Funky eyeglass chains, matching suits, and platform boots were visible as far as the eye could see across Fremantle Park this past weekend (7-8 January) as Falls Festival concluded its 2022/2023 season on the West Coast.
The event was staged across a cloudless weekend, and the cooling breeze of the Freo Doctor was welcomed by festival goers perched under the many trees and colourful canopies throughout the event grounds as each day's temperature approached the mid to high 30s.The El Capitan and Sugarloaf stages stand adjacently overlooking the main entrance of the sprawling venue, while the third Matterhorn stage is tucked away in the heart of the Arts Centre.
Image © Ash Westwood
The trek to Matterhorn feels like an immersion into a different festival within the festival. A whole section for artists and fans more into trap or techno (rather than sing-alongs) with names such as Anna Lunoe, Choomba, and Barry Can't Swim making an appearance.
Behind the madness of the Matterhorn stage lies a designated Chill Zone, with rows of picnic blankets spread under the shade of native trees. Various stations offer visitors space to paint, crochet, weave baskets and make friendship bracelets.
The winding walk back to the main stage is broken up by rows of market stalls from local merchants showcasing assorted trinkets and preloved goods. Ginger Pudding Vintage displays a unique collection of denim jackets, flowery dresses, and gas station sunglasses. The colour and eclecticism of Little Seed's beautiful handmade jewellery stall are hard to miss as you walk by too.
Image © Jake Dullard
A giant inflatable white dome filled with silent disco enthusiasts is situated in the centre of the showgrounds, with a queue stretching as far back as those found at the busiest bars in the afternoon's peak.
From bao to bratwurst and everything in between, a most impressive line-up of food trucks stretches all the way down a shaded alley towards the back of the complex. The streets are lined with people tucking into a delicious assortment of cuisines from Perth and far beyond.
The first day opens with a Welcome To Country on the main stage, followed by a performance from the Melbourne-based alternative rock quartet Floodlights. Crowds begin to gather as they sing songs honouring the beauty of the Australian landscape and way of life.
MAY-A takes to the stage at 1pm in a ripped white shirt and decorated silver chains, belting out songs such as 'Apricots' and 'Say Nothing' to a crowd filled with shoulder riders and enthusiastic dancers. Following MAY-A's act an MC takes to the stage and asks everyone to rise for our national anthem, right before dropping 'Untouched' by The Veronicas to the crowd's delight.
Rico Nasty - image © Jake Dullard
Rico Nasty struts into flashing lights full of energy and attitude, donning a hot pink bikini with denim shorts to an electric green backdrop. Her performance stands out as a highlight of the day with favourites such as 'Money', 'Tia Tamera', and a ferocious mash-up between her and Fred Again's 'Jungle'.
The next act starkly contrasted Rico's sexy and aggressive performance seen minutes earlier. The Wiggles bought immense amounts of wholesomeness and goofiness between dance battles with Captain Feathersword and classic songs such as 'Hot Potato' and 'D.O.R.O.T.H.Y'.
For those who grew up taking kids to The Wiggles concerts instead of jamming to 'Hot Potato' (or doing both), they also played some absolute ripper guitar shreds with classics from AC/DC and Led Zeppelin.
G Flip hits the El Capitan stage with swagger and confidence, belting out lyrics to songs that are met by a hyped crowd singing them right back. Time flies under the scorching afternoon sun and the heat of their high-energy drum solos.
G Flip - image © Jake Dullard
For those feeling a space to dance over an artist to sing-along with, Ebony Boadu's set in the shade of the Arts Centre is thick with heavy basslines, hip hop, and up-tempo remixes of songs. She plays everything from Chris Lorenzo to Stromae to a backdrop of cascading Ferraris and frangipanis.
At the main stages, Ocean Alley's melodic surf-rock reverberates beautifully over the festival grounds. The sun begins to set behind the stage and enhances their performance's blue and silver lighting. 'Knees' and 'Confidence' provide a rousing, synchronised sway in the festival's cruisiest mosh pit.
All the way from Sweden, DJ Seinfeld plays an euphoric mix filled with uplifting bass-heavy beats and classic Europop bangers. He opens with a funky nu-disco feel, taking us on a journey until the end which explodes with DnB, breakbeat, and techno bangers. The hour spent immersed in his performance passed far too quickly.
Ocean Alley - image © Jake Dullard
Night falls, and an enormous crowd gathers to watch Jamie xx at Sugarloaf, anticipation building as the intro to 'Idontknow' is looped until he takes the stage. His set is filled with delicious experimental techno, jungle, and an impressive light show that beams a chaotic chorus of light and colour across the stage.
