Live Review: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Thundamentals, XP

At first glance, Adelaide's effort to turn up on Tuesday night was fairly dismal. A small sprinkling of people peppered the floor of the Entertainment Centre. However, with a bit of coercing and the help of some top-notch hip hop artists, it didn't take long to make a mountain out of the molehill that was the crowd.

XP's smooth flow and insane energy worked in his favour, his clean vocals soaring across the hallowed room. He interacted determinedly with the front row, a worthy opener indeed.

Australians really do love Australian things. Thundamentals are about as music-genre-turned-hippie as you can get, their supremely entertaining live set burning holes through the roof. Quit Your Job was all too applicable for the poor sods who had work in the morning and a few too many beers in their belly. The crowd ate out of their sweaty hands during Noodle Soup and Smiles Don't Lie. Their onstage chemistry was magical, reminiscent of the class clowns in primary school. Echoing a certain young producer's sentiments the group ended their set with a succinct "Fuck Pauline Hanson".

Light Tunnels shone out through the speakers as Macklemore & Ryan Lewis set off on their hit-filled journey through Adelaide. The light show was impressive in itself, with the visuals provided on the screen taking the crowd on an intimately detailed journey. "We came here to take off a layer… Be egoless."

The trumpeter deserved his own sideshow purely for the raw energy he was dishing out on stage, bouncing around like a kitten with a shiny ball. Macklemore provided anecdotes of his days as a young hooligan, as well as spilling love and adoration for his daughter before an early launch into Thrift Shop. Racks of op shop clothes were brought on stage, and the song was literally an onstage fashion show. His freestyle at the end of the song showed off his ability to spit mad bars.

He flowed seamlessly into Arrows, running through the crowd and using his platform to intelligently and thoughtfully shed some light on important contemporary issues. "Hate will never overpower love. This song's called Same Love." A single spotlight fell on stage as Macklemore's troubled thoughts tumbled out over Ryan Lewis' impressive live production skills, White Privilege II afforded the attention and stillness it deserves.

His charisma was humbling, complementing his occasionally ridiculous lyrical content. He threw cookies into the crowd, complimented our women and our wildlife, and played with his audience like a child. A double encore treated us to Can't Hold Us, Dance Off and (obviously) Downtown.

For all the shit Macklemore may get as an artist, you can't deny he's using his position for good. And if you can, just close your eyes, and continue to live your lie.