Music > Live Reviews

The Mouse Outfit

Norwich Arts Centre

19/11/16

Taking the role of support act on Sunday night, Chrome and Illinspired killed it. No surprise there. The Norwich-based hip-hop duo have been rhyming since the late 80's, and their consistently high quality shows prove it. Along with a vinyl-mixing DJ, the pair combined fast delivery, witty lyrics and hard beats to keep energy levels high.

Warmed up would be an understatement, the packed-out NAC was sweating excitement for The Mouse Outfit. The Manchester-based hip-hop collective bounded on stage, and kept the energy alive through fast “fuck songs” and slower, lounge-tinged tunes. MCs Sparkz and DJ Syntax led the band from debut album Escape Music to 2015’s Step Heavier. The duo never missed a beat, and coupled with brass, guitar riffs, percussion and keyboard wizardry they did UK hip-hop proud.  Through touring, changing band members and experimenting with production, The Mouse Outfit have absorbed sounds spanning jazz, funk and drum ‘n’ bass. On Sunday, they spat them back out, making sure no two songs blended together.

The Mouse Outfit clearly didn’t take themselves too seriously, and wanted the crowd to have fun too. Whether it’s Dr Syntax’s bad dancing or Phil Ratcliffe’s topless, sweaty guitar playing, The Mouse Outfit ignored hip-hop’s infamous austerity. 

“Remember when hip-hop was dope?” Chrome and Illinspired rapped during their support set. For all their wisdom, they clearly forgot that a walking, talking, nine-piece retort was warming up behind them. The Mouse Outfit got Norwich moshing, dad dancing, and even brooding about life on a Sunday night. What’s not dope about that?