Giant signs on either side of the Sugarloaf stage flash up midway through, warning attendees to refrain from entering the Arts Centre as it has reached maximum capacity for Choomba's upcoming show. The intensity of their tech-house mix can be heard amongst the remaining crowd on the other side of the showgrounds, where people are gathered around the El Capitan stage for the evening's final act.
And it most certainly did disappoint – Lil Nas X proved himself a triple threat singing, dancing, and performing through cheeky dance numbers and a charismatic stage presence. Worth a mention was the actual horse paraded around on stage to 'Old Town Road' and a spirited ass-shaking competition with the audience, which made it hard to not be excited for his show, regardless of whether you were into his style of music or not.
He declares his set a "free, feminine space" and rocks a number of magnificent outfits. Beginning the night in a signature bedazzled wild west get up and sending it out in a beautiful butterfly costume embellished with shades of pink, blue, and purple.
Lil Nas X - image © Ash Westwood
The show concludes with an hour until midnight, and downtown Fremantle's streets are flooded with sunburned festival goers still exhilarated from the day's events. A long ride back to Perth station is filled with excited chatter about whose favourite act was what, and excitement for the second day ahead.
A second sun-drenched day kicks off with the sounds of The Vanns and Elsy Wameyo at the main stages. Feel-good Aussie rock and intricate soul are enjoyed against the sounds of Perth-based South Summit over at Matterhorn stage.
YNG Martyr plays a heated set with songs such as 'Nike Ticks' and 'Ease Off', sending an intimate crowd wild. An unexpected turn was taken when he bought a bag of fairy bread on stage and threw it to his audience. Copping a big slice to the cheek while taking notes on my phone was a fun part of the experience.
Peach PRC graces the crowd with her sweet stage presence, wearing pearls, pink, and rocking pastel pink hair to match. Her angelic voice delights as she plays unreleased songs, concluding with everyone's favourite song about a Josh they know. In her words, nobody loves to hear or sing 'Josh' more than a Josh.
Peach PRC - image © Jake Dullard
Rona is outstanding to watch over on the Matterhorn stage. She played against a backdrop of a sweeping red topographic map, heightening the dreaminess and mystery of songs such as 'Feel It Too' and 'TIOLI'.
Meanwhile, Lastling's performance was dripping with elements of futurism and sci-fi. Amy's ethereal voice weaves between the space of the park as Josh plays across various instruments in front of beautiful visuals.
Black fishnets, balaclava masks, statement silver chains, and blood red two pieces set the mood for Genesis Owusu's thrilling set. The impressive choreography of his backup dancers kept audiences' eyes glued to the stage while he rapped 'WUTD' and 'Smiling With No Teeth'. A massive sing-along breaks out as he finishes up his killer set with 'Good Times' – a fitting song for the atmosphere of the afternoon.
Genesis Owusu - image © Ash Westwood
Back at Matterhorn, a swirling backdrop of flowers and a gorgeous emerald top draw attention to the divine femininity of TSHA's set. She remixes dancefloor anthems from around the world, balancing pop, deep house, and electronica seamlessly as another vibrant West Coast sunset approaches the horizon.
A fluorescent neon dragon travelling through an infinite galaxy visually complements Peggy Gou's dreamy trance-electronic mix, elevating and exciting people for the final act.
Peggy Gou - image © Jake Dullard
It's almost 9pm when Arctic Monkeys begin the closing set of this year's Falls Festival. They're greeted by a crowd stretching to the back of the showgrounds, rocking their signature grunge aviators and tuxedos against the backdrop of a down-lit setting reminiscent of a jazz club.
They kick off with classics such as 'Arabella' and 'Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?' – the feeling of 2014 teenage angst and the flavour of Marlborough cigarettes was palpable at that moment. A quick walk to check out Luude's closing act from 10:30pm meant enjoying a few more of Arctic Monkeys' noughties' hits from a distance.
The electric guitars of 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor' fade as Luudes famous 'Land Down Under' drum & bass remix shakes the ground people dance viciously upon.
Image © Ash Westwood
Eleven hours and some 30,000 steps since arrival later, the sparkling lights of both sets are dimmed, and the second day draws to a close.
This Falls Festival felt particularly acknowledging of the sense of nostalgia felt by the audience. Artists across all genres infused throwbacks into their performances via remixes or covers, which pulled at our heartstrings and kept us dancing and singing our lungs out.
Falls set the bar high for the standard of festivals to come this year. It felt well organised and safe, filled with fun activities outside of seeing artists perform. Most importantly, the attendees were harmonious and shared the excitement for the weekend with one another as thousands converged over the quaint city of Fremantle.
