The Falls Music and Arts Festival @ Lorne, Victoria (28-31/12/2013)
Day One and Day Two - December 28th and 29th
Having just left Phillip Island the day before, where the traffic entering was bumper to bumper, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the lack of traffic as we began our journey northbound towards the oceanic town of Lorne.
Hitting the Great Ocean Road we began our ascent to the campsite, starring in our own car commercial as we curved around towering rainforest and sparkling waters of the strangest shade of turquoise. Of course, once we actually reached the camp things did not continue to run like clockwork, as we fumbled about struggling to erect a small and relatively simple tent. However, we were in good spirits and proud of our efforts; a feeling that was retained and put us in good stead as we finally made our way down for a first peek at what Falls Festival has to offer.
Hitting the Great Ocean Road we began our ascent to the campsite, starring in our own car commercial as we curved around towering rainforest and sparkling waters of the strangest shade of turquoise. Of course, once we actually reached the camp things did not continue to run like clockwork, as we fumbled about struggling to erect a small and relatively simple tent. However, we were in good spirits and proud of our efforts; a feeling that was retained and put us in good stead as we finally made our way down for a first peek at what Falls Festival has to offer.
Approaching the festival grounds there’s a striking view of hundreds of tents lined up along several steep hills. Our first stop was Hot Dub Time Machine whom had taken over the Grand Theatre. As the sun made it’s descent so did the festivalgoers from down their precipitous campsite. The theatre was teeming with people; hot, sweaty, dancing, presumably more than a little drunk. These people were having the time of their lives, and, to think, it’s only the first night.
During this relatively quiet period, whilst everyone swarmed the tent, I was able to take the opportunity to skulk about the grounds and examine what other aspects Falls had to offer. Opposite the Grand Theatre, only a short walk downhill was the towering Valley Stage, which is a permanent addition to the land and is used as an amphitheater throughout the year.
The area between the stages was covered in lush, green grass, though I suspected this would be little more than dirt by the end of the four days! Falls also sports a variety of food vendors and several market stalls selling everything from vintage wares, to band merchandise and homemade crafts. Everything is in close proximity to each other and the layout is so well organized that I cannot find anything to fault. Everything is easily accessible, even when the valley is full to the brim with hundreds of people.
So after a relatively easy first day, day two is where the excitement kicks off for me. My first act of the day was Melbourne’s Smith Street Band whose loud garage rock aided in the awakening the slightly hungover stragglers from the evening prior, and in exciting those who’d only just arrived. The crooning Tom Odell was a highlight. With his ethereal voice and soft piano, it was no surprise that his crowd mostly consisted of teary young women. As the day proceeded we witnessed the ever-lovely Owl Eyes, whose set was as fun as ever, and the Tuareg guitarist Bombino, who was nothing short of awesome, and really animated the crowd.
Around 6.30 everyone came pouring down the hill to see London Grammar. This particular set was a bit of a sticking point for me. Yes, they’re incredibly talented and they sounded beautiful, but I felt that the set just fell flat. Their songs were slow and melodic and would make for beautiful background music, but I felt that they were a poor choice for that particular time of the day. 6.30 onwards is when everyone begins to get excited and, well, pumped up, and their slow and harmonious tunes just didn’t align with the buzzing temperament of the crowd. That being said they were excellent, I’d just have scheduled them at a different point in the timetable. They could have perhaps benefited from a sundown set to enhance their tone.
During this relatively quiet period, whilst everyone swarmed the tent, I was able to take the opportunity to skulk about the grounds and examine what other aspects Falls had to offer. Opposite the Grand Theatre, only a short walk downhill was the towering Valley Stage, which is a permanent addition to the land and is used as an amphitheater throughout the year.
The area between the stages was covered in lush, green grass, though I suspected this would be little more than dirt by the end of the four days! Falls also sports a variety of food vendors and several market stalls selling everything from vintage wares, to band merchandise and homemade crafts. Everything is in close proximity to each other and the layout is so well organized that I cannot find anything to fault. Everything is easily accessible, even when the valley is full to the brim with hundreds of people.
