The organisers certainly had it right when they chose Centennial Park in the heart of Sydney for this year’s much adored and anticipated Parklife Festival.
I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to have spent the day, with the sun beaming through the trees and a cool breeze finely fitted for those willing to get a little sweaty. I have to say this was one very joyous day for all who attended.
The atmosphere was magnetic to say the least, with the impression that not one thing in the world could put a dampener on this day. The crowd were in for a fantastic showcase, and from 12pm the party was in full swing.
With a line up of international artists that would convert the unassuming music fan, the crowd crammed around each stage like hipsters in a sardine can, many seemingly hard pressed to decide who they would grab a taste of first.
The artists were there to impress, and they were certainly true to their word.
Triple J Unearthed winners The Griswolds were one of the first to open the festival. Undoubtedly pumped for their performance, creating a beginner’s buzz with their fine tunes and distributing band flags throughout the audience, they included a cover of BB King’s timeless classic, ‘Stand By Me’. Performance-wise, they set the precedence for the day, and gained more than a few fans in the wake of their set, including me. I’ll certainly be sure to keep my eyes out for these guys in the future.
Taking centre stage, Plan B was nothing short of brilliant. His very presence was electrifying, and he knew how to work the crowd over with his sheer confidence. Darting my eyes through the crowds that spilled from high and above, there was not one person within 500 meters that was not moving their limbs to the well delivered fusion of hip hop and raw rock.
Outstanding pop outfit Chairlift were incredible to say the least, putting on what seemed to be the show of the year, capturing the attention of every ear that was in shot of melodic genius.
With quiet confidence, Tame Impala took to the stage as each punter pushed for a closer look at what would be one very off-the-cuff performance. Even if you’re not a huge fan of these guys, you can’t help but be intrigued by their individual sense of style. At one point they pulled off a guitar solo that was began to feel a little long, but the crescendo was sublime, and pulled you even further into the soul dazed faze of what is Tame Impala.
Passion Pit were phenomenal. They begun the set with the fervency of their recent single ‘Take a Walk’, the sensational stage presence and outstanding vocals of Michael Angelakos backed perfectly by the rest of the band. The synths worked beautifully, delivering moments of pure joy, shared with both the performers and the crowd. Working through a myriad of favorites from both of their albums, they had the crowd well immersed for the full hour.
They could have played just about anything at that point. The crowd was spellbound; by the time they hit ‘Little Secrets’, the evening was beautifully highlighted with an explosion of brightly coloured confetti. Perfect for anyone who was remotely close, I bet there were a few kisses under the rainbow sea.
The Presets had just about everyone scrambling for a look at the night’s most anticipated set, in the wake of new release ‘Pacifica’. The crowd was getting extremely ready to lose what little faculties they had left. As the excitement built, to the great joy of Julian and Kim, their fans happily screamed through a few of their newer tracks. The real excitement came when the heavy bassline of ‘My People’ set in, and what a moment that was. Their set started off a little quiet, but they definitely made up for it in the end.
All in all, Parklife was a massive hit. I loved how you could barely be bumped by someone without hearing an apology, the staff and the organizers were as friendly as pie, and if you were in the right spot at the right time, you got a free t-shirt. Also happy are the many punters who managed to earn a small fortune collecting cups, to buy that much needed jumper from the merch desk when the sun disappeared.
Well done, Parklife. See you next year.
