LIVE REVIEW: MR RHODES AT THE TROCADERO ROOM

MR RHODES & RAPAPORT CO-HEADLINE
January 30, 2026
Trocadero Room, Enmore/Gadigal

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Arriving at The Troc on Enmore Rd, Friday evening has a buzz around it and seeing Mr Rhodes on the reader board only amplifies it. We copped Mr Rhodes’ set opening for BlackStar at Carriageworks last year and if you didn’t know the name when you walked in, you damn sure knew it walking out. The set was so unbelievably epic we had to come get another taste but in a much more intimate venue.

There were people hanging out the front yarning over a smoke before the show kicked off, and there were familiar and new faces as we entered. Pulling up to the long bar, there were people scattered in small groups around the edges. The stage is directly met by an open dance floor. Lining the edges are short cabaret tables with a collection of taller tables to the side. With Sarah on sound, Stan and Art Pleasely hit the stage and excitement is brewing coz we know this evening's proceedings are about to begin. Mr Rhodes steps up and instantly injects such undeniable energy into the room it’s hard not to smile and catch a groove — out of nowhere the dance floor has filled.

First track, 'This That'. An unreleased opener is a bold move but we should expect nothing less from Lismore’s finest. Bull at a gate. Say less.

The tone is set, the room is live and the following track is grimy and filled with the feeling of conjuring up power when you want to do something epic! He’s bottled this and being part of a room full of people compounding this sensation was electric. Thankfully the next few tracks gave us somewhere to release this energy. If you weren’t feeling good on arrival, Mr Rhodes has got the remedy — his performance has the ability to take your baseline to a higher level.

Rhodes has found 2 perfect wingmen to support his flight path. Stan on the decks is a natural phenomenon and Art Pleasley on the keys, elevating the hooks with vocals is equal parts magic and alien. Together they create an unwavering foundation and a solid launch pad for us all to rise. The audience returned this offering in a heightened moment, furiously chanting the chorus 'Up' back at the trio. Stan and Pleasley’s call-and-response throughout the night, weaving around Rhodes and leaving space for him was just right. It’s also important to note that Stan was live scratching on vinyl. Seeing him perform this in its original artform is an absolute treat! A delicacy so rare in this modern digital world.

Mr Rhodes brought in the backend of the set like a slick, heavy rolling midnight train from Lismore with some absolute bangers such as 'Rain', 'My Time', 'Wandering By', 'Fear and Loathing' and 'Can’t You Tell'. These tracks were definite highlights.

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Respectful mention for the moment of silence that was held for friend and peer Zehrish AKA Capital Zee AKA 26th Letter. Even the staff in the furthest corners of the venue participated. Rest in Power.

Mr Rhodes' lyricism and flow is masterful. 'Fear & Loathing' – our personal favourite with excerpts like this:

“Wishful thinking drinking liquor getting lifted
Feeling symptoms of the vibe I know
We been getting shifted slighted
By the rider we decided its time to go"

And...

"Send a Snapchat where my snapback
Get a snap back where the fucking hell we go
Caught up in the mixture rock up in a minute
Need to charge my god damn phone”

No matter the audience, the venue or the time, Mr Rhodes delivers. It’s been spectacular to see him develop his live shows over the years and if you haven’t caught one of his shows yet, put it on your 2026 bingo card. Year of the Rhodes.

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By Dyagula and Jack Hickey