Skunkhour, Dojo Rise @ The Gov, Adelaide 25/11/2023
The continuing resurgence of 90s bands across the national live circuit grows from strength to strength. This weekend, Tarntanya/ Adelaide opened its arms to funk-rock legends Skunkhour.
Formed in the early 90s and disbanding in 2001, Skunkhour burst back onto the scene in 2022 with their phenomenal comeback EP, Parts of The Sun. Capitalising on the release of their recent single, Rain on Me, the Sydneysiders returned to the home of live music – The Gov – to partake in a night of good vibes.
The quality vibes began early with local trio Dojo Rise. Having recently been honoured with the People’s Choice Award for Blues and Roots at the 2023 SA Music Awards, the lads offered a no-holds-barred set. Across nine songs, including A Little Love, Sunshine, and current single Moving Forward, it was clear why the accolade was bestowed upon them. Their fusion of reggae, rock, pop, and indie soul fashioned an eclectic scope of music. One that fed the senses, heightening them in preparation for the feast of music to follow.
Dojo Rise may only be a trio, but the breadth of their sound was rich and guttural while exuding continuous finesse. If you haven’t checked them out yet, do yourself a favour and do so.
The night cranked up a gear when Skunkhour erupted on the stage with Weightlessness. The predominately Gen X crowd, a sea of salt and pepper, were metaphorically transported back to their late teens and twenties for ninety minutes. Relishing in a twenty-one-song set, there was an endless plethora of singing and dancing. Emphasis on the dancing.
Classics Kick in the Door and Back to Basics were intermixed with newer tracks Waitasec, with its sublime saxophone/ trumpet, and Blue. Despite the twenty to thirty-year gap between old and new, time was indistinguishable. Skunkhours’ sound was just as good now as it was then, if not better.
Aya Larkin’s vocals soared in Green Light. Del Larkin’s rapping ranged from chill in Pullatickin to sprightly in Daylight and Echidna. The band were tight in Old Shoe Horn. Every song had the audience salivating, including the current single Rain on Me.
Do You Like It, touted as the unofficial song of Adelaide by Del, was a highlight. As we danced and sang, “Don’t you want to smoke it,” the answer definitely smelt like a yes.
Breathing Through My Eyes, Up to Our Necks in It, Home, and The Sheep of Sam Clam’s Disco rounded out an epic main set with style. Inclusive of Booty Full and Sunstone, the encore was the cherry on top of an excellent performance. The deafening applause that ensued was entirely warranted.
After thirty-plus years, Skunkhour knows how to turn it out. Their performance was a masterclass in funk fused with personality and positivity. It was a total vibe that left hundreds of people with massive smiles and memories to cherish.
Live Review By Anita Kertes