A Splendour favourite, Art vs Science haven't particularly pulled the crowd that would be expected, but what may be lost is numbers is not lost in enthusiasm.
The three piece act sets the standard high with quality sound production and intense lighting display that showers everyone and gives you nowhere to hide.
Songs New World Order and Australia displayed a real polish that many DJ groups lack. Songs Friend in the Field and new smash Magic Fountain prove that they have great songs in the bag that can get pretty much anyone moving.
If perhaps you'd like to meet these guys in a gay bar or converse with them in French you'd appreciate their rock edge as a drum and electric guitar heavy period peaks the set into an unequable high. Can't help but notice a few people sneak out though to catch Florence.
Despite the high energy performance, it was time to say thanks and farewell to Art vs Science before they had quite finished their set. And unfortunately happily, as the overall show had slightly disappointed.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Laura Marling, 6.57PM Sat
The most impressive reception seen all weekend, flavoured with a strong female presence welcomes Laura Marling to stage. A secondary applause welcomes backing band made up of Mumford and Sons members.
A cracking opening Devil Spoke sets the tone followed by Rambling Man and Ghosts. What way to get in the meandering crowd who now surge forward to become a part of what will become Splendour folk lore.
The Mumford boys exit to give Laura the purple lit stage who belts out a siren like song of the sea and beckoning the crowd to love with every bit more of their bodies after a sumptuous start.
With all the focus now upon her, the deliverance excels and makes me wish I could quote her back catalogue. Marcus provides strong backing next to the cellist from the heavens.
For the first time of the festival a cigarette lighter vigil is lit whilst Laura hits notes with her perfect bird like whistle. Enjoying this more and more as the moments pass despite my sheltered existence.
Half way through and it's amazing to hear her say that she is experiencing some technical problems. I am standing here admiring at her ability to stand alone and deliver. To be admired and envied!
As she finishes off her set her songwriting strength become evident. Her sound breaks down all geographical barriers and this London lass proves she is a child of the world, From the deep south of the US to the deep south east of Queensland, everywhere would be proud to call her their hometown girl.
Such a great way to come down from an incredibly hyped day.
A cracking opening Devil Spoke sets the tone followed by Rambling Man and Ghosts. What way to get in the meandering crowd who now surge forward to become a part of what will become Splendour folk lore.
The Mumford boys exit to give Laura the purple lit stage who belts out a siren like song of the sea and beckoning the crowd to love with every bit more of their bodies after a sumptuous start.
With all the focus now upon her, the deliverance excels and makes me wish I could quote her back catalogue. Marcus provides strong backing next to the cellist from the heavens.
For the first time of the festival a cigarette lighter vigil is lit whilst Laura hits notes with her perfect bird like whistle. Enjoying this more and more as the moments pass despite my sheltered existence.
Half way through and it's amazing to hear her say that she is experiencing some technical problems. I am standing here admiring at her ability to stand alone and deliver. To be admired and envied!
As she finishes off her set her songwriting strength become evident. Her sound breaks down all geographical barriers and this London lass proves she is a child of the world, From the deep south of the US to the deep south east of Queensland, everywhere would be proud to call her their hometown girl.
Such a great way to come down from an incredibly hyped day.
First Day Feature
Through many dramas that will become irreplaceable stories and highlights that are already irreplaceable memories, all in all today has been, dare I say it, irreplaceable. A fantastical journey across 2 states, numerous changes of mood and much aural delight.
Lows of the day:-
Awoke at 3.30AM
Flight delayed for plane maintenance
Flight touchdown delayed due to fog at Brisbane Airport
Missed Dan Sultan's set because of delay
Highs that made up for it:-
Sunny, pleasantly humid weather - so great to see sunshine
Saw most of Washington's set who was well polished for a first time festival artist
Foals - enough said
Blown away by the scale of event; size of space, amount of people, Ampitheatre in general - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club had a great following which makes me think I've missed out on more
The moment when watching LCD Soundsytem late in their set when I was finally able to let go of the last few weeks of worry including today's unfamiliar restlessness
Lows of the day:-
Awoke at 3.30AM
Flight delayed for plane maintenance
Flight touchdown delayed due to fog at Brisbane Airport
Missed Dan Sultan's set because of delay
Highs that made up for it:-
Sunny, pleasantly humid weather - so great to see sunshine
Saw most of Washington's set who was well polished for a first time festival artist
Foals - enough said
Blown away by the scale of event; size of space, amount of people, Ampitheatre in general - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club had a great following which makes me think I've missed out on more
The moment when watching LCD Soundsytem late in their set when I was finally able to let go of the last few weeks of worry including today's unfamiliar restlessness
Friday, July 30, 2010
Angus + Julia Stone, 7.46PM Fri
For the first time of the day I've set my eyes open the main stage, Ampitheatre. What a beast! It's prominence is undeniable, situated seemingly away from the happenings of the day, it really is an organism all on its own. The shear crowd size alone justifies the fact.
So, as I sit, on the side of a hill, contemplating the pure size of this event, the stage is being back lit with both artificial and atmospheric stars for brother and sister pairing Angus + Julia Stone.
A subtle instrumental piece opens proceedings as Julia creates their on-stage atmosphere with a strong harmonica piece accompanied by the boys.
Warm receptions are given to lovely early tunes only unknown to me as I hear others sing along, which is followed with a sweet rendition of And The Boys. And a perfect rendition of Big Jet Plane in front of deep blue starry night.
