Represented in Cardiff on this occasion by Craig Macleod, DJ with the four-strong Glaswegian sound system collective Mungo’s Hi Fi, fans gathered at the Tramshed expected feel-good vibes and were not left disappointed by the abundance of talent that graced the stage.
Bristol’s DJ Kreed was first on stage and warmed up with a multi-genre set. His tune selection was on point and although it took a while to fill the room, you could see gig-goers instantly uplifted as they walked in. Building the atmosphere well and filling the space with ample reloads, the number of gun fingers firing shots of appreciation told its own story.
Cardiff’s afro-funk/hip-hop band Afro Cluster were next to entertain the crowd, and they smashed their live performance. Delicately different, immersing the room in groovy beats, the band were full of character and a high-energy performance helped maintain the mood to prepare everyone for Mungo’s late set. I was especially thrilled to see Asha Jane and Magugu jump onstage to perform an Afro Cluster favourite, Young Shall Grow.
The evening’s lead MC Gardna – another Bristolian – subsequently blessed the stage with his presence. Small and mighty in his manner, he comes across as very humble and vibed with the Mungo’s Hi Fi set up perfectly. Their chemistry blended the set in a way I didn’t expect, the whole room erupting in wild skanking within just a few tracks. Gardna and Macleod kept us on our toes by experimenting with various genres, the MC’s flow complementing each individual track – and he reciprocated the love in the room by grinning like a Cheshire Cat throughout his performance.
Although this show ran to club times, or something like them, with doors opening at 9 pm, the energy in the room remained high throughout the evening. With the perfect performers selected to compliment the Mungo’s Hi Fi selections, it’s monumental to see so many people in the room for an arguably underground sound like this. It is testimony to their sheer hard work and dedication, too – expect them to be back in South Wales soon.
Tramshed, Cardiff, Fri 25 Feb
words LAURA FEDELI