So after a relatively easy first day, day two is where the excitement kicks off for me. My first act of the day was Melbourne’s Smith Street Band whose loud garage rock aided in the awakening the slightly hungover stragglers from the evening prior, and in exciting those who’d only just arrived. The crooning Tom Odell was a highlight. With his ethereal voice and soft piano, it was no surprise that his crowd mostly consisted of teary young women. As the day proceeded we witnessed the ever-lovely Owl Eyes, whose set was as fun as ever, and the Tuareg guitarist Bombino, who was nothing short of awesome, and really animated the crowd.
Around 6.30 everyone came pouring down the hill to see London Grammar. This particular set was a bit of a sticking point for me. Yes, they’re incredibly talented and they sounded beautiful, but I felt that the set just fell flat. Their songs were slow and melodic and would make for beautiful background music, but I felt that they were a poor choice for that particular time of the day. 6.30 onwards is when everyone begins to get excited and, well, pumped up, and their slow and harmonious tunes just didn’t align with the buzzing temperament of the crowd. That being said they were excellent, I’d just have scheduled them at a different point in the timetable. They could have perhaps benefited from a sundown set to enhance their tone.
The following act, Solange, certainly picked up the pace though, with her vibrant appearance and personality it was a nice change to see a performer so energetic. Taking into account that she is Beyonce’s sister, I don’t think anyone would be surprised to hear this but, damn, Solange can sing. Not only can she sing but she can dance too! She’s the definition of the complete package, and a real natural performer. At no point during her set was my interest swayed, I looked on with excitement for the duration.
My personal highlight for the day was MGMT. They’ve been one of my favourite bands for a long time but I’d never had the opportunity to see them. I was a little hesitant going into their set as I’d read several reviews in which their performance was critiqued pretty heavily; the gist of these being that they can’t perform live. My nerves grew all the more on edge as their set kept getting pushed back, ultimately ending up a good 20 minutes delayed, but I was overjoyed to find that they were capable of giving nothing short of a spectacular performance.
Opening with the brilliant ‘Flash Delirium’ they had the crowd eating out of their hands, and of course with the addition of singles such as ‘Kids’ and ‘Electric Feel’ even fair-weather fans or those unfamiliar with MGMT’s style were dancing along and enjoying. Unfortunately I did end up being disappointed in some respects, though not for the reasons I’d expected.
Due to the technical issues they were forced to cut their set short and missed several big singles and ended up only playing one song from their 2010 album ‘Congratulations’. Since they had to cut out their usual ending song the set unfortunately fell a bit flat. Of course, this is just me being picky. To the casual fan the set would have gone down a treat.
Ending the night on a high were Philadelphia's Grammy Award winning troupe, The Roots, whose musically infused mix of funk and RnB left the crowd dancing until the very the early hours of the morning.
Opening with the brilliant ‘Flash Delirium’ they had the crowd eating out of their hands, and of course with the addition of singles such as ‘Kids’ and ‘Electric Feel’ even fair-weather fans or those unfamiliar with MGMT’s style were dancing along and enjoying. Unfortunately I did end up being disappointed in some respects, though not for the reasons I’d expected.
Due to the technical issues they were forced to cut their set short and missed several big singles and ended up only playing one song from their 2010 album ‘Congratulations’. Since they had to cut out their usual ending song the set unfortunately fell a bit flat. Of course, this is just me being picky. To the casual fan the set would have gone down a treat.
Ending the night on a high were Philadelphia's Grammy Award winning troupe, The Roots, whose musically infused mix of funk and RnB left the crowd dancing until the very the early hours of the morning.
Day Three - December 30th
Running back and forth between the two stages, my morning was off to a great start as I watched the sets of two very lovely ladies: first, the vibrant Asta, followed by the sweet Gossling. Very different performers, but both very talented. It’s a challenge to choose a favourite.
This theme of badass women continued as the day progressed. There’s just something really empowering about seeing these strong and talented ladies perform, and Emma Louise, who conquered the Valley Stage in the afternoon, was no exception.
Her lyricism is poignant and beautiful, and there’s a distinct Radiohead-esque sound. I noted this particularly in her song ‘Boy’, which has a real ‘Everything in it’s Right Place’ sensation. Of course, this is by no means a criticism; anyone who can so artfully be inspired by Radiohead is okay in my books.
