Live Review: Earl Sweatshirt at The Academy, Dublin

LA hip hop collective Odd Future have the outlaw aura that seems to have temporarily gone missing in the world of rock – everywhere they go, the group leave a trail of arrests, controversy and general uproar. The most recent episode to add to the outfit’s notoriety occurred in the middle of last month, when their de facto leader, Tyler The Creator, was arrested at Austin airport for allegedly inciting a riot at South By Southwest. He strenuously denies the charge.

Predictably, Odd Future’s authority-baiting antics have spawned a fanatical cult following, and the atmosphere is at fever pitch as the packed Academy crowd – overwhelmingly male, you probably won’t be surprised to learn – await the arrival of the group’s latest star, 20-year-old Earl Sweatshirt. The set commences with a DJ mix from Earl’s fellow OF associate (and the collective’s sole white member), Lucas Vercetti, which drags on a bit too long, but once the rapper takes to the stage, he immediately wins the crowd over thanks to his obvious charisma.

Wearing a Lauryn Hill t-shirt, Earl delights in stirring up the audience, who enthusiastically sing along, fist pump and mosh throughout the hour-long set. One of the finest albums of last year, Doris was notable for uniting three generations of stellar hip hop talent thanks to the involvement of RZA, The Neptunes and, of course, Tyler. Unsurprisingly given the star wattage at the mixing desk, it was a brilliantly produced record, and this evening’s show reflects its eclecticism, wonderfully blending crunching hip hop beats, moody soundscapes, atmospheric trip-hop and J Dilla-flavoured glitchtronica.

Particularly stunning are the hits ‘Chum’ and ‘Hive’; they’re so good, the crowd even break off from fighting long enough to pay attention. In the debit column, the fact that Vercetti on laptop is the sole musical accompaniment means the sound occasionally feels a bit thin, whilst Earl, though a terrific mic man, could also use some of his Odd Future colleagues to spark off.

Nonetheless, the gig is a compelling showcase for one of the most gifted young performers in hip hop.