Even the rain can't put a dampener on Sydney's Centennial Park where Laneway brings its international superstars to define the summer (8 February).
Mt. Joy take to the main stage with a blend of indie rock and classical/ jazz fusion. It's a perfect way to start the day with an icy beverage. They play their hits, the electric guitar ringing out. They're a must-see act.
At the Hope Springs stage, Jensen McRae brings the delicious sounds of indie pop. "This is a song about self-acceptance," she shares, laughing at a slight technical issue, before launching perfectly into the song. The clap along is a highpoint of the day.
Alex G takes the main stage with indie charm, while over at Everything Ecstatic Oklou brings a deep house energy, the reverberated vocals drifting across the crowd. "Are there any French people in the crowd," she asks.
Apparently not many, but music transcends. The thick beats are perfect for moving the massive crowd spilling out of the tent. Gentle acoustic strums float out in a nice moment.
Sydney's fashionistas came to the party, with a clear Western pop princess vibe. BENEE is warm like Sunday pancakes, the packed crowd begging the question why she isn't on the main stage. Although, Lucy Dacus takes up residence there, her smooth folk trundling along. BENEE's 'Supalonely' serves up a nice crowd sing-along.
Jensen McRae - image © Inspirious Media
Role Model gives soothing storytelling, as the crowd sway along, while PinkPantheress explodes the tent, entering to rapturous applause. It's an immediate party. The tent is thick with bodies spilling in every direction and Pink really should have been on the main stage.
Over there, Wet Leg bring the indie punk vibe, frontwoman Rhian Teasdale strumming on her transparent green guitar. She shows her guns to the crowd who respond in kind. The tone gets grungy before they bring the party up, 'Chaise Longue' an instant classic. The set ends too soon.
Wolf Alice enter with dramatic high notes, the background shimmering. The guitarist rolls his guitar around the mic stand, and it's all very rock & roll. The next track has more of disco vibe, frontwoman Ellie Rowsell singing delicately in her black skinsuit.
"How can I make it ok," she asks and it feels pretty ok here right now. The backdrop shimmers red and blue as Rowsell brings out a megaphone. The stage floods green for more tracks heavy and thick.
Anticipation builds as the stage sits waiting for the main act Chappell Roan. The set starts with dramatic strings and green smoke. "I know what I want," Roan screams in 'Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl'.
Wolf Alice - image © Inspirious Media
'Femininomenon' has smoke shooting out the pink stage, before 'Naked In Manhattan' has the crowd singing along as Roan asks: "Can you believe it? We're in Sydney!"
'Casual' is sentimental, before 'Hot To Go!' is a hit. The pianist takes a nice classical moment after a 'Barracuda' cover. 'The Giver' is a good ol' country sing-along, before 'Red Wine Supernova' soars.
The moment everyone's waiting for – 'Pink Pony Club' – starts with horse noises and dramatic piano under blue lights. It's moment in time with the massive crowd screaming and dancing along.
It's all over too soon and patrons leave, encouraged to be kind with each other over megaphones, but everyone leaves happy with a day full of joy, wondering what next year will bring.
