Saturday 7th August 2010- Review by Sophie Yeomans

After a hiatus from the public stage due to the recording of new album, ‘Running On Air’, hip-hop duo BLISS N ESO and DJ IZM, arrived in full fighting form, declaring: “It’s good to be back!” The mob of screaming fans, had spent the break following supporting act DIAFRIX chanting the group’s name in animated anticipation. Hands pumped into the air amidst wild noises of appreciation and mobile phone lights.

Launching straight into the opening track of ‘Running On Air’, ‘Flying Through The City’, Bliss n Eso set the standard for what was to be an energetic, fast-paced performance showcasing what it means to be a live artist. It was clear from the enthusiastic crowd, who busted out lyrics with raw exhilaration, that most concert goers were no strangers to the new album despite its recent release.

Backed by a projection screen rolling videos and images of fans, Bliss n Eso, and the themes outlined in the duo’s tracks. The boys then combined old with the new, pumping into a crowd favourite, ‘Woodstock 2008’. This became a theme of the show: a blending of hits from albums, ‘Flying Colours’, ‘Flowers In The Pavement’ and ‘Day Of The Dog’ with tracks from ‘Running On Air’. Given the surging crowd’s consistently engaged reaction to each song, which spread from the pit, to the stands and to the top bars, the popularity of the new album is sure to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors.

With their ever cheeky, yet intelligent and informed demeanour, ‘Bliss n Eso’ engaged with the audience as they introduced songs like ‘Eye Of The Storm’ with stories and shout outs to their shared love of girls, booze, that forever mentioned spliff, and the odd nod to politics.

Someway through the set, the duo called on DJ Izm to showcase his ability as a “real DJ”. Obviously capable of managing his variety of equipment and proud to do so, thunders of bass and mixed tracks were sent through Metro City, reviving any wavering energy. Bliss n Eso themselves proved their status through a quick paced free-style set that was greeted by roaring applause.

Bliss n Eso are undeniably cemented in the Aussie hip-hop world, predominantly by the adoring fans that flocked to see the duo in their hundreds on Saturday. A mix of age, race and gender, Western Australian fans were united under one roof: mouths shaping lyrics, knees bopping to beats. Overjoyed to see them, and disappointed to see them go, concert goers were there to have a good time—“It’s Bliss n Eso man!”—and have a good time they did.