Critic's rating: 10/10

THIS a capella outfit can't put a foot wrong in my book. Four young singers with music as good as their abilities, an infectious energy, sophisticated programs and a mantel full of awards. Not that they need any awards when jazz supremo James Morrison has long regarded them as the best contemporary vocal group in the country.

The Idea of North obviously love what they do. And this is a concert you, too, will love. The singers' sense of timing is flawless, their collective rhythm and harmonies so precise. But it's not just straight technical accuracy which makes this group truly world class. It's the musicians' humour, constant audience engagement and clever arrangements of classic tunes.

 

The program includes witty takes on Isn't She Lovely, Man In The Mirror and Fields Of Gold, as well as original compositions. And who really needs a backing band when you can make a variety of musical sounds with your whole body? Everything from percussion, trumpets and bass guitar was re-created using various body parts as innovative, unusual instruments.

Catch these guys if you can. I guarantee you will never hear a song about chilli con carne sung with such panache and character.

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