Concert Review -The Underachievers
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By Pauline Hunt
Artist: The Underachievers
Date / Venue: Thursday April 7th, 2016 - Kings Arms, Auckland
Brooklyn Hip Hop Duo The Underachievers announced earlier this year that they would be bring their ‘The Forevermore Express tour’ to Australia and New Zealand; composed of East Coast Rappers AK and Issa Gold. Flying Lotus who is an American record producer signed the duo onto his label “Brainfeeder” in 2012. They independently released two mixtapes ‘Indigoism’ and ‘Lords of Flatbush’ in 2013. In August 2014, they release their first studio album ‘Cellar Door: Terminus Ut Exordium’. They release their 2nd studio album ‘Evermore: The Art of Duality’ in September 2015. This was the 2nd time that the duo had performed in New Zealand.
Doors opened at Kings Arm Tavern at 8pm. After allowing some of the audience time to get some refreshments to start the night off, NZ Rapper Louie Knuxx opened up the night before The Underachievers made it to the stage. Louie Knuxx who is originally from New Plymouth had the audience amped up to get ready for the main act. Performing records from his latest album ‘Tiny Warm Hearts’, Knuxx was sure to get the night started right. After Louie’s set, it was time to welcome the main act for the night. Before they made the stage though, their DJ decided to set to get the audience in the mood to party. Playing all the biggest hip hop records on the radio today, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking you were in the club.
When the DJ set was over, the headlining act had made their way to the stage and didn’t waste any time getting into it. Performing records from their mixtapes such as 'Sun Through The Rain' to 'T.A.D.E.D' from Indigoism to 'Flexing' from The Lords of Flatbush, the audience was vibing and rapping along with the duo. They also took the time to perform some new tracks in between performing records such as 'Moon Shot', 'Take Your Place' and 'Chasing Faith' from their 2nd studio album Evermore: The Art of Duality.
The Underachievers had a created atmosphere so hypnotizing that the audience couldn’t help but be in trance from. After the duo had completed their set, they thanked everyone for coming out. The audience was not ready to say goodbye just yet as the whole room started to shout out ENCORE to try and convince the duo to perform one more song. They did not disappoint as they decided to rap out another record that is due to be released. They were greeted with shouts of excitement.
The Underachievers have come a long way since joining forces in 2011. Their delivery matched along with the energy that they bring to the stage is sure to make fans want more as well as keep them excited. From the way the audience were cheering the whole night as well as mimicking the lyrics, The Underachievers did not disappoint. This night was sure one that the fans were definitely not going to forget anytime soon. A concert that deserves recognition.