Hiatus Kaiyote live review

Image: Hiatus Kaiyote (Credit: Michael Bond)

"This ones for everyone who's had a shitty day" declares Nai Palm towards the end of the set, before the Australian kings of poly-rhythmic neo-soul slink into 'Molasses'.

By that time, unless super shitty, Hiatus Kaiyote had managed to eradicate the wrath of anyone's boss affecting their day. Though this was an optimum tonic for anyone that wasn't already swaying and finger snapping in unison.  

It's merely a spectacle whenever the Australian neo-soul band visit the UK. Since the release of Choose Your Weapon - a release they dip in and out of throughout the night - word has spread about the groups seamless ability to shift shoulder-jerking rhythms and transmit delectable midnight grooves. 

They're suitably connected to a myriad of genres throughout the music world, the recent Recalibrations, Vol 1 features a Taylor McFerrin rework of 'Laputa' featuring Anderson .Paak; they dedicate a new song on the night to Rhythm Section's Bradley Zero and there's the Q-Tip sporting track 'Nakamurra' which draws notable cheers from the audience while Nai Palm disperses of her headwear.  

Individually they're equally adept at wowing the audience too - when the band strip back and allow Nai Palm to project her soulful punching voice it really is something. Like on 'Borderline With My Atoms' or 'Laputa' which fills the rooms with elation.

Her voice is accentuated by a trio of backing vocalists stood left-of-stage, puffing the air with uplifting harmonies to give the album tracks added dimension.  

Equally Simon Mavin on keys is mesmeric - he wades in with many a memorable keyboard part -partciualrly on the drum and bass bordering 'Atari'. At one point a moment of improvisation allow the rhythm section to really come into their own - when rolling off the back of 'Swamp Thing'.

Often a mid-set slumber can descend on a slot that almost stretches two hours long, but not with Hiatus Kaiyote. Their innate ability to switch it up means that the audience is piqued throughout. 

It's not just the shuffling sonics that stimulate the mood, it's the warmth conveyed throughout each and every song. Not one moment is down beat; by the simmered closing track 'The World It Softly Lulls' the whole room is hip-shakingly unified.  

Read our interview with Hiatus Kaiyote 'Going down a modular-synth wormhole'