Live Review: Jurassic 5, 1200 Techniques

1200 Techniques open the evening with funky fresh guitar licks and solid live drums. NFA is an energetic presence on stage, alongside conga-playing DJ Peril. A brief applause sounds as the music fades and a steamy soul groove fills the audience’s ear cavities.

Jurassic 5 strut on stage one by one, each introducing themselves to the crowd with a short verse. As the track continues, a monstrous kick causes the venue to shudder like an old fridge. Under the shadow of the fat bass, the old school MCs synch call-and-response chants with Melbourne punters. As a flute sample provides backing for lyrical rhymes, DJs Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist are armed with two turntables and a Mac. The Influence amps up the energy and the DJs mute the “bah-ba-bah” section allowing keen participation from the audience. As the outfit’s lyrics suggest “pick up the pace”, the huge turntable positioned centrestage gets manipulated with the music, proving to be more than a mere prop. Impressively cohesive, the group continue to rap as one then, like a game of hot potato, they swiftly take turns passing the lyrical buck.

As hands are raised, punters are treated to the unmistakable sound of Marc 7’s deep, resonate voice. The MCs exit the stage, giving props to their beatmakers. DJs Cut Chemist and Nu-Mark stride out to centrestage equipped with some interesting instruments. Cut Chemist packs a turntable keytar while Nu-Mark has a portable sample pad strapped around his neck. The pair amaze onlookers with a unique freestyle jam, showing off their expert skills. The diverse love for this group is represented through the crowd, which is varied: white boys with dreadlocks, young teens, office workers and old-school hip hop lovers.

The MCs return to the stage and we cheer as Quality Control is recognised. Guiding their fans masterfully, the hip hoppers show that they’re not prehistoric. The audience doesn’t quite move in time, but this doesn’t inhibit the warmth in the room. As Jurassic 5 once again leave the stage, the punters stomp their feet like impatient children in an attempt to encouraging their heroes to return. The crew return to play a medley of tunes, pacifying their devotees.