Splendour In The Grass made a triumphant return to North Byron Parklands over the weekend with a capacity crowd of 27,500 punters revelling in a picture-perfect mix of music, art, discussion, food, craft, markets and splendid weather.
Over 80 Australian and international acts graced the event's three main stages, while many more performed at Splendour’s other destination spaces across the weekend.
Review by Alastair Emmett:
In its second year at the North Byron Parklands it's clear that Splendour has settled in to its new home nicely. Of note, we saw the debut of an amazing natural amphitheatreAfter conquering sets at Coachella and even Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Sydney five-piece, The Preatures hit the main stage showcasing tracks from both EPs — the Hottest 100 hit, 'Is this how you feel?' was the one that turned the crowd into a dancing frenzy.
One in the current of the seemingly never-ending wave of Aussie producers, Danny harley aka, The Kite String Tangle hit the Mix-Up tent in the afternoon afternoon. The Triple J favourite proves he isn't just a one hit wonder showcasing tunes from his highly anticipated EP. New radio ammunition 'Arcadia' and of course 'Given The Chance' are stand-out tracks of the day's set.
It has been one hell of a year for Peking Duk. If being voted #5 'Best DJ' for inthemix wasn't enough... The duo mashed together a mix of current hip hop and dance tracks between showcasing a slew of upcoming material featuring special guest performances from The Kite Straing Tangle, Safia and 360! They closed with their massive feel good hit 'High'.
Icelandic wonder Asgeir takes on the GW McLennan this evening. Going Home, Torrent and Kings Cross were the perfect tracks for the evening's sunset. 1 in 10 Icelanders own a copy of his debut album, 'In The Silence', and any claim they have to good taste is carried tonight.
See all scenestr galleries from Splendour 2014
In town for their only Australian show (not including their sneaky Great Northern set the night before, New York City kings of post-punk Interpol graced the amphitheatre. Their set was packed with favourites including Slow Hands, Evil, Stella and Narc. New single 'All The Rage Back Home' made an appearance and only built upon the anticipation for their new album out in September.
We'd heard the reviews and rumours and then it was time for the night's (and possibly the festival's) main event — hip hop duo Outkast. With 25 million albums sold its about time Andre 3000 and Big Boi made it to Australia. The duo effortlessly whip through hits from their 20-year career, opening with B.O.B. Ms Jackson is an early sing-a-long. Andre and Big Boi oozed cool and were entertainment-plus — even when they weren't playing a song. Monster hit of recent times 'Hey Ya' shook it like a polaroid picture.
Day 2. After selling out her only scheduled show in Australia earlier this year, it would be rude for Sky Ferreria to not reward her fans with a second visit in four months. Oozing with cool, the synth-rock songwriter showcased tracks from her debut, Night Time, My Time.
Grunge rockers Violent Soho took the stage to the amphitheatre in the evening. The mosh pit was a frenzy the entire set (which this reviewer was glad to be safely far away from). Hottest 100 anthem 'Covered in Chrome' turned the temperature up and had the festival screaming 'Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah' all the way to their next set.
Eleventh-hour replacements for an unwell Two Door Cinema Club were British 5-piece, Foals. The band, renowned for their high-energy non-stop performances, delivered. Impeccably mashing together tracks across their career the band dominated the amphitheatre. My Number, Balloons and Inhaler among highlights but with a set so tight it was hard to choose just one. Favourite set of the festival so far, sometimes cancelations have a silver lining.
Headlining the Mix Up tonight were dance kings Rufus. The group have had a hell of a year selling out tour after tour and even abroad. Like a well-oiled machine the group delivered hit after hit from their #1 album, Atlas. Single after single from the album kept the crowd moving non-stop. Take Me, Desert Night, Tonight, Sundream and even their Like a Version mash-up of Booka Shade - Charlotte and previous festival act Foals - My Number all went down a treat and keep revellers wanting more.
Day 3. New Zealand brother/ sister duo Broods played their biggest show to date and were riding the success of their debut EP. The band whipped through an already solid catalogue. Bridges, Never Gonna Change and latest single Mother And Father have punters wanting more.
Sam Smith, the man behind the voice of Disclosure's massive hit 'Latch' is out on his own. And today he proved he can do just that. Overwhelmed with his popluarity on the other side of the world from his hometown, the singer performed tracks from his debut as well as a cover of Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys.
Returning for the third time in 12 months it was clear that Australia loves Chvrches! This time in the country for a one-off performance, the electro-pop group filled the amphitheatre, much to their surprise, asking the crowd if they were at the right stage. Recover, Gun, Lies and closer The Mother We Share showcased the bands flawless production talent and power of lead singer Lauren Mayberry's voice.
No strangers to the Splendour stage or Australian shores, Foster the People returned for the first time since the release of the second album Supermodel. Commanding the stage singer Mark Foster led the band through a mixture of tracks from both albums Helena Beat, Coming Of Age. Best Friend and Call It What You Want are among highlights. They closed with the song that started their success, Pumped Up Kicks, causing the biggest whistling contest The Parklands has even seen.
A perfect setting coupled with four days of perfect winter weather made for an unforgettable experience. Bring on 2015!!!
Review by: Majella McMahon
There is something almost otherworldly about the Splendour vibe; a sense of blissful disconnect from reality and a euphoric feeling that encompasses the crowds and makes the world seem hazy and happy.This year it seemed as though the weather might hold off and the punters could shimmy on without a single showering of raindrops. Alas, scattered storms meant for muddy adventures - but it didn’t dampen the mood.
For many, it is the holy trinity of fashion, food and photos (read selfies) that bring them back year after year. It goes without saying that the music is the drawcard, but let’s be honest, most people have their non-negotiable set list and then once the festival starts, it’s every person for themselves. Outkast is on at the Amphitheatre Stage but Langos line is the shortest it’s been all day – what to do? It’s these kinds of decisions that separate the purists from the posers. But in saying that, it has always been the diversity of the crowds that has made Splendour so appealing and such a drawcard event for so many. If the music isn’t the focus for some, it’s the fashion. If not the fashion, it’s the food. Sometimes it’s just getting f@#ked up that holds the real appeal but luckily those people are small in number.
The fashion incorporated the usual suspects – denim shorts, hats, sunnies, fringed capes, feather necklaces and gumboots. But this year, there was many who chose comfort over anti-conformity. It’s hard to party when your toes are numb from cold, your hair keeps whipping you in the face or your shoes keep making squealing squelching sounds like they’re being tortured. And it takes a seriously cool cat to pull off the plastic poncho, so people stopped trying. Being dry is way better than… well everything really.
As usual, the grounds were dotted with interesting objects, strangely-shaped blow up creatures, oversized artworks and the Splendour signage. Teepees were set all about, the fashion and food stalls were filled with goodies, the camping area became steadily more apocalyptic-like and the complete cacophony of Splendour sounds that have become synonymous with a good time echoed around the grounds from early morning to… early morning.
24 hours a day, for almost four full days means Splendour doesn’t disappoint. Although the experience will always be what you make of it, the festival provides the foundation to party, pose and listen to your favourite artists from your favourite playlist live. If you can handle the mud, the mean age of the crowd starting to resemble pre-teens and the long slow entry and exit in the grounds, then you’ll be back. Because Splendour does something to you, and that is to shake your soul and shine a light on your inner rock god/dess.