Pond were insane as ever. Well, perhaps not the band in its entirety, but their front man, Nick Allbrook, most definitely. But for all his crazy movements and his strange appearance (he certainly worked the flower crown look), the combination of talented musicians with a mild case of crazy made for a very interesting and entertaining performance. Watching the soothing Grizzly Bear after their psychedelic performance was a very strong contrast.
Playing to a moderately small but dedicated crowd, those in attendance for Grizzly Bear were surely the lucky few to witness one of the most stunning performances of the festival, with Two Weeks and While You Wait For The Others being set highlights.
My sole issue with the entire festival unfortunately is something beyond anyone’s control. After the sun set the temperature dropped to icy levels, and so everyone who’d been parading about in their short-shorts over the course of the hot day now found themselves shivering in Lorne’s temporary arctic. Personally I’m very susceptible to the cold and so found it rather unpleasant, but I was not about to let it ruin my spirits as I was very exciting to see a music legend take to the stage: Neil Finn.
Her lyricism is poignant and beautiful, and there’s a distinct Radiohead-esque sound. I noted this particularly in her song ‘Boy’, which has a real ‘Everything in it’s Right Place’ sensation. Of course, this is by no means a criticism; anyone who can so artfully be inspired by Radiohead is okay in my books.
Pond were insane as ever. Well, perhaps not the band in its entirety, but their front man, Nick Allbrook, most definitely. But for all his crazy movements and his strange appearance (he certainly worked the flower crown look), the combination of talented musicians with a mild case of crazy made for a very interesting and entertaining performance. Watching the soothing Grizzly Bear after their psychedelic performance was a very strong contrast.
Playing to a moderately small but dedicated crowd, those in attendance for Grizzly Bear were surely the lucky few to witness one of the most stunning performances of the festival, with Two Weeks and While You Wait For The Others being set highlights.
My sole issue with the entire festival unfortunately is something beyond anyone’s control. After the sun set the temperature dropped to icy levels, and so everyone who’d been parading about in their short-shorts over the course of the hot day now found themselves shivering in Lorne’s temporary arctic. Personally I’m very susceptible to the cold and so found it rather unpleasant, but I was not about to let it ruin my spirits as I was very exciting to see a music legend take to the stage: Neil Finn.
In a humble but jam-packed performance, Finn played his solo work, a couple of Split Enz songs and an array of Crowded House’s biggest hits. Smooth and professional, Finn’s a truly accomplished performer. I’m not going to lie, I got a little bit teary throughout the set. However, it was the roaring conclusion that truly got me, and, I believe, almost everyone there. We were lost in the music, as Finn began an acoustic version of Crowded House’s ‘Better Be Home Soon’. Every single person in the valley sang along with a passion; an ethereal and haunting choir. It’s one of those moments that I’ll remember when I’m old; I once witnessed something truly magical.
Although their content is actually quite dark when one reads into it, The Wombats are just genuinely so much fun to watch perform. They’re upbeat and jump about the stage effortlessly, guitars in hand. Not so familiar with their newer work, I was glad to see an array of old songs scattered throughout the show. Opening with the hit ‘Moving to New York’ and closing with ‘Eurocheisse’, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a crowd jump so enthusiastically and consistently for an hour-long set. I imagine there were some weary legs by the end of it. The highlight was clearly ‘Let’s Dance To Joy Division’, what I believe to be their most popular single as it is perhaps one of the earliest and without a doubt the one the crowd responded to the best. After such a fun set it was a shame to see the boys leave.
I lingered for a couple of songs from !!! (Chk Chk Chk) – one of the strangest and most energetic performances I’ve ever seen – before the cold became numbing and I had to return to my tent and put on as many layers of clothing as I could get my hands on. Kudos to vocalist Nic Offer on his Exile On Main Street boxer shorts though!
Although their content is actually quite dark when one reads into it, The Wombats are just genuinely so much fun to watch perform. They’re upbeat and jump about the stage effortlessly, guitars in hand. Not so familiar with their newer work, I was glad to see an array of old songs scattered throughout the show. Opening with the hit ‘Moving to New York’ and closing with ‘Eurocheisse’, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a crowd jump so enthusiastically and consistently for an hour-long set. I imagine there were some weary legs by the end of it. The highlight was clearly ‘Let’s Dance To Joy Division’, what I believe to be their most popular single as it is perhaps one of the earliest and without a doubt the one the crowd responded to the best. After such a fun set it was a shame to see the boys leave.
