Groovin The Moo @ Bendigo Showgrounds, Bendigo (03/05/2014)
Approaching the outskirts of Bendigo the fog was so thick that you couldn't tell where your breath ended and the air began. Chilled to the bone and only at the days inception, I was wary of how the days adroit musicians would fair against the frost. Thankfully my attitude was corrected early on, as though the weather may have been cold and miserable, a chipper D.D. Dumbo kicked off the day in the Moolin Rouge tent. The one man band captivated his shivering audience with his really full sound that filled the tent. Additionally, I was particularly impressed by the variety in sound coming from one person. D.D. Dumbo is certainly a man that's going places.
Over on the Udder Stage, modern electro pioneer Robert Delong gave Skrillex a run for his money whilst Andy Bull drew a modest crowd to the Moolin Rouge, where he was showcasing old favourites and new material from his upcoming debut record. Melbourne favourites Kingswood drew a considerable crowd. As stronger performance as ever, the highlight for me would have to be the strong ending on 'Ohio'. It really goes down a treat live.
The Jungle Giants bright tunes were a striking contrast to hardcore heroes Parkway Drive; the odd addition to this years line-up, delivering the day's dose of circle pits. Yes, everyone seemed to enjoy the performance, but they seem to stick out like a sore thumb on the otherwise fairly indie-oriented lineup.
Having fast accumulated a mass following and off one EP alone, Vance Joy was one everyone eagerly awaited. However, it was pretty clear that there were a lot of fair-weather fans present. Many people moved along to the sounds, mumbling lyrics so as to try and fit in whilst anticipating that one song. Naturally, at the opening chords to 'Riptide' swarms of festival-goers tore down from the tent to sing along with Joy and his uke. Whilst very, very talented, I find that Vance Joy has somewhat of an awkward stage presence. On one hand, I theorise that it's perhaps from being thrust into the limelight so suddenly, as there'd certainly be a strong learning curve involved. On the other hand, it could simply be that seeing such a tall man play such a tiny instrument looks a bit funny. Either way, he seemed a lot more confident than the last time I'd seen him perform, so I'm sure he'll find his feet.
Unfortunately, US group Cults failed to capture the attention of the Bendigo audience. Vocalist Madeline Follin has such a beautiful voice, but it was lost amongst the crowd and failed to deliver anything memorable. Architecture in Helsinki, however, with their vibrant colours and zany dance moves couldn't help but draw everyone in. Providing a really animated performance, they were certainly a favourite.
As Karnivool took to the stage, they brought the full force of mother nature with them, with a storm creating the perfect back-drop for the groups incredible performance. Playing a set which highlighted their three albums (Themata, Sound Awake, and Asymmetry) Ian Kenny and his band of brothers delivered one of the highlights of Groovin The Moo 2014.
I found that The Naked and Famous, having seen them give a spectacular performance earlier this year, fell a little bit flat. That's not to say it wasn't good, of course, just that I think it could have gone over a little better. Fortunately the vibe was picked up once The Jezabels made their appearance. Opening with 'The Brink' and 'Endless Summer', they sounded really confident and were more than worthy of playing the main stage.
Speaking of confidence, Dizzee Rascal was up next. Giving a really strong performance, I think it's safe to say that he succeeded The Presets in terms of the headliners. The Presets gave a solid performance and are very good at what they do, but perhaps they're just past their prime now and so are unable to meet previously set expectations. Still, they provided that much need groove to end the night with a bang.
Once again, Groovin The Moo has proved itself to be a success, going from strength to strength to deliver one of Australia's finest touring music festivals.
Holly Parker
Over on the Udder Stage, modern electro pioneer Robert Delong gave Skrillex a run for his money whilst Andy Bull drew a modest crowd to the Moolin Rouge, where he was showcasing old favourites and new material from his upcoming debut record. Melbourne favourites Kingswood drew a considerable crowd. As stronger performance as ever, the highlight for me would have to be the strong ending on 'Ohio'. It really goes down a treat live.
The Jungle Giants bright tunes were a striking contrast to hardcore heroes Parkway Drive; the odd addition to this years line-up, delivering the day's dose of circle pits. Yes, everyone seemed to enjoy the performance, but they seem to stick out like a sore thumb on the otherwise fairly indie-oriented lineup.
Having fast accumulated a mass following and off one EP alone, Vance Joy was one everyone eagerly awaited. However, it was pretty clear that there were a lot of fair-weather fans present. Many people moved along to the sounds, mumbling lyrics so as to try and fit in whilst anticipating that one song. Naturally, at the opening chords to 'Riptide' swarms of festival-goers tore down from the tent to sing along with Joy and his uke. Whilst very, very talented, I find that Vance Joy has somewhat of an awkward stage presence. On one hand, I theorise that it's perhaps from being thrust into the limelight so suddenly, as there'd certainly be a strong learning curve involved. On the other hand, it could simply be that seeing such a tall man play such a tiny instrument looks a bit funny. Either way, he seemed a lot more confident than the last time I'd seen him perform, so I'm sure he'll find his feet.
Unfortunately, US group Cults failed to capture the attention of the Bendigo audience. Vocalist Madeline Follin has such a beautiful voice, but it was lost amongst the crowd and failed to deliver anything memorable. Architecture in Helsinki, however, with their vibrant colours and zany dance moves couldn't help but draw everyone in. Providing a really animated performance, they were certainly a favourite.
As Karnivool took to the stage, they brought the full force of mother nature with them, with a storm creating the perfect back-drop for the groups incredible performance. Playing a set which highlighted their three albums (Themata, Sound Awake, and Asymmetry) Ian Kenny and his band of brothers delivered one of the highlights of Groovin The Moo 2014.
I found that The Naked and Famous, having seen them give a spectacular performance earlier this year, fell a little bit flat. That's not to say it wasn't good, of course, just that I think it could have gone over a little better. Fortunately the vibe was picked up once The Jezabels made their appearance. Opening with 'The Brink' and 'Endless Summer', they sounded really confident and were more than worthy of playing the main stage.
Speaking of confidence, Dizzee Rascal was up next. Giving a really strong performance, I think it's safe to say that he succeeded The Presets in terms of the headliners. The Presets gave a solid performance and are very good at what they do, but perhaps they're just past their prime now and so are unable to meet previously set expectations. Still, they provided that much need groove to end the night with a bang.
Once again, Groovin The Moo has proved itself to be a success, going from strength to strength to deliver one of Australia's finest touring music festivals.
Holly Parker