Earl Sweatshirt, Sydney Metro theatre review: Rapper stuns with unheard of act

Aussies turned out in droves to watch out a critically-acclaimed US rapper, but an ususual move from artist left some put out.

When it comes to rock ‘n’ roll, arriving early on stage is almost unheard of.

But for thousands who packed out the Metro theatre in Sydney on Monday night to catch a glimpse of the celebrated Chicago-born rapper, the unspoken rule of being fashionably late was broken.

Almost a decade on from his last visit to Australia with 2013’s Earlwolf featuring Tyler, The Creator, the 29-year-old clearly couldn’t wait to unleash his dark, brooding show on the Australian public.

His DJ had pulverised the audience with bass-heavy industrial beats before Sweatshirt graced the stage to the African rhythms of Fela Kuti and a hero’s welcome.

Sweatshirt is currently touring Australia. Picture: Ashley Mar

From the opener of E. Coli from his latest album with producer the Alchemist, it was clear that the lyricist was in no mood to mess around as he menacingly spat out his verses.

His songs are notoriously short — with each tune more of a fleeting skit than a fully formed composition. But the show flowed like a well-oiled machine, in large part thanks to the mixing skills of the DJ who threw elements from across the musical world into the beats, from afrobeat to punk rock.

While there were complex and eclectic beats, this was a pure hip-hop show. One rapper, a DJ and, of course, a giant screen projecting psychedelic visuals.

There was no vocals to speak of until Sweatshirt hit a single high note that was so shocking, the DJ stopped the song to boos from the crowd.

A comedic feud then erupted between the pair, as Sweatshirt accused his backing man of being a “hater” on his attempt at singing.

The audience though were in fine voice — as they loudly yelled along to the expletive-laden lyrics to Molasses.

This was a back-to-basics rap show. Picture: Ashley Mar

Sweatshirt meanwhile was clearly enjoying the mad Monday vibes, as he slowly gyrated his arms to the pulsating beats — in what his DJ described as an “optical illusion” dance that appeared to make time slow down.

Some fans were put out that Sweatshirt started early and they missed some of the songs (some who arrived late seemed genuinely annoyed) but the drama was low-key compared to the scenes that unfolded last time the rapper was in Australia.

Back in 2015, he landed a devastating left hook to a fan who stormed the stage at his Sydney show.

There was certainly less drama this time around. It was all about the music, and boy can Sweatshirt entertain.

Sweatshirt is also playing in Melbourne on October 17-18 and Brisbane on October 19. For more information and tickets, visit Frontier touring.

Be warned, he may decide to come on early.

Originally published as Earl Sweatshirt, Sydney Metro theatre review: Rapper stuns with unheard of act