By Justin Arnold

SYDNEY -- Deep down in the basement of the State Theatre, it was dark except for candlelight and empty except for the tables, which outnumbered the chairs by two to one. After a tedious search, I found a place to park my body. At least the drink prices weren't over-inflated, like the last time I saw D.I.G. at the Northpoint Tavern.

Through the noise and bad lighting, I managed to get a few quick words with the guitarist Tim Rollinson.

“How would you describe your music?”

“Jazz funk. The two main elements are a fusion of improvised jazz and funk, with hip hop mixed.”

What about messages? There are “no planned messages, but we're trying to create a more communal feeling at our concerts.

“We're more concerned with our audience. Like in our song Dreamtime we're trying to communicate the message of the plight of indigenous people for the middle class white Australians to understand. Also talking about equal distribution of planetary resources. People need to address issues on a personal level as well as a political level.”

Rollinson described his musical influences: “Basically I like things on the cutting edge, like the romantic edge of music to motivate people. Miles Davis, James Brown, Herbie Hancock.”

The opening song was jazzy instrumental, which set the scene well for the rest of the evening. Their new single “Favourite” was next. Their African style rhythms filled the room with more energy than a hyperactive child with a bottle of cordial and a packet of snakes.

The whole concert was delivered with so much love, style and artistic enthusiasm that the crowd of what looked like a record shop Christmas party was chanting for more. Most definitely a band you should hock your CD player to see.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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