A slow homage to Grease makes a surprise but welcome appearance as Julia tributes You're The One That I Want.
A place we've all wanted to visit at some stage is made even more enticing as we are drawn amazingly down that Yellow Brick Road. Whilst the crowd is asked to join their journey, the crowds journey is unnoticeably drawing these beautiful artists while they present Wasted.
Enthusiasm heard in the long off distance as fans in the front rows belt out Just A Boy. Crowds on the hill slowly swell too. Maybe for the reason that it's a great set to sit and unwind to after a hectic first day. Maybe for Julia's sublime trumpet skills. Maybe to find a good spot for the remaining main stage acts Temper Trap and Ben Harper.
Peaceful is the only way to describe how they close up with vivid images of Santa Monica beach scenes. A graceful unified bow to exit and thank you Angus + Julia.
So, as I sit, on the side of a hill, contemplating the pure size of this event, the stage is being back lit with both artificial and atmospheric stars for brother and sister pairing Angus + Julia Stone.
A subtle instrumental piece opens proceedings as Julia creates their on-stage atmosphere with a strong harmonica piece accompanied by the boys.
Warm receptions are given to lovely early tunes only unknown to me as I hear others sing along, which is followed with a sweet rendition of And The Boys. And a perfect rendition of Big Jet Plane in front of deep blue starry night.
A slow homage to Grease makes a surprise but welcome appearance as Julia tributes You're The One That I Want.
A place we've all wanted to visit at some stage is made even more enticing as we are drawn amazingly down that Yellow Brick Road. Whilst the crowd is asked to join their journey, the crowds journey is unnoticeably drawing these beautiful artists while they present Wasted.
Enthusiasm heard in the long off distance as fans in the front rows belt out Just A Boy. Crowds on the hill slowly swell too. Maybe for the reason that it's a great set to sit and unwind to after a hectic first day. Maybe for Julia's sublime trumpet skills. Maybe to find a good spot for the remaining main stage acts Temper Trap and Ben Harper.
Peaceful is the only way to describe how they close up with vivid images of Santa Monica beach scenes. A graceful unified bow to exit and thank you Angus + Julia.
Foals, 3.45PM Fri
The anticipation of Foals was evident by the roaring cheers to signify the end of the last two DJ set songs. And their opening song energy delivered.
Cassius followed and quickly worked the whole tent into a frenzy with powerful beats and precise chords.
We Are People sustained very easily the mass' attention which then transformed the radio hit Miami into the mid set cruiser that everyone loves.
Foals' set is highlighted by the crowds welcoming screams of enjoyment and consequently clear endeavour to impress.
With You Know, a nice piece of funk feel is introduced. These guys continue to impress.
"Have you enjoyed Splendour?" was the question asked by lead singer, and with it melting into a rousing version of Theory In Your Head, the answer is yes Foals, we have.
The passionate set is closed up with a front man front of stage stand of solo drum perfection. And of course Step To Everything.
Cassius followed and quickly worked the whole tent into a frenzy with powerful beats and precise chords.
We Are People sustained very easily the mass' attention which then transformed the radio hit Miami into the mid set cruiser that everyone loves.
Foals' set is highlighted by the crowds welcoming screams of enjoyment and consequently clear endeavour to impress.
With You Know, a nice piece of funk feel is introduced. These guys continue to impress.
"Have you enjoyed Splendour?" was the question asked by lead singer, and with it melting into a rousing version of Theory In Your Head, the answer is yes Foals, we have.
The passionate set is closed up with a front man front of stage stand of solo drum perfection. And of course Step To Everything.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Woodford my Woodstock
There is no need for me to bore everyone with history, for why I am who I am and why I enjoy the things that I do but for as long as I can remember music has been a solid foundation of my life.
Witnessing live music (to me) is the epitome of the enjoyment of music.
It takes the whole craft to another level and presents you with the raw essence of what is pressed for eternity.
A raw moment such as this is a fleeting one, very unique and rarely captured. Photographs and sound files are gems to discover and are alternative historical snapshots. How amazing to possess something so special, something eternally chronicled for everyone - people who were there, people who weren't, people who wanted to be & people who didn't know they wanted to be until the moment had passed.
Selfishly the snapshots I will take this weekend will be for me.
My memory is poor!
So, I will endeavour to take snapshots of Splendour in the Grass. To me this is that once in a lifetime moment, my Woodstock if you will, a great collection of music and musicians, of people from far and wide, and also a rejuvenation of discovery as I open my eyes and mind again to creation and thought, something that has been missing for some time.
Please join me...
Witnessing live music (to me) is the epitome of the enjoyment of music.
It takes the whole craft to another level and presents you with the raw essence of what is pressed for eternity.
A raw moment such as this is a fleeting one, very unique and rarely captured. Photographs and sound files are gems to discover and are alternative historical snapshots. How amazing to possess something so special, something eternally chronicled for everyone - people who were there, people who weren't, people who wanted to be & people who didn't know they wanted to be until the moment had passed.
Selfishly the snapshots I will take this weekend will be for me.
My memory is poor!
So, I will endeavour to take snapshots of Splendour in the Grass. To me this is that once in a lifetime moment, my Woodstock if you will, a great collection of music and musicians, of people from far and wide, and also a rejuvenation of discovery as I open my eyes and mind again to creation and thought, something that has been missing for some time.
Please join me...
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