The summer sun is beating down in beautiful North Byron Parklands. Punters gather from everywhere, streamlining in to the deliciously less muddy festival than the last affair to grace its slopes.
Day One
The mood is high, as is the temperature, as patrons mingle between food vendors, multiple DJ areas and pulsing bars (31 December). Falls offers plentiful activities to fight the heat: pools, teepees and tent-covered ping pong tables among them.Elsy Wameyo launches Day One into full swing, delighting with her high-energy rap before Beddy Rays keep the energy high.
May-A gets right into the "swing of things", the crowd moving with every word as she dons a black bra, black leather shorts and knee-high boots. "We're having some technical difficulties. I wish I knew some jokes," she laments, before bringing the set right back on track.
"If you came here with a friend, hug 'em, kiss 'em," she encourages, before asking: "Have I made it awkward?" pointing to a front row duo. The crowd cheers as the punters kiss. The guitarist shreds an impressive solo on a burnt-orange guitar, and the band are enjoying themselves.
MAY-A - image © Harrison Innes
Kitschen Boys are rocking the Byron Bay Brewery tent with their feel-good beach rock, while Kwame takes the Jack Daniels stage by the balls, donned with a black face mask. "Feel so good," he sings and the crowd agrees.
No time to waste, it's straight back to the Galaxy stage where Peach PRC is a refreshingly joyful act. Donned in a pink wig and stunning Barbie dress with flowing sleeves, she enamours the crowd without even trying. "You saw the world through peach-coloured glasses," she mourns.
She holds back tears as the crowd sings 'Heavy' word for word. Just when she can't be any more loveable, she brings out a cover of 'Teenage Dirtbag' and the crowd lose their minds. She tops the set with her hit 'Josh'.
The crowd is friendly and ready to offer some wisdom. "The sun comes up, sh.t goes down," Mullet from Lennox Head says, while Shan offers the sage advice: "Go off!" Ironically the main stage is about to do just that.
Peach PRC - image © Harrison Innes
The Wiggles, who have drawn nearly the entire Falls crowd, are enthusiastically joining in every dance move. They erupt as Dorothy the Dinosaur and Henry the Octopus come out. The set feels like it's still aimed at five year olds and yet it's incomprehensibly fun.
Bakers Eddy are absolutely smashing their rock out for the respectable crowd drawn away from The Wiggles show, while Nerve are bringing high energy at the Jack Daniels stage.
Genesis Owusu is typically amazing, and sets the crowd off. Dressed in a red suit and accompanied by his Goons crew in red shirts, Owusu bounces around like an unstoppable firestorm. A real highlight of the day.
The Wiggles - image © Harrison Innes
DMA'S come out under a spectacular light show and burst into 'Feels Like 37'. "I don't see where you're coming from. I don't see what you need," Tommy O'Dell sings vulnerably, as condom balloons float above the audience. "You're still coming round," he sings as the band burst in for 'Silver'. It’s a surreal moment.
'In The Air' brings the expected crowd response, warm and affected. The stage floods red and blue as O'Dell sings "let me in". Pink flamingos and beach balls bounce above the audience. A shortened version of 'Believe' is followed by 'Delete'; he allows the crowd to sing "let it all out" – it's a beautiful moment.
The stage floods green for 'Play It Out' as the guitar rings out in another magical moment, before the lights spasm hypnotically and the show is much the same. 'Lay Down' crowns the set with ferocious guitar picking. The crowd isn't ready for it to end.
DMA'S - image © Harrison Innes
Off to Anna Lunoe who has the bangers coming thick and fast at the Sugar Loaf stage. The bass hits deep and everyone is charging. Amine leaves us wondering if the DJ behind the decks is all we will see, coming out very late. He resurrects his set with high energy and singable songs.
Back at Sugar Loaf, Luude declares: "Who's ready for some drum & bass," as a statement more than a question and the crowd lose their minds. He throws in Florence + the Machine's 'You've Got The Love' and they're beyond containable. They clap in unison and it's contagious. The energy does not stop, it's full throttle and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Just when we've hit the ceiling, Luude blasts it off with 'All The Things She Said'. 'Can't Stop' by RHCP and 'I Fall Apart' by Post Malone follow, and how can we ever leave? Alas it's nearly midnight and Lil Nas X is taking to the main stage.
Flanked by at least a dozen dancers, he commences his act. The act is divided into three sections: Rebirth, Transformation, and Becoming. The midnight countdown occurs with the obligatory kisses and celebrations in the crowd, before Lil Nas X plays 'Old Town Road' and then an intro of the Black Eyes Peas' 'Pump It'.
Lil Nas X - image © Harrison Innes
His dancers move effortlessly between country style shuffles, contemporary and ballet. The set is full of strange themes like the burial of Satan and a video of Lil Nas X dressed as a preacher quoting Levitican scriptures. It's confusing and doesn't seem to follow any logical storyline.
The dancers return for multiple solo dance-offs, and their ability is undeniable. One flips effortlessly 360 degrees. Lil Nas X returns to finish the set with 'Industry Baby’ before the crowd moves out, some to the many DJ stages playing late into the night, some to their tents and some to the refreshingly quick buses.
A fun day was had by all, but one word lies on most lips – tomorrow.
More photos from Day One.
