
When: Thursday, 5th February
Where: Ding Dong Lounge
As soon as you enter the unprepossessing red door to the Ding Dong lounge you are enveloped in its heavy atmosphere, immediately it’s easy to tell that you’re in a more than adequate venue, cool lighting and decor add to the experience while a couple of bars and a largish crowd capacity leaves both beggars and choosers with nothing to complain about. The bar staff are far from the disinterested archetype and patrons are rarely seen waiting for service.
The supporting act Silent Jay warmed up the crowd in a relaxed fashion with his blend of R'n'B melodies and smooth vocals, while this may sound generic to some, the slight techno dub influences to his music are just enough to set him aside from the average performer in his category.From the moment Ratking came on stage the level of anticipation in the crowd was clear, the beats and vocals were on point from the first track to the encore, the crowd responded with nothing but love for the group. Ding Dong easily managed to fill up for the event with a crowd of mixed ages and interests.

Sporting Life
The title track off Ratking’s debut album So it goes is a perfect example of their music, the fast paced rhymes and delicate beat meld together and neither can be faulted on their delivery or technicality. The three members all hold up under scrutiny, MCs Wiki and Hak controlling the vocals in their opposing styles and 'Sporting Life' bringing it all together with his unique musical production.
Think Bone Thugs-n-Harmony with a hipster twist ala Avalanches maybe.The stage presence of the group leaves little to be desired, with their influences from punk rock and classic east coast hip hop they provide a performance that is comparable to many but mirrored by none. None of the formulaic pseudo old school style that is all too common in hip-hop today. While Wiki will leave some in wide eyed wonder after releasing a quick-fire burst of broken English, Hak plays the counterpart, giving you a smooth harmony filled with symbolism and metaphors, accompanied by Sporting Life’s seamless beats. Ratking as a group and as individuals are exploring a new area of sound with their clash of genres and classic roots. If you are a fan of hip hop but are tired of the uninventive then this group is ideal.
Ratking - All photos by Nicola Bernardi
08/02/2015 - 7:38pm Declan Lever Ford
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