Stereo MC's @ the Waterfront

In 1992, the Stereo MCs released Connected, the album that launched them towards success both commercially and critically and put them at the forefront of the British hip hop/dance scene. They won awards (to the) left, (to the) right and centre, scooping up best album and best group at the Brits, and became a UK chart mainstay. They also featured on several ‘cool’ film soundtracks from the time, which was to be expected as by now - like MTV and undercuts - they encapsulated the spirit of the '90s. So, you’d be forgiven for thinking that they’re a bit dated now, not particularly relevant, and probably nowhere near as good as they were 20 plus years ago. I mean, you’d be forgiven, but you’d also be very, very wrong.

There was a palpable anticipation in the air as they took to the Waterfront stage, with frontman Rob Birch looking resplendent in a bright orange beanie, and as soon as DJ Nick Hallam dropped the first of their trademark funky refrains, the dancing started. And it didn’t stop as they launched straight into a set filled with classic tunes that didn’t disappoint, and still sounded as good as they ever did.

It strikes me that there are two types of people in this world. Some, like me, when having a meal as a child, would always eat all the veg first to get it out of the way, leaving the meat and gravy (obviously the best bit) for last. Well, the Stereo MCs must’ve been the type of kids that took their shepherd’s pie, and mixed it up into one delicious plate full, because we were only two songs in before Birch announced, “Something ain’t right here…”, heralding the start of crowd favourite Connected. And that was the recipe for the night; classic Connected songs such as Creation and Step It Up were mixed in with later floor fillers like Black Gold and lesser known but equally well delivered tunes. The resulting tasty ‘creation’ was a mash of rap, soul and funky dance that fed a crowd that grew and swelled with every lip-licking beat. By the time they came on for their second encore, everyone was moving, hands were in the air, and as Birch delivered one last message of peace and love, everyone was sorry to see it end.