I lingered for a couple of songs from !!! (Chk Chk Chk) – one of the strangest and most energetic performances I’ve ever seen – before the cold became numbing and I had to return to my tent and put on as many layers of clothing as I could get my hands on. Kudos to vocalist Nic Offer on his Exile On Main Street boxer shorts though!
Day Four - 31st December
As the sun rose on the 31st we awoke to find ourselves hot and sticky in our tents. The air which had been bone chilling only the evening prior was now like that of a sauna. It would be nice if you’d prepared for it, but unfortunately we were still cloaked in as many jumpers as we could possibly pull over our persons. Still, with a new day at hand there was a buzzing the air.
It was the warmest day so far, as though the weather had been holding out in an attempt to make this particular day oh so special, and you could hear the trees whispering in spite of the commotion that was taking place down at the grounds.
My first act for the day was the Born Ruffians. Having never heard any of their work before I was very impressed by their performance; brilliant sound, not unlike a Canadian version of Vampire Weekend. Suffice to say they had the morning crowds up and dancing. I’d go so far as to say they were one of my highlights for the day, and definitely someone worth having a listen to upon my return to civilization.
Over in the Grand Theatre, The Paper Kites were providing a mesmerizing performance. Sweet and soothing, they weren’t one to miss. Of course, this leads me to one of my other highlights from the day and, perhaps, from the festival in its entirety.
Providing a strong contrast to the relaxing nature of The Paper Kites, the legendary Johnny Marr of The Smiths fame took to the Valley Stage. It was disappointing to see such a small crowd for such a big name musician, but in his short but jam-packed set, he had his small but dedicated audience swept up in a mix of music and emotions. Some were even on the brink of tears (*cough* my boyfriend *cough*).
My first act for the day was the Born Ruffians. Having never heard any of their work before I was very impressed by their performance; brilliant sound, not unlike a Canadian version of Vampire Weekend. Suffice to say they had the morning crowds up and dancing. I’d go so far as to say they were one of my highlights for the day, and definitely someone worth having a listen to upon my return to civilization.
Over in the Grand Theatre, The Paper Kites were providing a mesmerizing performance. Sweet and soothing, they weren’t one to miss. Of course, this leads me to one of my other highlights from the day and, perhaps, from the festival in its entirety.
Providing a strong contrast to the relaxing nature of The Paper Kites, the legendary Johnny Marr of The Smiths fame took to the Valley Stage. It was disappointing to see such a small crowd for such a big name musician, but in his short but jam-packed set, he had his small but dedicated audience swept up in a mix of music and emotions. Some were even on the brink of tears (*cough* my boyfriend *cough*).
In only a ten song set we got not one, not two, but four Smiths songs and one spectacular cover of ‘I Fought the Law’, in addition, of course, to an array of Marr’s own tracks. Naturally the moment Marr broke out some of the classic Smiths songs the previously ‘small’ crowd expanded considerably, as people poured down the hill and flooded the valley.
There’s nothing quite like seeing the mark of an experienced performer as they so effortlessly take to the stage and perform and interact with the crowd as though it’s a second nature. Marr certainly has that classic musician cool. I had the good fortune of running into him backstage and I can also attend to the fact that not only is he a great performer, but a really genuinely nice guy. As the evening approached the festivities became more rowdy. There was more drinking, more dancing, more giant beating hearts being carried through crowds of people. Confused by that last sentence? Me too. I was there and I’m confused by it. Basically, as the sun sets, the attendees put on a spectacular display in the Falls Fiesta, a parade which proceeds across the entire valley. It was a parade unlike any I’d seen, with the strangest of floats, and the strangest of people. The aforementioned heart was carried by the most colourful of characters, a giant day of the dead skull was smoking a cigar, and a towering face blinked blankly. Swept up in the commotion of the fiesta it was easy to find yourself lost in the colour and commotion. At one point I was passed by a winged marching band, and, for the record, I was one of the few festival goers that wasn’t drinking. |
As the half hour dawned the circus disappeared, leading their party onward to the village. Would they return? I don’t know. Things got dark and crazy from here on out. Returning some level of normality to the now packed and hyperactive crowd Violent Femmes opened with their classic ‘Blister in the Sun’. However, not only did they open with the first song from their debut album, but they proceeded to play through the entirety of the 1983 self-titled release. Dedicated fan or more casual music listener, it was a set not to be missed.
