Falls Festival 2014/15 @ Lorne, Victoria (28-31/12/2014)
The original Falls Music & Arts Festival, the annual 4 day party that takes place amongst rolling hills just outside of Lorne, sells out in minutes. Those with a coveted ticket mission to a spectacular natural habitat so completely off-the-grid that most mobile phone networks receive no coverage.
We are all at Falls for different reasons. Many things, apparently, can draw a person to a farm in the Otway Ranges. We have all made the choice to leave our hot showers, clean toilets, our cats, kettles, beds, Facebook and Instagram behind, when we seek adventure beyond an invisible but tangible border between the Real World and the Festival World.
Thousands seek this unpredictable but certain freedom, just a mere moment in time in a calendar year. For this moment, no one talks about jobs or mortgages, and no one cares about the expectations of family and friends in the Real World. Except, of course, the promise to make it home in one piece.
We are all at Falls for different reasons. Many things, apparently, can draw a person to a farm in the Otway Ranges. We have all made the choice to leave our hot showers, clean toilets, our cats, kettles, beds, Facebook and Instagram behind, when we seek adventure beyond an invisible but tangible border between the Real World and the Festival World.
Thousands seek this unpredictable but certain freedom, just a mere moment in time in a calendar year. For this moment, no one talks about jobs or mortgages, and no one cares about the expectations of family and friends in the Real World. Except, of course, the promise to make it home in one piece.
Bonds strengthen and new ones form in a rare environment where judgements are suspended and chances are taken, safe in the knowledge there's always someone watching your back with nothing but love and acceptance.
BADBADNOTGOOD are the first non-DJs to be heard on a fine Sunday afternoon in the Grand Theatre for those of us in for the long haul (4 night campers). A Toronto trio who play genre-bending improvisational jazz with brooding intensity, BBNG mark a smooth beginning at Lorne. The Grand Theatre will play host for all live music on Day 1. Melbourne's playfully eccentric and damn talented CLIENT LIAISON delight a rowdy keen crowd under the big circus top before making room for all-girl hip-hop crew SALT 'N' PEPA. |
With longstanding third member DJ SPINDERELLA in tow, Salt and Pepa bounced their way through a mammoth set of party-starters spanning the two decades since their inception. Owning the decks, Spinderella spun classics for young and old – from a straw poll conducted by the vintage cats on stage, turns out it is mostly the young present (the 90s babies made more noise).
From present day Mark Ronson to Sweet Child O' Mine to Bey-Bey to MJ to their own hit single Whatta Man, they stormed the stage from go to woah, inspiring wild applause and booty-shaking. Notable S'N'P hits Shoop, Push It and Let's Talk About Sex got the crowd grinding dirty and hollering up a storm. The self-proclaimed Queens from Queens were all round crowd-pleasers, kickstarting an epic four days of live music in the forest.
Monday, and it's time for the natural ampitheatre with the famed grassy knolls and deceptively inclined hill (felt daily in the quads of one and all) to take pride of place. The Valley Stage is home to all of today's billed acts.
As we roll into the festival grounds for the first full day, new kid on the block JAPANESE WALLPAPER plays to a modest crowd slowly warming up despite the chill that's arrived. Gab Strum can't contain the proud smile that creeps over his face as he begins to play 2014's breakout Between Friends, and the loose mosh share the good vibes.
From present day Mark Ronson to Sweet Child O' Mine to Bey-Bey to MJ to their own hit single Whatta Man, they stormed the stage from go to woah, inspiring wild applause and booty-shaking. Notable S'N'P hits Shoop, Push It and Let's Talk About Sex got the crowd grinding dirty and hollering up a storm. The self-proclaimed Queens from Queens were all round crowd-pleasers, kickstarting an epic four days of live music in the forest.
Monday, and it's time for the natural ampitheatre with the famed grassy knolls and deceptively inclined hill (felt daily in the quads of one and all) to take pride of place. The Valley Stage is home to all of today's billed acts.
As we roll into the festival grounds for the first full day, new kid on the block JAPANESE WALLPAPER plays to a modest crowd slowly warming up despite the chill that's arrived. Gab Strum can't contain the proud smile that creeps over his face as he begins to play 2014's breakout Between Friends, and the loose mosh share the good vibes.
Only playing the Lorne event, Gab could be spotted enjoying the remainder of the festival, signature backpack in tow.
