REVIEW: Back to the Future at Vector Arena

Back to the Future, Friday 1 March 2013, Auckland Vector Arena

View all the photos from Back to the Future>

Some of the most renowned artists from Australia’s Future Music Festival stepped across the ditch for a much anticipated side show, certainly not failing to please the bass hunting crowd.

Headliner for the night, English rapper and music producer, Dizzee Rascal, exceeded expectations with a highly energetic and entertaining set. He paraded from one corner of the stage to the other, belting out rhymes in the likes of ‘Look Sharp’, ‘Fix Up’ and ‘Jus' a Rascal’ off his 2003 debut album Boy in Da Corner, then 'Flex’ from Maths + English and ‘Dance Wiv Me’, ‘Holiday’ and ‘Bonkers’ from his most recent 2009 album Tongue n' Cheek.

After having performed twice previously at Auckland's Big Day Out, it was no surprise Rascal had the capacity to please crowds and maintain a high energy, though this performance, once again brought something new to the table. His most recent single ‘Bassline Junkie’, which reached number 4 on the UK Dance charts in February, was openly welcomed making it difficult to stand up straight within the tightly packed crowd. Copying Rascals actions by jumping up and down truly was necessary. He also took the opportunity to introduce other new material meaning his set was truly, in fact, Back to the Future.

Co-headliner, New York female rapper Azealia Banks, performed before Rascal also delivering a highly entertaining set. Although she lacks several years of experience unlike the London superstar, it was not obvious with Banks clearly in her element with her ambient stage presence. She is fresh, young, extremely talented, and certainly one step ahead in the world of hip hop fashion sporting a metallic crop top, sunglasses and harem pants.

The crowd roared the lyrics of her filthy R16 single ‘212’ from her 2012 EP 1991, which was rather ironic considering plenty on fresh faced 15 year olds could be seen hovering throughout the R15 gig. Nevertheless, Banks is one to watch in the up and coming music industry.

Rascal and Banks were supported by a stellar line up of world class DJs, also on their way to perform for Australian crowds. Among these was Canadian turntabalist champion, A-Trak, who was the youngest DJ to win DMC World DJ Championship in 1997 at the age of 15, Dutch house DJ Hardwell who emerged in the music scene in 2009 with his bootleg ‘Show Me Love vs. Be’, and the very impressive 18 year old French electro producer, Madeon who brought the concert to an end etching in to the wee hours of the morning. Belgian DJ’s and brothers Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike opened the gig.

View all the photos from Back to the Future

Review by Rebecca Leyland

Photos by Rimoni - All photos will be in the April/May issue out April 9.

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