As an Adelaide Hills dweller, the chance to enjoy a festival just ten minutes from home doesn't come along very often.
Add to that, a curious and eclectic line-up featuring some seriously great talent, and Vintage Vibes (1-2 April) was a dream come true.Tomich Wines had been transformed with a massive stage and marquees with seating, flanked by an array of food vendors selling mouth-watering temptations from tacos and grilled meats to vegetarian and vegan specials, pizza and more.
Image © Michael Lockheart
Adrian Eagle's soulful sounds of 'A-OK' welcomed us and set the tone for the day as people let it all wash over them reclined on picnic rugs or low chairs, enjoying the chilled-out environment.
I missed the first song of West Thebarton, because I couldn't hear them. Spotting them on screen, I headed to the stage and still couldn't hear vocals or guitar, just drums and bass. A scramble at the sound desk eventually got it balanced by three songs deep.
Despite a frustrating start, the band didn't drop the effervescent energy that's garnered them a whole lot of home-town love. They bounced around onstage with grins a mile wide, and 'Reverend' Ray Dalfsen was at home up front with his usual swagger and energy.
Fan favourites 'Moving Out' and 'Bible Camp' ended their set on a high note. Next up was a set of pure gold, especially if you take the artist's word for it.
West Thebarton - image © Michael Lockheart
Despite being out of their usual smoky lounge bar habitat, the charismatic Donny Benet and his band of exceptionally talented musicians were ready to turn up the sexy feels in the mid-afternoon time slot announcing: "We can control your emotions with these instruments."
The set was resplendent with sax solos, rolling drums, suggestive lyrics, and a wild scattering of 'oohs' and 'ahhs'. Benet had everyone eating out of the palm of his hands.
Even the initially cynical couldn't help but melt into unbridled grinding joy as we progressed towards "probably the two greatest songs you'll hear all day", 'Konichiwa' and 'Santorini'.
In a stroke of disco lounge nostalgia genius, Leo Sayer, with his trademark big hair and powerhouse energy, put to bed any concerns the 75-year-old would phone it in.
Leo Sayer - image © Michael Lockheart
Kicking off with 'Thunder In My Heart' he roared through a set featuring songs from across his career, including 'More Than I Can Say', 1974's 'Train', and 'You Make Me Feel Like Dancing'.
The entire set had the audience dancing along and enjoying themselves, so much so that Sayer pushed for an encore and busted out 'Long Tall Glasses' before anyone could shuffle the band off stage, leaving with a message for the crowd: "I'm 75 years old. Never forget you can rock until you drop. This music can last forever."
Unfortunately, Sayer's exuberance came at a cost. The Peramangk Welcome to Country that followed was truncated to a single dance, and Babe Rainbow only had time for three songs in a 15-minute set. It was an introduction that held promise but didn't do enough to really give me an insight to the band.
I'd been concerned placing The Temper Trap after Hermitude would bring down the energy of the day and happy to be proved wrong. They started strong, kicking off with 'Thick As Thieves', 'Love Lost', and 'Trembling Hands'.
It was a solid reminder that I knew more of their songs than I'd remembered, and of just how mesmerising Dougy Mandagi's soaring vocals can be. The band were tight, and clearly enjoyed riffing off one another, with 'Drum Song' being an all-in boost of power before they finished the twilight set with crowd favourite 'Sweet Disposition'.
Image © Michael Lockheart
Evening brought the cold reality of living in the Hills to the festival site and the only retail venture beyond merch, Dulcie's Vintage Bus of Opportunity, was a welcome sight for many who'd motored up from the city unprepared, offering a selection of vintage clothes to layer on and fend off the chill.
Night time also brought the roaring heat of the band I'd been most excited to see, King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard. I wasn't sure which album or era we were going to get given their prolific nature, but was ready for anything and not disappointed.
The relentless set leaned into their heavier sounds, with plenty of mind-melting psych madness mixed in and visuals seeming to seep into the very fabric of the stage and the people on it.
New song, 'Gila Monster' was a belter, and closing with over ten minutes of 'Magma' was nothing short of brilliance as Michael Cavanagh drummed for his life. I loved every minute.