ART OF SLEEPING impress fans, both new and old, with their hook-laden indie-pop, and English singer-songwriter CHARLOTTE OC's sweet set of pipes prompt every head in the vicinity of the ampitheatre to turn. It is Brisbane's Danny Harley, aka. THE KITE STRING TANGLE, who really turns the heat up. His sparkling display of dreamy electro soundscapes and honey vocals draws a big crowd, who descend upon the stage in plenty of time for Arcadia and Given The Chance. After a pre-evening regroup at the campsite, we were chuffed to get back to the ampitheatre in time for the last of Melbourne's soulful rock 'n roller DAN SULTAN's belter set. |
Tonight it falls to THE TEMPER TRAP to bring the international star factor to the Valley Stage. Their set is a reminder to all of how they came to be the untouchable indie-pop outfit following their debut Conditions. Sweet Disposition is saved for last, and played for a crowd that is at this point quite literally gagging for it.
JAMIE XX of lo-fi wunderkids The xx is received well by some, less by others. It could be said that his bass-heavy set lacks grit and form, but it nonetheless has plenty grooving into the wee hours.
What better way to start a Tuesday than with mass? This mass doesn't centre around a man in a pulpit reading a sermon from a heavy book, but MELBOURNE MASS GOSPEL CHOIR offer solace and redemption from worldly pain and suffering with the power of their voices.
An unexpected highlight of the Lorne Falls Music & Arts Festival, MMGC and their outstanding soloists speak straight to the core of our existence with powerfully spirited renditions of Curtis Mayfield, The Staple Sisters and Solomon Burke. A traditional South African song steals the show, lifting us to a higher plane of bliss and we spill out of the big tent lighter, soul and body awakened.
After a spell of gospel church, a pastry and strong coffee, our newborn Falls family of five embarks on an excursion to the Falls that gave the festival its name. (Note: two of us cheat and hitch a lift back up the steep, winding hill). An early afternoon adventure to Erskine Falls provides a welcome retreat for reflection, perspective and photo ops.
Getting back to the music, it's new lads about town, a reborn collective from retired Sydney bands, the DMAs who take over the Valley Stage (both stages are now open for business). They earn rave reviews from those up and about early enough to catch their set.
REMI is another punters favourite. In between his authentic, smooth-flowing hip-hop, this homegrown hip-hop hero teaches the crowd two-step and captures rare footage from the stage on some lucky fans GoPros.
JAMIE XX of lo-fi wunderkids The xx is received well by some, less by others. It could be said that his bass-heavy set lacks grit and form, but it nonetheless has plenty grooving into the wee hours.
What better way to start a Tuesday than with mass? This mass doesn't centre around a man in a pulpit reading a sermon from a heavy book, but MELBOURNE MASS GOSPEL CHOIR offer solace and redemption from worldly pain and suffering with the power of their voices.
An unexpected highlight of the Lorne Falls Music & Arts Festival, MMGC and their outstanding soloists speak straight to the core of our existence with powerfully spirited renditions of Curtis Mayfield, The Staple Sisters and Solomon Burke. A traditional South African song steals the show, lifting us to a higher plane of bliss and we spill out of the big tent lighter, soul and body awakened.
After a spell of gospel church, a pastry and strong coffee, our newborn Falls family of five embarks on an excursion to the Falls that gave the festival its name. (Note: two of us cheat and hitch a lift back up the steep, winding hill). An early afternoon adventure to Erskine Falls provides a welcome retreat for reflection, perspective and photo ops.
Getting back to the music, it's new lads about town, a reborn collective from retired Sydney bands, the DMAs who take over the Valley Stage (both stages are now open for business). They earn rave reviews from those up and about early enough to catch their set.
REMI is another punters favourite. In between his authentic, smooth-flowing hip-hop, this homegrown hip-hop hero teaches the crowd two-step and captures rare footage from the stage on some lucky fans GoPros.
Iceland's ÁSGEIR beguiles throughout his sunny afternoon set, providing a tranquil escape from the festival madness within the comforting surrounds of his gentle indie-folk harmonies. His name on the lips of many a festival-goer long after his set closes with King and Cross, those who haven't already will surely now get their mits on his bestselling debut In The Silence.
STICKY FINGERS and JAGWAR MA kickstart the party feels – the former a crowdsurfers dream with reggae riffs and rum-soaked vocals, the latter a hazy sprawl of free-flowing psychedelic-dance. Who knew the lead singer of Jagwar Ma was such a babe? Apparently not Butt Naked Guy, who was clearly so turned on by their set that he proudly surfed in his baby suit. |
A departure from much of the typical indie-tronica Falls fare, English pop crooner GEORGE EZRA brought his charming accent and infectious global hits to the Grand Theatre stage, and the crowd swoons for it.
