The camping festival. The second word of which has always placed a deal of trepidation in my loins. You will usually find me at a backpackers or a hotel nearby the festival grounds, rather than among the sweaty confines of a pitched tent. But at last year’s Splendour, I eased into breaking my camping virginity via the confines of a campervan – avoiding the dreaded tent… until now. Yes, to celebrate the New Year, in unrelenting 35 degree heat, I drifted through three days of uncleanliness, sweatiness and tiredness to bring you coverage of one of New South Wales’ most iconic music festivals: Peats Ridge. I guess the question you’re asking is, did I have fun? The answer is, most definitely yes. Will you see me camping again anytime soon? Ah, probably not. But then again, Playground Weekender isn’t far away…
Day 1 – December 29th
We arrived just in time to see Broken Social Scene’s Jason Collett (pictured below) take to the stage with backing band Zeus, playing a criminally small crowd. Thankfully we got a second listen on the mainstage the following day, but I have to say that it was a treat to hear this talented Canadian artist first up – it really set a high standard for the rest of the festival. Both the man himself, as well as his backing band, proved to be a musical force to be reckoned with – and Jason is, put simply, an outstanding songwriter. Look both these acts up whenever you get a chance. Zeus would go on to play their own show later that evening, which proved just as much a triumph.
As you’ll see over the next couple of weeks, I spent much of the festival running between front of and behind the stage, interviewing quite a few of the acts who entertained crowds at the show. As such, I unfortunately only caught short glimpses of quite a few of the big name bands who made appearances at the festival. Washington and The Jezabels were the first such casualties – but from what little I saw and heard of both artists from a distance, they performed to their usual standard, in some stunning surrounds. Deep Sea Arcade (pictured below) were the next band who I got a proper good look at, and Nic and his cohorts once again proved that 2011 really is looking ridiculously bright for these guys. Both their music and on stage presence has never sounded or felt better. We at the AU review wish them all the best as they continue to produce some damn impressive material. I personally can’t wait to hear what comes out next, they’re definitely the ones to watch.
Moving out from the tents, Shout Out Louds were up on the mainstage next, with “Impossible” proving as epic as ever, while “Tonight I Have To Leave It”, “Please Please Please” and “Walls” all served as set highlights. First experiencing the band at the launch of Rebel Rebel in Sydney back in May 2006, supporting Liars of all acts, the Swedish indie pop quintet proved quite the impressive beast indeed. And not much has changed since them – they have put out two solid records since their debut, and continue to impress in the stage. Sometimes I’m baffled they continue to play such small venues in Sydney, especially because they sound so damn great up there on a main festival stage. But perhaps that’s just part of their ongoing charm?
I shuffled over to the Chai Temple next to see Amy Vee and Jack Carty – both favourites here on the AU review. It’s quite the interesting venue – sit down, take your shoes off and enjoy a cocktail or some Chai tea. Doesn’t sound too bad to me… and both artists sounded lovely themselves. I caught the end of Angus and Julia Stone (pictured in header) next, where I was greeted to a superbly impressive sight – a stage covered in hot air balloons and clouds. It was adorable, and while the sound was a bit too soft at times to get the crowd really pumping, it was a beautiful set, from a band whose popularity continues to impress me. “And the Boys” and “Yellow Brick Road” ended their set.
After enjoying the sounds of Zeus, Flatwound and Butterfinger’s Evil Eddie (setlist above!) – who put on a spectacular set incorporating a medley of our favourite Butterfingers songs, and of course closing with “Queensland” – it was time to wind the night down by winding it up (you’ll notice this becomes a trend of the festival). In this case, it was with New Zealand’s breakbeat pioneer FreQ Nasty, an unexpected highlight of the festival. This guy jammed out one of the best DJ sets I’d ever seen – from Nirvana to Dead Prez, interwoven with killer beats, this was a man who knew how to get the crowd going. I think my head briefly detached from my body due to moments of pure euphoria, mixed in with ludicrous dancing… fun times.
The only downside to this was missing out on Laneous and the Family Yah – one of Australia’s best up and coming bands. I saw their last track and it was spectacular. I’ll make sure I don’t get swept up a dancing frenzy next time guys!
