Mndsgn (Ringgo Ancheta) is a hip-hop producer – originally from the Philippines, he moved to a commune in rural New Jersey when his parents fled the country after a group they were involved in turned to terrorist actions. He now lives in LA, working with Stones Throw. Performing alongside him was Ivan Ave, a Norwegian MC. Their set predominantly revolved around promoting a new album that the pair have worked on together called Helping Hands, which is out on the 12th February.

Judging by the general mood of the audience, four support acts was a bit excessive. Nevertheless there was a good array of music, even if littered with weird moments like Dulahli’s electronic version of Paul Simon’s 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.

Unfortunately, when Mndsgn and Ivan Ave finally came on the stage, the audience seemed to be a bit fed up having waited for three hours, something exacerbated by the fact that for the first five songs of their set, Mndsgn sat down at the side drinking a beer while Ivan Ave rapped.

However, Ivan Ave was able to lighten the mood almost immediately and was very entertaining, accidentally calling the audience Glasgow and then blaming his inability to give compliments for his lack of a girlfriend. His lyrics were quite amusing too, including copious food references such as ‘my minds running like butter’ and ‘fresh like a coriander seed’ (although the truth in that statement is debatable).

Almost as if to ensure his presence was not forgotten, Mndsgn finally arose, stepping up to the decks to play heavenly melodies that perfectly complimented Ivan Ave’s relaxed manner. When it was Mndsgn’s turn to take to the stage solo, he treated the audience to a glorious mix of new music. One song started off with a ballad segment almost akin to that in Bohemian Rhapsody before suddenly switching into the dreamy lazy beats that Mndsgn is renowned for.

Polly Hatcher