Ezra purrs appreciatively about "one of the songs on the album called Budapest”, at the very moment the heaving tent erupts into wild applause. A universal singalong humbles the man behind one of 2014's most memorable songs.
Delighting fans for nigh on 7 years with their accessible yet clever indie-rock, CLOUD CONTROL shine on the Valley Stage. Having moved to London and back since they last played Falls (2011), it's surprising as the live set unfolds how consistently good value their catalogue is.
There's Nothing In The Water We Can't Fight brought a number of bodies previously grooving from the grassy hill towards the happy scrum rocking front of stage.
Frontman Alister Wright shared the sad news that "Jez" (bassist Jeremy Kelshaw) is retiring from the band due to family commitments, and the good news that the band will continue to work on the new (third) album.
Slick English electro-pop outfit LA ROUX are a surprise highlight of the event, a late addition to the line-up in the wake of Robyn & Röyksopp's withdrawal. Elly Jackson takes the crown of best-dressed performer – in crisply creased wide-leg white trousers and a black bodysuit, it's her admirable pompadour that commands the most respect. This set is hella fun, a roaring success that peaks with many a shoulder ride during Bulletproof.
Ezra purrs appreciatively about "one of the songs on the album called Budapest”, at the very moment the heaving tent erupts into wild applause. A universal singalong humbles the man behind one of 2014's most memorable songs.
Delighting fans for nigh on 7 years with their accessible yet clever indie-rock, CLOUD CONTROL shine on the Valley Stage. Having moved to London and back since they last played Falls (2011), it's surprising as the live set unfolds how consistently good value their catalogue is.
There's Nothing In The Water We Can't Fight brought a number of bodies previously grooving from the grassy hill towards the happy scrum rocking front of stage.
Frontman Alister Wright shared the sad news that "Jez" (bassist Jeremy Kelshaw) is retiring from the band due to family commitments, and the good news that the band will continue to work on the new (third) album.
Slick English electro-pop outfit LA ROUX are a surprise highlight of the event, a late addition to the line-up in the wake of Robyn & Röyksopp's withdrawal. Elly Jackson takes the crown of best-dressed performer – in crisply creased wide-leg white trousers and a black bodysuit, it's her admirable pompadour that commands the most respect. This set is hella fun, a roaring success that peaks with many a shoulder ride during Bulletproof.
TENSNAKE lures this purveyor of musical excellence away from the Valley Stage and the clearly popular billing EMPIRE OF THE SUN, and the choice is validated.
Marco Niemerski is a German DJ/Producer best known for 2010's Coma Cat and last year's 58 BPM, and his deep electro-house beats are a divine treat for senses and fluid limbs. An unsung festival standout. Peeking under the tarpaulin during Tensnake, we marvel at EOTS and their sense of high-end costume drama. All the way from the top of the hill their heavy, gaudy makeup stands out, as do the troupe of backup dancers. Theirs is no low-key affair. A lowlight tonight is a somewhat disjointed performance from SBTRKT, with long silent pauses between tunes breaking any sense of flow and leaving dancers awkwardly in limbo. |
Nevertheless, crowd favourite Wildfire enveloped the sweaty mosh with its thick, sexy swagger.
Homegrown women own both stages early afternoon on New Years Eve, with THELMA PLUM and MEGAN WASHINGTON both drawing a respectable crowd. Plum is all sultry pout and babydoll dress, Washington the quintessential Indie Queen belting out a set of ballsy tunes, including catchy-as-hell Holy Moses.
Washington delivers one of the notable covers of the festival, taking on Kanye's Runaway. This is a match for DZ DEATHRAYS Monday afternoon cover, a thrilling version of Darude classic Sandstorm.
We are in the bittersweet twilight, the final hours of the final day of our four-day frolic in the forest. It's time for those who haven't already succumbed to glow tattoos, glitter paint and facial jewels to do so. HELLO - it's NYE!
Luck runs low for those wanting to get their face painted at Rancho Relaxo for the night of nights – booked up, fellas! So a packet of fake feather tattoos whisper your name, and $15 later you can relax because now you can be like everybody else. Not in a lame conformist way, mind, but in a solidarity sisters way.
As our Falls family gather at our campsite for the final time, a nearby mini-van of German campers offer us free beer and the chance to get glitter – there's clearly no downside. As our sparkling extended family make tracks for the festival site, we do so with greater purpose. A newly forged camaraderie and hope for a bright night, setting the tone for a year that follows in its lead.
