Live Review: Zapp @ Sydney Recital Hall, Sydney

Zapp took over the Sydney Recital Hall last night, not just with a gig but with a full-on future retro-funk experience.

For anyone who doesn’t know, Zapp’s been shaping the sound of modern music since the late '70s, thanks to founder Roger Troutman’s genius. While Roger may no longer be with us, his spirit and legacy live on through the band, which now includes various family members and like-minded souls.

Their vocoder-driven sound laid the foundation for G-funk and influenced countless artists, from Dr. Dre to Daft Punk. It may sound a bit retro, in a world where the future can at times look terrifying, this version of what’s next is way more compelling.’

The night got started with DJ Shan, who’s arguably the best selector in Sydney. His set was a perfect uptempo celebration of Zapp’s influence, blending funky beats, influences, and accidents through a voice of hip-hop with seamless transitions. By the time he finished, the crowd was well and truly locked into an unusually tribal but ecstatic vibe.

When Zapp hit the stage, the energy was high, but things took a brief turn when a technical glitch forced them off the stage. For a moment, the room went quiet, but the band came back quickly, and the crowd was all in, ready for more.

They dove into a series of their own classics, like Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing) and I Can Make You Dance, with their signature funk grooves, sequenced riffs, brass hits, and the kind of vibe you can’t help but lose your shit to. But it was when Computer Love dropped that the night really took off. The vocoder was on point, the basslines locked in, and the crowd was right there with them.

Then came More Bounce To The Ounce. The energy shifted into overdrive. The bass was deep, the crowd was bouncing, and it felt like the whole room was in perfect sync with the band. It was the kind of moment where the funk just takes over.

And to cap it all off, they closed with California Love. It wasn’t just a song, it was an event. The crowd sang along, everyone was dancing, and the chaotic joy in the room made for the perfect finish.

Zapp’s show wasn’t just about the music; it was about the experience. From the minor hiccup to the seamless choreography, outfits and unforgettable ending, they proved why their influence is still so strong today. Funk, soul, and a bit of chaos made for a night that felt like a celebration of the past, present, and future of music.

A night full of great energy, unforgettable classics, and a performance that left everyone feeling like they’d witnessed something special.