Live Review: The Prodigy, ShockOne, Enschway

Glancing around RAC Arena as Enschway went about his opening set, it was a lifeless affair that flagged a worrying tone for the evening. Worst still, he delivered every bit of what was necessary with little-to-no reward for it. 

With a decade of experience, local producer ShockOne, aka Karl Thomas, had a much easier time on stage. He was ecstatic to be opening for his idols and offered up an epic drum’n’bass set that carried listeners through to the main act.

The Prodigy MC Maxim hovered side of stage, while vocalist Keith Flint stared down the audience to the opening rumble of Breathe, which had fans on the edge of their seats.

Firmly holding a middle finger to anyone labelling them a nostalgia act, the group proved their explosive energy remains as fierce and fresh as ever. The stage was stacked with band members supporting Liam Howlett, and the bass radiating into the audience had skulls rattling as they rolled through Nasty, Omen and Voodoo People, each boasting a sharpened live energy that outdid the studio versions.

Tracks from the band’s latest record, No Tourists, showcased hardened break neck riffs, with Need Some1, Resonate and the superb Champions Of London managing to transform one of Perth’s biggest venues into one of the best festival parties of the year.

The Prodigy proved why they’re still one of the greatest live acts going around.