Fat Freddy’s Drop is an incredible band. They do incredible things; they create incredible eulogies that are drawn out to the point of emotive release. On stage, the simple, kindhearted nature of their roots is translated in the most humanistic manner.
There is no pretentiousness; there is no sense of ‘performance’. It is a connection that they present to you, a hand reaching out to another hand. New Zealanders are exceptionally laid back people – I can tell you that first hand from living in the South Island for a while, and it translates on stage when Fat Freddy’s Drop do their long, drawn out thing. I mean who else would sing a song about a blackbird in their garden and pull it off in a most sincere manner?
An eager man sporting a bowler hat, who looked strikingly similar to Steve Martin, shrugged onto the dark stage, spotlight darting upon his face. “I am very pleased to announce to you,” he began over the low frequency penetrating our ears, “their second sold out Australian tour,” he continued dramatically, totally aware that he was taunting his audience into a frenzied pressure. “I give you… Fat Freddy’s Drop!” But the relief from the audience was not quite satisfied; as soon as he uttered ‘drop’, a foreboding bass was emitted from the speakers and the lights grew low and smoky. After a minute or two of unnerved anticipation, these sinister figures entered the stage, you could make out a glint of a saxophone, but that was all.
Fat Freddy's Drop, Photo: Dean Swindell
The stage was set out so you had the three-piece horn section on the left, a dubious figure behind them happily playing ska-rythm guitar behind them, Dobie blissing out on keys, and lead singer Joe Dukie, front right. But the main man, the guy who was running the show, dictating the samples, the bass and the general atmosphere of the sounds, was this big Samoan dude who was on his own platform at the back. Occasionally he would raise his fist and mutter to himself as he worked all his alien devices.
The band dynamic was interesting. Lead singer Joe Dukie had the stance of a heavy footballer. He was happy to stand back in the shadows, but when he did step into the light he would unleash his command over his audience with lazy assertiveness. The man who introduced Fat Freddy’s at the beginning of the set, I soon learnt, was MC Slave, who did a great job of working up the crowd during songs, and he also performed an extensive rap during a song off their old album, Based On A True Story. The audience seemed to be more familiar with the band’s older material, and really got into it when they played these songs.
Fat Freddy's Drop, Photo: Dean Swindell
The three-piece horn section created vast amounts of joy in the music, bringing an uplifting spirit to the often lonely spirit of the songs. If it wasn’t for the horn section in all their extravagant glory, I think the set would have been a bit too laid back for my liking. As I watched them perform, I looked upon them as the three musketeers, playing trumpet, trombone/tuba, and saxophone. They were older, well fed, positively exuberant men who played with a tremendous energy, it really gave something back to the crowd. The saxophonist on the left was sporting a pink-checkered full piece suit, and half way through the set he ran back on in a shiny white nylon onesie. Well I couldn’t really tell if it was a onesie, but it was something ridiculous and I applaud it.
Fat Freddy's Drop, Photo: Dean Swindell
Four songs into the set lead singer Joe Dukie fumbled around on stage, as his band mates fell silent. “Uh,” he muttered into the microphone, “I would just like to tell you all what we’re doing here. It’s such a nice thing to have been working on this album, ‘bleck berd’, and have you all here. Thanks so much for making it out tonight.” But of course! We wouldn’t miss it for the world! “Choice,” he said sheepishly, as the audience gurgled their appreciation of his genuine nature.
With Fat Freddy’s, all their songs are stories, told in a way that is touching and sincere. It is a communicative empowerment to the people. The singer showed an un-bashful integrity in his stance, a heavy hand on his heart. You are instantly enveloped by the soothing textures of his voice, and rejuvenated by the joyous sounds of the horn lines. People were dancing away their sorrows, encouraged by MC Slave, who was conducting a call and response with the audience. It was a uniting thing and I think everyone felt it.
Fat Freddy's Drop, Photo: Dean Swindell
@fatfreddysdrop1 amazing show last night at the tivoli. Only just recovering now
— lauren bee (@lozbeee) August 31, 2013
@fatfreddysdrop1 just fkin awesome at the tivoli last night. Amazing set in a great venue. Love that blackbird - Awsomeness.
— Adrian Jones (@ajojones1) August 31, 2013
Splendour in the Grass is upon us and AAA's Gabriella had the chance to chat with Dobie Blaze aka Iain Gordon (keyboards) from New Zealand collective Fat Freddy's Drop and discuss the new album...
Following on from their standout festival performance at this year's Splendour in the Grass festival, heavyweight soul providers FAT FREDDY'S DROP return to Australia this week to commence their...
Fat Freddy's Drop @ the Tivoli, Brisbane. Photos: Dean Swindell
