Scroobius Pip @ Barfly
Published: 1 December, 2011
by RUSSELL PARTON
SCROOBIUS Pip took to the stage amid whoops and cheers, choosing Barfly to host the final date of his UK tour.
With his trademark cap firmly fixed, the Essex rapper introduced himself to the packed venue before launching into songs from his debut solo album Distraction Pieces.
Backed by guitar and drums, Pip weaved his intricate rhymes through a succession of pounding beats and riffs, commanding the stage and gesticulating at the audience.
The energy levels were high and the crowd reacted gleefully to the aggression of Introdiction and Try Dying.
Stopping for a swig of rosé wine between songs, Pip charmed the audience with his witty patter, apologising before playing Broken Promise for the song’s slow tempo.
It was probably the best track of the night, the pared down accompaniment allowing the nuances of Pip’s vocal delivery to shine through, with the lyrics turning on a sixpence between poignancy and lewd imagery.
“Sometimes it’s good to get a bit reflective,” he said afterwards, though not too much, for one of the great qualities of these songs is the tension between seriousness and comedy.
Pip’s efforts earned him a two-song before the audience carried him to the bar.