REVIEW: RIZZLE KICKS + JOSH OSHO AT CARDIFF UNIVERSITY (27/04/12)
Last time Rizzle performed in Cardiff the duo were performing a small PA set for Propaganda at Glams nightclub, now the Brighton boys are back in Cardiff at the sold out Great Hall. Since their last stint in Cardiff Rizzle Kicks have received astonishing chart success with both his singles ‘Down The Trumpets’ and ‘Mama Do The Hump’.
Now Rizzle Kicks are touring around the country and headlining their first tour, the audience is filled with enthusiastic high pitch teens who rushed to the front of the arena to show love for the rappers turned singers.
Kicking of the show is Josh Osho who since getting signed to Island records, has been consistently receiving rave reviews up and down the country. At the young age of 20, Osho’s constructive songs resemble artists who have been in the industry twice his time. Arriving on stage, casually dressed, repping a snapback cap, backed by a simple band and DJ on the decks, Josh began his set with ‘The Ebenezer Hotel’ a song that’s been written about his time living in a hostel and having everything stolen except his guitar. Josh’s impressive soulful vocals filled the room and pleased the young crowd, fantastically grabbing the audience’s attention.
Concluding his short set singing latest single ‘Redemption Days and after his after his short performance Osho didn’t shy away from the crowd and waited around the arena greeting and having photo’s with his ton of new fans.
As the lights come down, the electrifying screams from the crowd is a signal that the wait is now over. As Rizzle Kicks bursts on stage to the theme of inspector gadget, the audience are in a frenzy for the young stars. Performing notable fan favourites including ‘Dreamers’, ‘When I was a youngster’ and ‘Travellers Charm’ each song receives a great reaction.
Jordan and Harley are accompanied by an impressive backing band, which included a fierce drummer and a saxophonist who pulled the whole show together. Rizzle Kicks delivered a tight performance which was full of energy, young talent and an array of sing-a-long, live for the weekend anthems.
The biggest reaction of the night came from fan favourite ‘mamma do the hump’ which dominated the crowd and not only had them singing, but dancing along too.
As the show draws to a close with a triumphant ‘Down With The Trumpets’ – complete with several bras thrown onstage – at this time, in this moment, Rizzle Kicks are superstars. The room erupted, hands flew, and sweat poured to the end the night on an excellent high.
Words and photo: Mike Lewis
