One of the greatest groups ever to play to a crowd, it seems only a matter time before Fat Freddy’s Drop graced us with another intimate live recording album. Recorded during their 2008 European tour directly inside London’s legendary Roundhouse, a venue infamous in the 60’s for hosting Led Zeppelin, The Doors and Jimi Hendrix, it’s a brilliant collection of lengthy tracks picking some of the best bits from their two critically acclaimed albums Based On A True Story and Dr Boondigga and The Big BW.
So what makes this a cool offering? Well a couple of things really.

Following on from their Live at The Matterhorn album in 2001, Live at The Roundhouse is so much more then a feeble attempt to fill a musical hole like so many projects that sit on this self. Anyone who has breathed the hazy air of a FFD gig will fully know all about the intense emotion on offer. They are architects of the wondering, sorcerers of the chilled and this recording opens a window into that magnificent intimate talent.

What’s more they always extend their songs live, adding extra breakouts of improvisation and echoing dub injections resulting in builds that are more hypnotic and awe-inspiring then on wax. Just close your eyes to the slow swaying introduction of horns on ‘The Raft’ or the teasing early climax beat of ‘Flashback’ for instant escapism.

Of course the latter is a real highlight, a classic number that launched them from their small chilled Wellington in New Zealand to worldwide fame. Lead singer the legendary Dallas Tamaira tantalizingly builds the vibe with beautiful layers of soul much to the hysteric jubilation of the crowd, before you find yourself rocking subconsciously. ‘Breath easy brother, breath easy’—it’s music that plays with the hair on the back of your neck.

Whether you drop this with a bunch of best mates or late night on your own allow Dallas and the boys to infiltrate your personal digs. This won’t beat the real thing, but it’s damn close.

Words Ali Raymond
Buy Live at The Roundhouse