Review: Listen Out 2023 at HBF Arena
Listen Out at HBF Arena
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Last Sunday, HBF Park in Joondalup played host to Listen Out, transforming the city into a hub of musical excitement. With a line-up that spanned the entire musical spectrum, from experimental hip hop to infectious electronic music, Listen Out offered a tapestry of sound that transcended genres.
Seizing the stage with an explosive burst of experimental hip hop, Jpegmafia set the bar high. His magnetic presence held the audience in thrall, and tracks like Baby I'm Bleeding and Puff Daddy delivered an unrelenting sonic punch, setting the tone for the festivities.
Taking the stage next was UK-rap sensation Arrdee, who unapologetically showcased why his career has taken such a meteoric rise over the last few years. Charisma exuded from every pore as he effortlessly connected with the audience through his lyrical finesse. Oliver Twist and Flowers served as anthems that energised the crowd and had the entire Atari Stage jumping.
Venbee's set stood out as one of the highlights of the festival as she seamlessly blended electronic and indie-pop elements to create an exciting atmosphere. The standout moment came with Messy In Heaven, a track which elicited a gigantic sing-along from the audience. During the entirety of the performance, Venbee not only demonstrated her exceptional vocal skills but also left an enduring mark on the audience with her impressive charisma.
Ice Spice delivered her distinctive brand of hip hop to the largest crowd of the evening. The Deli rapper lived up to all expectations, putting on an engaging 20-minute set of all killer and no filler. Notable highlights included the crowd-pleasing hits Bikini Bottom and Munch, which elicited deafening responses from the audience. Ice Spice's undeniable stage presence and infectious energy were commendable and it is safe to assume we will be seeing a lot more of this rising star for years to come.
Lil Uzi Vert's performance generated a mixed reaction, as the artist walked onto the stage 15 minutes late and only played a handful of songs. Despite the initial excitement from the crowd, fans were only given a glimpse of what the acclaimed artist has to offer. The brief yet captivating glimpse into Lil Uzi Vert's talent was undoubtedly great, but the overall sentiment fans lingered on was the thought of what could have been.
Marc Rebillet owned the stage, unleashing an unmatched energy that had the entire crowd dancing enthusiastically. Injecting a clever dose of interactivity into the mix, Loop Daddy transformed his set into a collaborative experience as he so often does. He had the audience playing producer, letting us select the specific sounds that he would weave into his spontaneous compositions. This not only elevated the performance but also showcased Rebillet's ability to engage the crowd in a refreshingly unique way.
A viral moment occurred when Rebillet chose to address the hostile reception he received during his set in Adelaide, where he was disgracefully heckled by some of the young Ice Spice fans in attendance. With unapologetic boldness, Marc declared “fuck Adelaide," before turning the phrase into a spontaneous song that had the Perth audience chanting in unison and laughing hysterically.
Skrillex's set was truly exceptional, showcasing his undeniable mastery in the realm of electronic music. Wrapping up the evening with a performance that drew in a massive crowd, the atmosphere buzzed with raw energy. As always, Skrillex effortlessly pushed beyond the confines of a typical set, creating a symphonic blend of auditory and visual elements. From the endless bangers to the synchronised visual projections and pyrotechnics, this set delivered an immersive experience that capped off a fantastic festival.
Overall, Listen Out successfully created an energetic and diverse atmosphere, offering a range of sounds that catered to various musical tastes. From the pulsating beats to the immersive visual elements, the vibe was positive and the attendees were treated to some truly unique sets.
HARRISON JONES
Photos by Dominic Malonzo
