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Marion Bay - Mon Dec 29 - Thu Jan 1
I’ve been hearing stories of the past three consecutive years’ of 30+ degree temperatures each day of the Falls Festival. Pfft. Likely story. I’ve been in Tasmania for two weeks already and the mercury hasn’t risen above 18. The music better be darn good.
Having pitched my tent, I discover that Monday night is reserved solely for performances under the blue big-top next to the Field Stage and watch in shivering horror as shirtless teens bop and groove energetically and uncritically to the DJs’ incessant funkadelic battle sounds. It’s not until DJ Chris Gill spins Billy Stewart’s highly distinctive version of Summertime that my suffering becomes worthwhile.
Having endured a windy night fearing falling tree limbs, I emerge from the tent to Main Stage sounds reminiscent of a screaming Jim Morrison – Wolf And Cub are impressive. Wandering down after breakfast, I witness Architecture In Helsinki do an interesting rendition of (Ain’t Nothin’ Gonna) Break My Stride and the crowd, seemingly buoyed by a rare burst of uninterrupted sunshine, begin to bounce and mosh for the first time this weekend. Over at the Field Stage The Dodos ooze authenticity with some solid, original music and the beautiful harmonies of the Fleet Foxes are a treat.
Back at the Main Stage and all the way from Boston, Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed & The True Loves surprise as their soulful sounds have even those sitting on the hill grooving on their butts. The suave seven-piece give way to the eleven-piece Melbourne-based blues and roots of Blue King Brown and the crowd swells considerably.
After sunset, Franz Ferdinand draw the anticipated massive crowd, but the performance is disappointing due to their somewhat average live appeal. I expected more from such a massive group. As a contrast, A-Trak’s sublime finale of beats leaves everybody content. It’s now 3am. Bedtime.
Having sufficiently regained my vital signs after a lengthy morning defrosting, I become aware of a fresh, chilly New Years Eve day and the even fresher new wave electronica sounds of Grafton Primary who produce an A-grade performance. Tzu’s powerful hip hop is next and a pumped crowd are treated to a skilful freestyling finale. Faker’s ordinary performance is elevated slightly when lead Nathan Hudson’s climbs the scaffolding but, disappointingly, he doesn’t fall.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings provide some frenetic jazz and funk before an innocent victim, 16-year-old Joe, is plucked from the crowd for a detailed lesson in smooth lovin’ by the voluptuous Ms Jones. Up next The Kooks prove their rock-star credentials with a wild performance before it’s time for The Cat Empire. An eclectic array of songs, including a French version of The Eagles Hotel California and a peppy rendition of Paul Kelly’s Dumb Things, greet a fully engaged crowd. At midnight, The Hives and the 15,000 strong audience count in the new year with a chorus of cheers, whistles, and hugs. Their performance encompasses all that a rock band should be: powerful, irreverent, and wild. Happy New Year.
Consistently inconsistent weather aside, an otherwise successful event is marred by over-zealous police officers breath testing one out of every six drivers, which results in eight-hour queues upon leaving. News coverage is intense in the following days and there are threats the festival may not survive for 2009. Hopefully a happy medium can be reached for this unique event in a state starved of live music.
TIM RETROT
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