Aussie hip hop appears to have a thing for celestial bodies.
Hilltop Hoods had us 'Drinking From The Sun'. Now Bliss n Eso is inviting us to party on 'The Moon'.The Sydney collective's latest double release explores both 'The Light Side' (currently available) and 'The Dark Side' (scheduled for release in early October). We recently got a taste for the latter with their bold reworking of Grinspoon's 'Chemical Heart'. Would we get a taste of it live?
It's hard to see the moon on a soggy night, but that didn't stop Bliss n Eso from lighting up Miami Marketta (31 May) with one of their most heartfelt, high-energy sets to date.
Warming things up was Melbourne rapper Ivan Ooze, backed by the relentless energy of DJ Juñor (aka Juñor SUTHN WOT) on the decks. The pair brought an undeniable party atmosphere, blending old-school bangers and sharp remix energy.
Ivan brought the fire, literally, ending on a track by the same name, but not before delivering a remix of some Gorillaz goodness and 'Bonkers' that had everyone moving.
The crowd joined in a full-throated chant of "do you think you are better off alone?" and bounced to 'Snack', a track that packed playful energy and big beats. A spontaneous dance battle then broke out as two punters were invited onstage to bust a move.
Ivan Ooze - image © Radical Imaging
Ooze's charisma, old-school party energy, and quick crowd connection made for the perfect warm-up. Juñor then kept the energy levels up, whipping the crowd into a frenzy to set the stage for the headliners.
Bliss n Eso hit the stage with trademark energy, greeting the Gold Coast crowd and encouraging them to 'Tear The Roof Off', but at the same time 'Act Your Age'. DJ Izm worked the decks, live drummer DK brought the punch, and the trio wasted no time tearing into a set that spanned decades.
New track 'Feeling Fly' from 'The Moon (The Light Side)' had the crowd fully engaged, with call-and-response moments echoing across the venue: "Hell yeah!" from the men, echoed confidently by the women.
Bliss n Eso - image © Radical Imaging
This flowed perfectly into more love for the new album with the title track 'Party On The Moon' lifting the whole crowd into orbit with "where the party don't stop, the party don't quit".
We received another taste of the new album with 'Vacation'. I wasn't expecting straw hats, but that's what we got as the group leaned into the vibe for an unexpected playful and chilled-out moment.
That shift gave way to a heartfelt throwback with 'Reflections', a fan favourite from their earlier catalogue. As Bliss delivered: "Well, I've been down this road before / It's been one hell of a ride," the crowd raised phones, lighting up the room in a collective celebration of where this group – and their fans – have been.
Bliss n Eso - image © Radical Imaging
'Been Through Hell', also from the new record added emotional depth, while 'Time Of My Life' exploded with its iconic line, "how do you like them apples," a perfect throwback for the faithful.
Throughout their set, you get a real feel for their hip hop influences with clever nods to the genre's golden age. At one point, a sharp lyrical drop from Beastie Boys' 'Sure Shot' slipped into the mix, "'cause you can't, you won't, and you don't stop," – a subtle homage that reminded us where Bliss n Eso’' sound is rooted, even as they continue carving their own path.
When the unmistakable chords of 'Chemical Heart' dropped, reworked into a fresh new track, it was met with instant cheers. The blend of hip hop and rock, nostalgia and reinvention, hit exactly the right note. Based on crowd reaction, it's here to stay.
Bliss n Eso - image © Radical Imaging
They closed with the powerful 'The Sea Is Rising', before returning with more of their awesome back-catalogue in a much appreciated encore. 'My Life' hit with emotional clarity, connecting past to present in that reflective, punchy Bliss n Eso style.
Then came 'Addicted', with its powerful line: 'I am addicted to this universal feeling called life,' leaving the crowd amped, uplifted, and still calling for more as the lights came up.
Bliss n Eso delivered a set that honoured their roots while launching into bold new territory. If 'Party On The Moon' is any sign, they're not just back, they're setting the course for where Aussie hip hop goes next.
More photos from the concert.
