Venue: Byron Bay, NSW
Date: 23rd/24th of July, 2005
I count myself fortunate that I jumped on the Splendor In The Grass bandwagon so hastily this year, as I can say that it was one of the best festivals I’ve had the priviledge to attend. While I was really only going for two or three acts, the ones I did catch where pretty damn good. Here is my brief review.
Saturday started with me missing most of The Futureheads set. Though from the three songs I did manage to catch, you can tell they’re a pretty good quality act. Despite the irrelevance of their lyrics, there is just a cool vibe about them. I chilled out for the Athlete and Drag sets, electing to sit and rest my tired (and drunken) bones, but the tunes sounded acceptable.
Its time to stand up and drag myself over to the other tent to catch a bit of Downsyde. The hip hoppers have the crowd in their fist - and set is pretty tight. Some funky bass was to be heard. Katalyst hits the decks just before I leave to catch Shihad, but his mix of ‘The White Stripes - 7 Nation Army’ with Public Enemies ‘Bring Tha Noise’ goes down pretty well. Shihad, formally Pacifier, formally Shihad, are renowned for their live sound. I’m pretty so-so when it comes to their songs, but their pure energy is pretty damn addicted, and I’m soon air guitaring.
Leaving Shihad, I catch the end of Decoder Ring - and I’m bitterly disappointed that I didn’t watch the entire thing. It was awesome; one of the highlights of the festival. Cut Copy who I, for some reason, thought was a dj, turn out to be a new-order esque three peice from Melbourne, who mix early 80s synth rock with pop noise. Pretty darn good.
The end of the night is drawing to a close and its time for the ever changing line-up of Queens of the Stoneage to hit the main tent. Yeah, I dunno. I like their songs, and their set seemed OK, but I left before the end, so I can’t say with any certainley if I like their live sound.
Sunday was set to be the big day. The three bands I was here to see were on in a row - Doves, Bloc Party, and Interpol. I came late, and get into the middle of the main tent to watch Manchester-based Doves do their thing. I had gone to see them last Thursday night at the Arena but due to being extremeley drunk, had missed most of their set. Bummer. Well, they were pretty awesome here, starting with one of my favourites “Pounding” and mixing in a good selection of new and old tunes, “The Cedar Room” being the standout. London prodigies Bloc Party were up next, playing a truly awesome set taken from their debut ‘Silent Alarm’. So tight, so charismatic, and combined with some genius drumming, make this band stand out from a crowd of imitators. I love Interpol, but not a big fan of their most recent long-player ‘Antics’. However, their newer songs sound great in the live arena, and mixed with their inspiring work on ‘Turn On the Bright Lights’, create a great atmosphere throughout the packed tent, echoing Joy Division in their heyday.
That was basically my Splendor in the Grass. Verdict - I’ll be there next year!
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