DJ Vadim/Soundcatcher Live Review

Accomplished Hip Hop don of the decks, DJ Vadim, presented his new live show to an appreciative Rhythm Factory last Thursday. It was very big indeed. Entitled 'Soundcatcher Live' it featured One Self cohort Yarah Bravo and Belleruche's Katherine De Boer - complemented by bongos for good measure.

It was the female tag team of Ms.Bravo and Ms.Belleruche that really stole the show. With Yarah's charismatic presence offset by the nervous talent of Katherine De Boer, they display a unique chemistry that is as fluid as it is freestyle. Pure vibes that the crowd lapped up. Yarah's swaggers with an irrepressible confidence that would charm the coldest of Hip Hop headz. Her cheeky beauty doesn't hurt, but really it is her ability to connect with the audience that impresses most. Mixing up enigmatic bars with soulful vocals, she clearly relishes the chance to bounce off Katherine De Boer. Conversely Katherine excels when playing a supporting role. Although her Bonobo and Belleruche gigs are brilliant, on occasion she can suffer from front-woman nerves. But freestyling with Yarah allows her to playfully experiment. The interaction between the two is often electric.

As Vadim scratched and drum-sampled his way through the set, the bongos created an organic warmth to the riddims - showcasing influences from Blues to Dub - all the while remaining unmistakably Hip Hop. Its early days yet for Soundcatcher Live but on this evidence Vadim is onto another winner.

P.S. Yarah Bravo posted this humorous take on her near-miss of an evening on her blog. Read it here.