Day Two
Clouds offer some welcome heat relief on Day Two of Falls Festival (1 January), as the slightly ginger patrons begin warming into the day.Floodlights are heating up the Galaxy stage for the early punters keen to make the most of their day, as Louis Parsons' baritone voice calls out with feeling. 1300 are incredibly energetic and their songs are instantly likeable. They give everything, as the DJ intermittently screams into a microphone. It's just what's needed to shake the crowd from their slumber.
Floodlights - image © Harrison Innes
Over at CC:Disco! a highlight of the day unfolds. Almost half the crowd engage in simultaneous dance moves led from the front. It's outrageously fun and reminds the crowd that we're in this together, so enjoy every moment.
An inflatable kangaroo joins the set near the end to form a perfect dance partner. CC:Disco! took us on a journey we wish we could take again. The set is so darn good you just wish it was later in the day.
TSHA keeps the vibe rolling as florals dance on the screen behind her. Her set is delectable, and the crowd is hitting top gear. The Vanns take Galaxy by storm, climbing up the scaffolding among multiple other shenanigans. Gimmicks aside, their music is really good and the crowd can't stop talking about their set.
The Vanns - image © Harrison Innes
At Galaxy, King Stingray come out guns blazing with the didgeridoo blasting. The crowd is packed. They feel reminiscent of the great Australian rock bands, as the bass pumps into your chest and the drums kick. "See Arnhem Land," frontman Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu sings to rapturous applause from the crowd.
'Camp Dog' has the crowd dancing as much as they can in the tight space. "Please don't take this out on me," Yunupiŋu sings. "I'm just trying to get back home in one piece." The atmosphere is both electric and peaceful, a rare combination.
"We're all family," Yunupiŋu says, and the crowd seems to grow as the set continues. Guitars soar out over the crowd who begin clapping as one. It's definitely a party in here. By the end of the set, there isn't room to move anywhere in the vicinity. They definitely should have played on a bigger stage.
Rico Nasty takes the main stage and no one is ready. She unleashes her bad-bitch rap, dancing around and fanning herself. Before we know it, she has the whole crowd swinging their arms. She starts 'Hollaback Girl' mixing it with "hey, we want some money," and the crowd is into it.
Rico Nasty - image © Harrison Innes
Meanwhile at the Byron Bay Brewery stage, The Terrys are killing it, everyone is rocking out. It's a highlight for everyone there. Following is G Flip, bringing the crowd to life in a red bandana and her white pants emblazoned with pictures. It's refreshing to see a main act that is actually singing the entire time. She gifts the crowd multiple drum solos, and her set is over far too quickly.
At the Silent Disco, punters are climbing up the milk-crate decorations and dancing wildly. Smiles are all around. DJ Seinfeld has the crowd respectably rambunctious, enjoying the delectable beats served up.
Meanwhile, Spacey Jane are rocking the main stage. 'Sawteeth' gets the crowd moving and they're having the best time, as the golden sunset provides a perfect memory. Fans favourites 'Good For You' and 'Lots Of Nothing' strike a chord as they tease a new song. 'Booster Seat' is a beautiful moment, as patrons join hands and share kisses.
Spacey Jane - image © Harrison Innes
Mall Grab is expectedly fast and furious, containing a large crowd. He traverses multiple genres from techno to drum & bass, always keeping the crowd adequately psyched. Peggy Gou pulls no punches, keeping the high energy flowing. The crowd responds in kind, dancing with every beat. The tent is a literal sauna, but no one seems to mind.
It's difficult to choose between here and Chvrches hitting the main stage. Chvrches provide the set of the festival so far, as frontwoman Lauren Mayberry comes out in a black feathered dress, which like every outfit on their tour, is inspired by a horror movie. The band comes out to the 'A Nightmare On Elm Street' theme.
"If anyone's wondering, yes the feathers tickle the armpits," Mayberry jokes. The stage floods green, as the screen flashes static and water visuals for 'California'. The stage becomes a deep blue ocean for 'Miracle', Mayberry momentarily departs as the other band members perform a delightful cacophony.
Chvrches - image © Harrison Innes
Lauren re-emerges sporting a shirt saying 'Final Girl' for the song of the same name, as the backdrop showcases a visual of woods flashing red and blue. Every part of the set is well thought out and interesting. After yet another momentary departure, Mayberry returns with blood around her neck and covering her arms. She raises her hands to the sky and the audience follows. The vibes are some of the highest of the festival.
'Mother We Share' has a wonderful clap along, before 'Clearest Blue' hits the most danceable moment of the whole festival. Chvrches are just the perfect festival act.
Back at Peggy Gou, the huge crowd is pulsating as she whips out a remixed 'Whatcha Say'. At least 30 punters have found a mate willing to put them on their shoulders, and the sauna is pumping strong.
Peggy Gou - image © Harrison Innes
Jamie xx pulls in the crowd with the most impressive light show of the festival so far. He switches between African beats and sliced vocals as lasers shoot into the sky. The stage floods red as chaotic blue beams flash out. It's frenetic and unrelenting.
A feature of the night are the lightsabers various patrons are swinging around. Purples, blues and reds are the most popular colours, and a great way to find lost mates. Frantic horns and jazz keys bounce out as the light show continues its chaotic stream. The set is interesting and the light show was past impressive.
Day Two has been hot, beautiful and bonding. It goes down as one of the most enjoyable festival days ever.
More photos from Day Two.
