The sun beats down on the first day of spring that's more akin to summer, as a crowd mills around Sydney Fringe's Spiegeltent Festival Garden for the premiere of Groove Terminator's History Of House featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir.
The show (1 September) begins with an introduction featuring the 20th Century Fox theme song, before the choir enter. Sporting pink and green pants, colourful headbands and white shirts featuring a purple star, it's clear they're going to bring a whole lot of fun.The first female soloist takes the mic with power, but the real force hits you when the choir unite as one, punching you right in the soul. The mood is instantly sky high. They flow straight into the next track, as the vocalist unleashes something spiritual. "Gotta get up," the whole crowd sings, as Groove Terminator gets right into it, raising his hands with the choir. There aren't many places that feel as good as this feels right now.
The male choir members enter bringing some bottom power to the energy. A drummer hits ridiculously fast rhythms and every foot in the place is off the ground. "Music sounds better with you," one gravelly male vocalist sings, and music feels pretty awesome right here right now.
It's now dance time and the girls take the floor, as a female lead begs the crowd to "show me love". Joy rises into the air like perfume, and this has to be the best place in the world.
"We have to talk about where house came from," Groove Terminator shares. "We're gunna take it right back to the '70s." 'Le Freak' by Chic plays, as two stunning leads belt out effortlessly, swirling their notes up to the heavens.
"In every great house track there's a giant drum breakdown," Groove Terminator educates. "We're gunna give it to you Soweto style," he confirms as the drummer returns with his ferocious hits. A female singer dances in beat with him, shaking her legs with sensual rhythm.
'Respect' has the crowd singing along before 'I Feel Love' features some of the best vocals of the show, alongside a helping of booty shaking. We're then off to the '80s where 'You Spin Me Round' blows the roof off, as the gravelly vocalist screams passionately with his arm outstretched to the sky.
'Sweet Dreams' keeps the energy simmering along, but it's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' that serves up the best moment of the show so far. Around the tent, people embrace as they sing: "I wanna dance with somebody who loves me." The choir end the song a capella in a moment that created lifelong memories.
Groove Terminator shares about the attempts to shut down house music, and how it survived through warehouses and underground parties. He continues by saying all are welcome on the dance floor of house. "House music all night long!" the choir demand, and no one is arguing with that.
'Freedom' provides a powerful visual as the choir raise their fists in succession. It feels very free in here right now, as bodies, sweat and energy mingle. The band are given individual introductions, each showcasing their personality before choir leader Shimmy leads them into 'Everybody's Free'.
'Treaty' serves up another highlight, the choir standing with arms crossed against their chests. Some space is given in the encore for traditional African song, and the choir's might sans backing is truly evident.
The show ends in what felt like a blink, and we can't possibly have to leave. One of the most enjoyable experiences of my life, History Of House is possibly the most fun anyone can have anywhere, ever. If you do anything this Sydney Fringe Festival, it has to be this event.
History Of House runs Thursdays-Sundays 5-29 September as part of Sydney Fringe at Spiegeltent Festival Garden.
