Living Colour
Metro Theatre
Sydney, AU
May 13, 2017
Living Colour is the embodiment of creatively fusioning, funk, jazz, hip hop, country, exploratative, and alternative rock with lyrics ranging from the personal to the political, in some of the latter cases attacking Eurocentrism and racism in America.
Having risen to fame at the end of the 1980ies culminating in winning two Grammy Awards, they managed with their musical prowess to hone a unique, experimental and eclectic blend with hooky mass appeal while maintaining their integrity, critical respect and being heralded a musician’s band. No mean feat.
Witnessing Living Colour unfold on stage is a sight to behold: From the second the driving rhythm section comprised of Doug Wimbish and Will Calhoun hit their intro, an instant vibe is transmitted that is only amplified by Vernon Reid on guitar with his crunching riffs / solo combination and with Corey Glover an extroverted singer, whose striking, versatile use of his organ and broad range serves as another instrument.
For a lack of better terms, Living Colour grooves and rocks with effortless ease and has the sold out crowd instantly in the palm of their hand.
The two-hour performance is testament to Living Colour having swayed and influenced generations of similarly innovative bands. No matter what style is served up with individual songs, each member proves their talent adapting to the needs of each individual song.
An impressive band that has lost none of its relevance and lived up to its legend.
While they delivered a nod to James Brown, it was obvious that they are godfathers of their own lane in their own right – a lane that has become a source of inspiration for bands of a myriad of genres.
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Photos by KAVV
