Tomich Winery in the Adelaide Hills hosted what was the first of hopefully many more Vintage Vine festivals. Over the first weekend of April, the likes of Gang of Youths, Tash Sultana and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard rocked the crowd.
The first day, Saturday, was slightly cloudy and cool. However, it was still quite pleasant in the grounds. There were plenty of food trucks and bars, covered seating, and toilet blocks. It was easy to get a view of the stage from anywhere.
West Thebarton were an early standout with their guitar driven hooks that the crowd love. Leo Sayer was as vibrant and lively as ever with fantastic banter with the crowd. Even though many of the audience would not have been born in the mid seventies, when he had most of his hits, the songs are still timeless and catchy. I’m sure he made some new fans.
After Welcome to Country, Babe Rainbow played a short set of only three songs. Presumably it was cut early to get the schedule back on time. Despite the technical issues in the first song, the set was energetic and dynamic. Hermitude following, also had some early equipment issues. Once resolved, they played a range of songs from HyperParadise to the latest album Mirror Mountian. Keeping the crowd dancing was the theme.
The Temper Trap also had the crowd wrapped round their finger once the dropped “Sweet Disposition,” with a mass sing-a-long. By now, the sun had well and truly set, the temperature had dropped and the merch tent sold out of hoodies. Which meant it was King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s turn to warm up the dance floor. The night closed with Tash Sultana and her eclectic range of musical instruments.
Sunday was slightly sunnier and warmer and the crowds slightly larger. The early local acts, Trent Worley, Kotara, Druid Fluids, Wanderers made it feel like a glorious autumn day. Jess Day and George Alice had some fans in the audience, and had enthusiastic support.
San Cisco were also well received. By this time a solid dance area had formed in front of the stage, with low blankets and chairs littered behind. It was very pleasant under blue skies on green grass, listening to quality local acts. Even the bands seemed to be enjoying themselves – it was that kind of day.
Next up, it was Middle Kids turn to divert attention from the sunset chill. They delivered a vibrant set that warmed the crowd. Angus and Julia Stone are so at home in this festival scene that it’s so comfortable and familiar when they play. The heartwarming sing-a-long moment with “Big Jet Plane” was memorable.
Final act of the event was Gang of Youths, with their posturing energy blowing away any cold thoughts. The sheer pulsating sexual energy had the temperature climb by several degrees. Leas singer David Le’aupepe has the sexual prowess of a leopard or tiger and teases and tantalises the audience.
After the intensity of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, it’s good to see that Adelaide audiences still had some energy left before winter sets in. It’s also heartening that there are still people who know how to put on a great festival.
