Nestled in the heart of Milton is Warehouse 25 – A gin distillery that transforms into an intimate performance space by night. The doors opened and the evening kicked off with Rutherford Jazz Trio – A comical misnomer given their quintet lineup. The “trio” opened with high energy funk-rock, tinged with the lyrical flow and quick phrasing of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. They were tastefully nonsensical, and their closing act, One Dolla, was a personal highlight of the evening. Rutherford Jazz Trio is definitely one to watch, dripping with tongue-in-cheek lyricism and a kind of unique irreverence that only adds to their charm.
Next, Lucid Safari took the stage with the kind of indie surf rock that would be Triple j’s bread and butter. Lucid Safari’s infallible vocal harmonies were no joke and, while they might not have matched the exuberance of Rutherford Jazz Trio, their music, a melange of Fat Freddy’s Drop, Ocean Alley, and Tash Sultana, more than compensated. Their covers of Ocean Alley’s Yellow Mellow and Harry Styles’ As It Was showcased the band’s versatility while still being firmly planted in their own personal style.
Tonight’s main event is Tjaka – We were lucky enough to catch them for the last leg of their Dancing Mood tour. If you haven’t heard of Tjaka yet, you’re in for a real treat. While the trio have been making waves in the Aussie music scene for their unique fusion of electronica, hip-hop, and reggae, the real gem of Tjaka’s music, and what is undoubtedly their signature sound, is the haunting, ancient reverberations of the didjeribone (slide Didgeridoo).
The audience positively lapped up Tjaka’s distinctive “Didj-tronica” sound. Their set began with a billowing smoke cloud, swirling across the stage and seeping out into the audience as the boys led a heartfelt acknowledgment of Country and traditional custodians. Tjaka’s performance was both a celebration of Indigenous Australian culture and a poignant commentary. They addressed issues like the genocide in Australia with grace and conviction, using their platform to raise awareness.
Rooted deeply in their Indigenous heritage, particularly their ties to the Djabera Djabera tribe of Western Australia, Tjaka crafts music that honours their rich Indigenous ancestry while blending it into contemporary genres. A personal highlight of Tjaka’s set was the track Break It Down, whose chorus succinctly embodies the band’s purpose: to act as the intermediary – a “bridge” – between the timeless sounds of traditional Aboriginal music and the realms of hip-hop and electronica. A match made in heaven, if you ask me.
“Break it down like this
Everybody move to the rhythm of the didj
Old and new, yeah –
We be the bridge
I bet you’ve never heard a sound like this”
Their music and undeniable stage presence had the crowd in a frenzy. As Tjaka’s performance drew to a close, the audience begged for an encore, and the band were more than happy to oblige, as they played a song dedicated to the euphoria of festivals.
Tjaka’s ability to be at the forefront of hip-hop, electronica and reggae while harmoniously weaving in traditional Aboriginal soundscapes is nothing short of impressive. Their performance was a testament to their talent and their deep-rooted connection to their heritage. The band holds immense potential as a vital Indigenous voice in the Australian music scene. Their songs not only entertain but educate, offering listeners a profound immersion into the beauty of traditional Aboriginal music.
Check out the full gallery below. Photos shot by Chris Love (@comatography) for Psychosonic.
