head to the high powered rises and drops. We move upstairs to the bar for a drink before heading back for the main event.Īs RL Grime takes the stage, the place goes bonkers. I dodge glossy-eyed, glistening masses streaming past me. The experience is similar to witnessing a fire at a fraternity house during a 90s dance party. This music is tangible in a very different way than the rock shows I’m use to attending.Īs Graves finishes their set of three DJs, including Chris from Honolulu, the rush for the bathroom begins. Now I understand why these kids are here. I was initially startled by the raucous, unbridled energy. I realize I’m witnessing something special something new. The climax arrives with a massive explosion that rolls through my body. The man on the stage throws his hand to the floor. The DJ raises his hand, fist clenched with one finger pointing to the ceiling. Your desire builds to be close to the stage. We wallow in the back contemplating our choice of attire, then take a breath and begin to weave through the sweat ladened bodies. Teenagers in glittery neon clothing brush their half-naked bodies against my neatly pressed wool shirt. We walk in the venue to Graves blasting heavy beats and hard-pounding percussions. A young 20 something walks past, pant-less with a mesh shirt and tape over her nipples.
I meet my friend outside the venue and instantly know this concert is more than I prepped for. I find a parking spot and stroll towards The McDonald Theatre in downtown Eugene, Oregon. I’m suited up in my standard northwest plaid button-down with jeans and worn-out Chucks. I’m curious, but not particularly optimistic. I assume this is one of those EDM shows my younger school colleagues rave about. Quick, punchy rhythms emanate from my cheap earbuds. I usually do my homework on bands ahead of time, so I pop in my headphones while driving and listen to a few tracks. Having barely heard of this DJ, I throw myself at the chance. On a cool autumn weekday, my friend invites me to come along for an RL Grime’s “NOVA Tour” concert. Photography courtesy of Andrew Saputo review written by Seth Thompson.
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