Homegrown women own both stages early afternoon on New Years Eve, with THELMA PLUM and MEGAN WASHINGTON both drawing a respectable crowd. Plum is all sultry pout and babydoll dress, Washington the quintessential Indie Queen belting out a set of ballsy tunes, including catchy-as-hell Holy Moses.
Washington delivers one of the notable covers of the festival, taking on Kanye's Runaway. This is a match for DZ DEATHRAYS Monday afternoon cover, a thrilling version of Darude classic Sandstorm.
We are in the bittersweet twilight, the final hours of the final day of our four-day frolic in the forest. It's time for those who haven't already succumbed to glow tattoos, glitter paint and facial jewels to do so. HELLO - it's NYE!
Luck runs low for those wanting to get their face painted at Rancho Relaxo for the night of nights – booked up, fellas! So a packet of fake feather tattoos whisper your name, and $15 later you can relax because now you can be like everybody else. Not in a lame conformist way, mind, but in a solidarity sisters way.
As our Falls family gather at our campsite for the final time, a nearby mini-van of German campers offer us free beer and the chance to get glitter – there's clearly no downside. As our sparkling extended family make tracks for the festival site, we do so with greater purpose. A newly forged camaraderie and hope for a bright night, setting the tone for a year that follows in its lead.
Known for raucous on-stage antics and larger than life personalities, Australia's favourite (naughtiest) indie-rockers of the last decade make damn sure everyone catching one of their final shows will miss them when they're gone.
Insisting those with the weed (which they could clearly smell from the stage) fess up (and presumably share), BLUEJUICE don't vacate the stage until everyone in the natural ampitheatre is a sweaty hot and horny mess, with Stav and Jake strutting about the stage in nothing but jocks. ALT-J are an ideal way to begin the count down towards a New Year. All ticket-holders are present by now, and geared up for 2014's final hoorah. We have been blessed, better late than never, by the hand of Mother Nature with a blissfully warm day and nothin' but blue skies. |
All the stars have aligned to bring us here, to this moment, in front of this stage, as part of this mass of bodies – hungry for something, unknown, maybe just for a taste of what living has to offer.
The explosive trio from Leeds made famous by that astonishing piece of work An Awesome Wave rumble to life with Hunger Of The Pine, in what is the beginning of a set that gathers steam with every song.
Just when it seems those revelling under a blanket of stars can't possibly fit any more positive feels into the pulsing, breathing ampitheatre, Breezeblocks begins. Some of us are thrown up on shoulders and reaching out to others also riding up amongst the stars. This is Falls; this is special.
The explosive trio from Leeds made famous by that astonishing piece of work An Awesome Wave rumble to life with Hunger Of The Pine, in what is the beginning of a set that gathers steam with every song.
Just when it seems those revelling under a blanket of stars can't possibly fit any more positive feels into the pulsing, breathing ampitheatre, Breezeblocks begins. Some of us are thrown up on shoulders and reaching out to others also riding up amongst the stars. This is Falls; this is special.
When Kram from SPIDERBAIT counts down to midnight, we are blessed to be far beyond the reach of any insipid commercial television commentating. Instead we embrace friends and lovers, new and old, and the night air is full of promise and possibility.
THE PRESETS welcome in the New Year with a solid set of epic dancefloor-filling electro-house. This Boy's In Love is slower, more sensual than ever; My People and Are You The One? are anthems of a generation reborn for another. We bounce around until it seems likely we might fall over. Crispy fried chicken and shoestring fries beckon (seems a shame to discover this taste sensation on the last night). We fall into tents for a final slumber before they are collapsed and rolled up. |
Despite shitty weather wreaking havoc on campsites and leaving many unfortunate souls sleeping in cars to escape the harsh elements, all was forgiven on that final day of temperate perfection at the Falls farm. We had made it through some rough seas, and come out the other side better for it, thick as thieves. Besides, what sort of adventure is free of challenges?
Whatever it is each of us seek at Falls, each of us leaves on January 1st with a little more to live for. On the drive home, back on the grid with mobile phones ringing through New Year's messages and snapchats, life seems more vital, more vivid. We drive home perhaps a little battered, a little bruised, a little bent out of shape, but with renewed passion for the good things in life, and renewed energy to fight for them.
Rebecca McCann
Whatever it is each of us seek at Falls, each of us leaves on January 1st with a little more to live for. On the drive home, back on the grid with mobile phones ringing through New Year's messages and snapchats, life seems more vital, more vivid. We drive home perhaps a little battered, a little bruised, a little bent out of shape, but with renewed passion for the good things in life, and renewed energy to fight for them.
Rebecca McCann