St. Jerome's Laneway Festival's Adelaide edition started full of promise, with a cloudless blue sky, sunshine and the temperature in the high 20s.
Set in Bonython Park/ Tulya Wardli (9 February), the site spanned a couple of ovals, hosting the Good Better Best and Never Let It Rest stages side by side at one end and the Harts Mill stage at the other, with a shaded market and food area in-between.The early crowd was small but keen to push forward and catch Miss Kaninna, who served up political messages alongside strong performances of 'Black Britney Spears' and 'Pinnacle Bitch'. Hemlock Springs' ambitious art-pop also brought a curious crowd out from under the trees.
Mornington Peninsula's Teenage Dads drew the first substantial crowd of the day, performing solid indie rock with cheeky, personable charm. Highlights of a fun set were 'Hey, Diego!', a cover of The Buggles 'Video Killed The Radio Star', and guaranteed sing-along 'Teddy'.
Angie McMahon - image © Jake Vassallo
Moving from enchanting whispers to powerful crescendos, Angie McMahon has a voice that sings straight to your soul. Her set leaned into her 2023 masterpiece 'Light, Dark, Light Again', interspersed with sparse and powerful songs from debut album 'Salt'.
There were moments where the sound mix didn't quite hit right at the front of stage, with synths overwhelming the vocals, but that was recovered quickly. Set highlights 'Divine Fault Line' and 'Slow Mover' were perfection.
While groups of people hugged the small offerings of shade along fences and under trees at the back of the oval, a committed crowd ran towards the hype as Cordae took to the stage. The American rapper got everyone jumping with arms in the air to 'Broke as F...', while sharing a message about staying positive and not giving up on your dreams.
'Make Up Your Mind' got everyone grooving and aspiring to the dance moves of the '70s dancers on the big screen, and 'RNP' got re-started with special guest, Harry, who was pulled out of the crowd when Cordae spotted his sign asking if he could join the rap.
Cordae - image © Jake Vassallo
Faye Webster's laid-back, lo-fi sounds were nicely programmed for a mid-afternoon chill filled with slide guitar and gentle vocals. Setting the tone with 'But Not Kiss', she wove a powerful magic that moved gently across the space, keeping everyone entranced.
Next up, Angus Stone appeared looking ever so cool in his wide-brimmed hat and jacket to bring Dope Lemon's psychedelic stoner rock to the masses, with treats like 'Hey You' and 'Uptown Folks' popular highlights, before bending minds a little further as a collection of Smooth Big Cats joined the stage for 'Home Soon'.
Hotly anticipated, and without question my absolute highlight of the day, South London's RAYE made a grand entrance in a pink gown accompanied by a band wearing white shirts and bow ties. Switching between scatting and soaring, rapping and growling, RAYE's capacity to switch styles was on show.
She chatted easily with the crowd and it was clear she was living her art as she leaned into jazz and soul roots with a modern aesthetic, all the while dancing along, blowing kisses and waving. In a set that had no faults it was hard to pick highlights, but 'Flip A Switch', 'Black Mascara' and the phenomenally catchy 'Escapism' had everyone in a frenzy.
RAYE - image © Jake Vassallo
The endlessly fun energy of Confidence Man had everyone hot under the collar as Janet Planet and Sugar Bones bounced all over the place with their patented dance moves. Meanwhile, AJ Tracey was at the height of his powers, playing a great set of hook-laden hip hop to a huge crowd. 'Ladbroke Grove' and 'Thiago Silva' got everyone moving from the front to the back.
There was an early crowd swelling for Dominic Fike, but sometimes you've just gotta dance and Nia Archives was primed for a solid set of hard and heavy jungle rhythms that delivered the goods.
Steve Lacy was an ideal choice for a cool down after the madness of the dance floor. His soul- and jazz-infused sound made for a great vibe across the site. Amazingly, he fit nearly 20 songs into the hour-long set that didn't feel rushed at all, with meandering jams thrown into the mix. 'CU Girl', 'Sunshine' and 'Bad Habit' were standouts.
The scene was set for the final artist of the night Stormzy, who arrived onstage to bursts of flames and promising a show that we'd be talking about for 20 years. He delivered, feeding off the crowd to bring a power and energy that took hold and didn't let go. Mixing heavy hitters 'Audacity' and 'Wiley Flow' alongside soulful tunes like 'Hide And Seek' and 'Crown' accompanied by stellar back-up singers, it was a wild ride.
Laneway Festival has changed over the years, but has maintained its ambition to present a creative mix of artists to its audience. The day gave an opportunity to feel comfortable in the known, explore the new and different, ride high energy and enjoy chilled restraint. A perfect musical mix.
More photos from the festival.