By now we’re counting down the hours until the big unveiling. The large screen to the right of the Valley Stage looked down on us all, asking the big question, ‘what’s your new years resolution?’. A most festive Big Brother.
Tension was building, excitement was in the air, even the weather had elected to stay warm and comfortable for the occasion. The congregation moved forward, animated and a little sweaty, as our headlining Vampire Weekend make their appearance. There was singing, there was dancing, the crowd reveled as the boys from NYC played a really diverse set which consistently covered all three of their albums.
A flawless performance of such a high quality that it would be difficult to differentiate from the recordings…with one obvious exception: the sheer energy and life that was breathed into the set from beginning to the very end.
As the end grew nigh, they finished ‘Cousins’ to spectacular applause and departed the stage, leaving us waiting with bated breath for the long anticipated countdown. Minutes go by, and a strange kind of silence was swept over the valley like a blanket. The buzzing and the chatter was still there but everyone knew that the moment we’d been waiting for was fast approaching.
They took to the stage once more and, after a minute or so, Koenig initiated the countdown. We chanted along in unison; a choir of the drunk and disorderly. It was a moment so exhilarating for each and every person there. There was yelling and dancing, kissing and hugging. Friends embraced, couples leapt into each other arms; a strange sensation flowed through us all, connecting everyone. Of course, everyone’s experience would vary. I was fortunate enough to spend this moment with someone I love, others with old friends, many with new. It’s not a sensation I’d forget anytime soon, though I can’t speak for those that were almost too intoxicated to stand, they might remember things differently.
Of course during all this Vampire Weekend had leapt straight back in with our soundtrack to the evening, a roaring rendition of A-Punk would be crowned our first song of the year’s inception.
Falls Festival is an experience like no other – hidden away in a valley, in a rainforest, in the middle of nowhere - it’s an isolating and freeing experience. For those few amazing days, you forget that there is a world outside the festival grounds. It’s surprising what a relief it can be to distance yourself from the modern world for only a few days and just relax. I’m already excited to return for New Years 2014/15!
Holly Parker
Tension was building, excitement was in the air, even the weather had elected to stay warm and comfortable for the occasion. The congregation moved forward, animated and a little sweaty, as our headlining Vampire Weekend make their appearance. There was singing, there was dancing, the crowd reveled as the boys from NYC played a really diverse set which consistently covered all three of their albums.
A flawless performance of such a high quality that it would be difficult to differentiate from the recordings…with one obvious exception: the sheer energy and life that was breathed into the set from beginning to the very end.
As the end grew nigh, they finished ‘Cousins’ to spectacular applause and departed the stage, leaving us waiting with bated breath for the long anticipated countdown. Minutes go by, and a strange kind of silence was swept over the valley like a blanket. The buzzing and the chatter was still there but everyone knew that the moment we’d been waiting for was fast approaching.
They took to the stage once more and, after a minute or so, Koenig initiated the countdown. We chanted along in unison; a choir of the drunk and disorderly. It was a moment so exhilarating for each and every person there. There was yelling and dancing, kissing and hugging. Friends embraced, couples leapt into each other arms; a strange sensation flowed through us all, connecting everyone. Of course, everyone’s experience would vary. I was fortunate enough to spend this moment with someone I love, others with old friends, many with new. It’s not a sensation I’d forget anytime soon, though I can’t speak for those that were almost too intoxicated to stand, they might remember things differently.
Of course during all this Vampire Weekend had leapt straight back in with our soundtrack to the evening, a roaring rendition of A-Punk would be crowned our first song of the year’s inception.
Falls Festival is an experience like no other – hidden away in a valley, in a rainforest, in the middle of nowhere - it’s an isolating and freeing experience. For those few amazing days, you forget that there is a world outside the festival grounds. It’s surprising what a relief it can be to distance yourself from the modern world for only a few days and just relax. I’m already excited to return for New Years 2014/15!
Holly Parker