THE RETURN OF STEREO MCS
the Sinclair boston JanUAry 25, 2025
Story and Photography by JD Cohen
In October the Stereo MCs announced a series of U.S. concerts in the Northeast, marking their return after a 24-year hiatus.
Since their formation in the late 1980s, the Stereo MCs have remained a significant presence in music, with their 1992 breakthrough album, Connected, propelling them to international fame. The record's success earned the group two Brit Awards in 1994 for Best Group and Best Album. It's hard to overstate the band's impact and popularity during the early 1990s and their influence on the rise of electronic subgenres like trip-hop and big beat. Acts such as Massive Attack, Portishead, Fatboy Slim, and the Chemical Brothers owe much to the trail the Stereo MCs blazed.
Yet, some bands seem forever tied to a particular era, their sound overshadowed by the passage of time. The Stereo MCs exemplify this phenomenon—a band once celebrated and widely popular then, shortly after reaching tremendous sucess fades away and then overlooked, as their legacy becomes a distant echo.
Founded by vocalist Rob Birch and DJ/producer Nick Hallam, the duo became pioneers in blending hip-hop with electronic dance beats, helping to create what was at the time a unique niche in the music industry.
Birch and Hallam's partnership began in Nottingham, England, where they shared a passion for music. Eventually they moved to London and co-founded the Gee Street recording studio and record label alongside Jon Baker and DJ Richie Rich. Gee Street gave them a platform to experiment and develop what would become their distinctive sound.
The late 1980s and early 1990s in England was a dynamic and transformative period in music history. This era saw the emergence of various genres, acid house, rave, hip hop, and indie rock all began to thrive, while the cultural and political climate of the time also played a role in shaping the soundscape.
Stereo MCs emerged during a significant political shift happening in the late 1980s in England, marked by the continued dominance of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government. The UK saw the growth of economic inequalities, urban decay, and the rise of a youth subculture that was responding to the socio-political climate. Music during this time, particularly genres like post-punk, house, and hip hop, became an outlet for expressions of resistance and commentary on the societal pressures and tensions felt by young people.
The band came along at this tumultuous time and found themselves at the intersection of hip hop, electronic, and dance music. They were inspired by the growing UK hip hop scene and the acid house and rave movements. Their early music was heavily influenced by the raw sounds of hip hop, but eventually developed the unique style that made them so popular both in the UK and US , incorporating elements of funk, electronic beats, and sampling.
The band released their debut album, 33-45-78 in 1989, produced out of Gee Street recording studio and although it was a bit raw and unpolished, it got some attention. Drummer Owen If and backing vocalist Cath Coffey officially joined the group shortly after, in 1990 and the band released Supernatural, which marked a turning point in their career. The production was more polished, and Birch’s lyrics displayed a deeper, more introspective quality. The single off that album, "Elevate My Mind" was the first British hip hop single to reach the US Billboard R&B chart and the album earned them increased recognition in both the UK and US, setting the stage for their biggest success.
In 1992, the band released their magnum opus, Connected. The album was a groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop, electronic, and dance music that was to become a cultural touchstone and sealed their credibility and place in music history . It was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, selling millions of copies worldwide. The title track, "Connected," became a massive hit and remains one of their most recognizable songs.
The album also included other notable tracks such as "Step It Up," "Ground Level," and "Creation." The combination of Birch’s distinctive vocals, Hallam’s intricate production, and the group’s integration of live instrumentation and samples made Connected a standout album of the era. The album's sound was widely embraced by both club-goers and hip-hop enthusiasts, leading to Stereo MCs being regarded as pioneers at the forefront of bridging the gap between hip-hop and electronic dance music and the fusion of these genres.
Despite the massive success of Connected, Stereo MCs did not immediately follow it up with another album. Instead, they took an extended hiatus from recording, focusing on DJing, remixing, and production work. They collaborated with various artists, including U2, Madonna, and Tricky. Although the band remained active in the underground scene, their absence from the mainstream led to speculation about their future and as a result they seemed to became frozen in time. While they continued to tour sporadically, the band was to be forever associated with a very specific time and place in music history. Fans had to wait nearly a decade for a new album.
Stereo MCs continued to release albums throughout the 2000s and 2010s, including Paradise (2005), Double Bubble (2008), and Emperor’s Nightingale (2011). Each album displayed an evolution in their sound, incorporating elements of dub, reggae, and contemporary electronic music but as the excitement for the era of UK big beat and electronica waned, so did the band's popularity.
Following extensive touring and the pressures of the music industry, Stereo MCs took a step back from the limelight. Their last U.S. tour was in 2001, where they opened for Jane's Addiction. Over the years, while they remained active in music production and occasional performances, a full-scale tour in the U.S. remained elusive.
Which brings us to 2025, the announcement of their return to the stage and the band's triumphant return to the US . The group scheduled select dates, including performances at Union Transfer in Philadelphia on January 23, Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn on January 24, and The Sinclair in Boston on January 25.
With the band not playing live for so many years, it was hard to know what to expect on Saturday night at the Sinclair. The venue, perfect for an act like the Stereo MCs, its compact size allowed the band’s big sound and Rob Birch’s magnetic presence to make an immediate impact on the audience. The stage setup was minimalist , a modest arrangement of percussion and a DJ table set to the back of the stage. It certainly wasn't about flashy production; it was about the music - and the band delivered.
The crowd was a mix of Gen Xers reliving their college days, Millennials curious about the pioneers who paved the way for acts like Massive Attack and The Chemical Brothers, Gen Z fans discovering the band through TikTok snippets of “Step It Up” and and odd amalgamation of random concert goers. The energy in the room was good if not overwhelming as the house lights dimmed and the opening strains of “Pressure” echoed through the venue, the audience responded in cheers. Pressure is a great example of what Stereo MCs do best, creating a positive dance vibe with a slinky relaxed beat. The song doesn't hit you in the face with big bass lines and heavy beats and it highlights the wonderful vocal qualities of Rob Birch. Birch is a charismatic and infectious band leader. Channeling all the authority and charm of an urban street preacher, Birch communicates a soulful wisdom born from adversity. Although Birch looks weathered, his lyrics remain smooth and youthful. He was a delight to watch and to listen to. Catherine Muthoni Coffey was equally as delightful to watch on stage and her vocals remain powerful and transcendent. It was a challenge knowing where to focus during the show as Birch and Coffey draw your attention with equal force. They both radiate a beatiful energy that is hard to look away from. Tansay Omar replaced original drummer Owen If, who passed away in 2022. Tansay is the secret sauce that makes Stereo MCs sound organic, natural and rhythmic. His presence elevated the evening to a level that would not have been possible without his skillful percussion.
The set list at the Sinclair didn't deviate from prior shows on the mini tour and drew heavily from the band's most popular album, Connected. Birch and team proved throughout the 90 minute set that Stereo MCs haven't missed a step in 24 years and their music and delivery are as fresh, relevant and impressive as ever. The positive and conscious message the band delivers is certainly a tonic for our current world of troubles and of course ... it never hurts to have a reason to dance.
Pressure - Connected
Use It - 33-45-78
Fade Away - Connected
Everything - Connected
Black Gold - Double Bubble
Connected - Connected
On 33 - 33-45-78
Change (Adam Port cover) - Connected
Elevate My Mind - Supernatural
Step It Up - Connected
Ground Level - Connected
Running - Deep Down and Dirty
Encore:
Sketch - Connected
Lost in Music - Supernatural
Place (Adam Port cover)
Creation -Connected