King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard - image © Michael Lockheart
A final note on Saturday. As a former sax player, the day made it clear to me that the much-maligned instrument is now back and being used to its full, saxy effect. I applaud and welcome its return. Thanks to all the bands who finally broke the 'Kenny G 30-Year Curse' (which clearly is not a thing but feels like it was a thing).
Jess Day singing 'Affection' was a great welcome to the Sunday session of the festival, with a crowd that seemed around double the size of Saturday's attendance.
Day's set was followed by a Peramangk Welcome to Country, which included four dances, accompanied by songs played with yidaki, clapping sticks, singing and boomerang. It was a thoughtful Welcome, and timed to ensure a decent sized crowd got the benefit of knowledge shared.
George Alice smiled and waved to people she knew as she stepped up on stage dressed in a tartan suit and proceeded to play a set of pure pop goodness. Her smoky voice is spot on for the sound she creates, whether layered over breakbeats in fun, new song 'You' or stripped back with just a guitar on 'Habits'. She sounded great.
George Alice - image © Michael Lockheart
The placement of Late Night Tuff Guy as a mid-afternoon DJ was a tough gig. He got a reasonable crowd of dancers up front for a fun mix, but most sat back to chill in the sun, drink wine and chat.
It was a good opportunity to people watch and take note of the huge diversity of the crowd, in both style and age, who'd decided Vintage Vibes was the right place for them.
The front of stage crowd amassed in anticipation as time drew near for San Cisco's set, which included a fan-pleasing mix of old and new songs and ventured from indie pop to disco. A super enjoyable 'special guest' bonus in the afternoon sun.
I knew little of Middle Kids music before Vintage Vibes but am now a fan. Discovering them is one of those gems that a festival delivers and I'm very thankful.
Singer, Hannah Joy, is a compelling frontwoman, with a gorgeous country inflection in her voice and pure passion in her performance. Highlights were 'Cellophane (Brain)', the brooding build of 'Questions', and 'Edge Of Town'.
Middle Kids - image © Michael Lockheart
Angus & Julia Stone were next, and I spent it with a plateful of delicious nachos taking it in from a distance. The only downside to not being wrapped up in the huge crowd was the benefit of body heat, but otherwise it was a perfect way to soak up their chilled-out sounds and easy banter.
Fuelled up and ready for Gang Of Youths, I was excited to hear their newer songs played live. Starting with 'What Can I Do If The Fire Goes Out?', there was nothing to do but punch the air and dance like crazy before lead singer, David Le'aupepe, took over with his signature smooth, strutting dance moves to 'The Heart Is A Muscle'.
'The Angel Of 8th Avenue' was catchy and delivered with passion and fire, before a huge cheer erupted as Tom Hobden picked up his violin and the first notes of 'Let Me Down Easy' began.
Le'aupepe took some time out to chat and let us know his wife is pretty taken with Adelaide, before returning to the magic of 'Tend The Garden' and 'The Kingdom Is Within You', the eternal heartbreaking beauty of 'The Deepest Sighs, The Frankest Shadows', and manic energy of 'Magnolia', jumping off stage to the front of crowd.
Gang Of Youths - image © Michael Lockheart
That may have been the highlight for some, but for me it was the quiet, poetic power of 'Do Not Let Your Spirit Wane' that reached into my heart, broke it to pieces and then rebuilt it again.
Le'aupepe's lyrical talent and undeniable charisma is an attention-grabbing, driving force of Gang Of Youths, but it's the sum of its parts with powerful, nuanced, and energetic performances from all members of the band. Watching them interact and work hard for the sound is a part of the joy of the experience.
Closing with 'In The Wake Of Your Leave', and thanking the crowd with a bow, it was the cherry on top of an excellent festival.
The single-stage setup, sprawling site, mostly excellent audio-visual production, and ample facilities made for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere across both days. Hopefully the success of this iteration of Vintage Vibes means it will become a permanent fixture in the Adelaide Hills for years to come.
More photos from the show.
