LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: The Undercover Hippy @ The Waterfront Studio, Norwich
24th March 2023
Support from State of Satta
I was super excited about tonight's gig. I'd never heard a single track by The Undercover Hippy until being approached to cover the show but the name amused me so I had to check them out and it's safe to say it was instant love! I had high hopes and I wasn't left disappointed.
First up were State of Satta. The tiny Waterfront Studio stage has never looked so adorned with 7 blokes welding a variety of instruments from the usual drums and guitars to the less expected Congo drums and wind section. State of Satta’s reggae sound is a long way from my comfort zone, once you get past UB40 I'm struggling to name a reggae act I know more than a song or two by but the band have such a likeable on stage demeanor and chemistry it's hard not to be instantly addicted. Granted I will confess for a large part of the set I had no idea what they were singing about but connecting with the lyrics is far less important when watching a band live, the overall energy can cause bands you've never heard of to give you a buzz and bands you love to leave you cold if they appear to be going through the motions. It was clear to see that State of Satta were having the best time!
Boasting a smooth, somewhat seductive sound built on a foundation of drums, bass, electric guitar, and keyboards the band also add the intricacies of a wind section topped with a typically Jamaican-esque singjay (singing and toasting) style vocal while lyrical themes (the ones I could make out) that focus on political ideas and survival in a crazy world.
Initially reserved, the crowd gradually slinked nearer to the stage as the set progressed to an ultimate finale that felt like an upbeat party where everyone was having fun and dancing their cares away.
Overall State of Satta elevated me out of my comfort zone to a sound I'd never normally considered and I bloody loved it!
Moving on to The Undercover and aka MC turned Singer-Songwriter Billy Rowan. Mixing uptempo ska, reggae, hip hop and indie with hard hitting political themes The Undercover Hippy has created a protest sound that's truly his own.
Billy is frustrated with the world, the fat cat politicians and how the rich get richer while the poor have to suffer. He wants to make himself heard and say what the rest of us are thinking.
Anti-establishment lyrics sit atop the sparkling keys and jangly guitars. Almost like a laugh in the face of adversity, an "if you don't laugh, you'll cry” kind of stance. Billy's delivery is honest and real with a preppy edge and down to earth vibe. The type of performer would fit in anywhere; the main stage at a festival or the local beer garden.
Melodic and catchy I got some serious Bran Van 3000 vibes throughout the set as the sunshine laced sounds played out. It's easy listening but with a bite of harsh reality.
Billy's interaction with the crowd was great, chatting and raising a smile at every opportunity. He even sang happy birthday to someone.
By the halfway point there was not a stationary body in the room. I have never been to such a lively gig where everyone looked to be having the time of their lives! Light hearted, tongue in cheek anthem ‘Boyfriend’ had the crowd in full voice. By the time he pretended to go off, accused the crowd of giving "mixed messages" and launched into biggest hit 'Last Chance to Dance' it's safe to say everyone was practically euphoric and had certainly “let the rhythm take hold”.
The Undercover Hippy is unique, fun, thought provoking and an overall damn good show. I highly recommend checking them out!
