Finally we've got a review on Splendour in The Grass. We know it's way overdue, but better late than never we say. We are truly sorry that this has taken so long. It's just when you rely on two guys, one who likes to think is Allen from 'Hangover' and the other is Harry from 'Harry Potter', you'd understand why the delays.
Anyway, according to us, Rich (Allen) and Gabe (Harry), Splendour in The Grass was sensational this year. The organisers seemed to have an amazing setup this year. The layout was exceptional, the sound was superb and even the security were as tight as ever. In it's 9th year of existence, Splendour is really starting to take shape as one of the best, if not the best, festivals in Australia.
We have to say, despite the organisers' suggesting gumboots were a must and that gloomy weather was a shoe-in, the atmosphere was a happy one. The crowd was filled with the usual surfie-skaties, mixed with some indie loving rockers and a couple of ravers.
Anyway, according to us, Rich (Allen) and Gabe (Harry), Splendour in The Grass was sensational this year. The organisers seemed to have an amazing setup this year. The layout was exceptional, the sound was superb and even the security were as tight as ever. In it's 9th year of existence, Splendour is really starting to take shape as one of the best, if not the best, festivals in Australia.
We have to say, despite the organisers' suggesting gumboots were a must and that gloomy weather was a shoe-in, the atmosphere was a happy one. The crowd was filled with the usual surfie-skaties, mixed with some indie loving rockers and a couple of ravers.
Saturday
Saturday arvo brought us the likes of Manchester Orchestra, Art vs. Science and You Am I. It took Architecture in Helsinki to hit the stage before the crowd really started to get into the swing of things. Jane's Addiction had unfortunately pulled out a couple days before the festival began, so Aussie legends The Living End stepped in to cover them. Considering that the band weren't playing until two days before, The Living End played an electrifying gig. "If you want to do something right, get an aussie band to fill in" said frontman Chris Cheney. A special appearance from Grinspoon singer Phil Jamieson, who joined them on stage for a cover of 'Jane Says', really got the crowd going mental. During their energetic, pulsating set, The Living End even treated Michael Jackson fans to a little MJ tribute when Cheney started playing his guitar with a VB stubbie!
Saturday arvo brought us the likes of Manchester Orchestra, Art vs. Science and You Am I. It took Architecture in Helsinki to hit the stage before the crowd really started to get into the swing of things. Jane's Addiction had unfortunately pulled out a couple days before the festival began, so Aussie legends The Living End stepped in to cover them. Considering that the band weren't playing until two days before, The Living End played an electrifying gig. "If you want to do something right, get an aussie band to fill in" said frontman Chris Cheney. A special appearance from Grinspoon singer Phil Jamieson, who joined them on stage for a cover of 'Jane Says', really got the crowd going mental. During their energetic, pulsating set, The Living End even treated Michael Jackson fans to a little MJ tribute when Cheney started playing his guitar with a VB stubbie!
After the great set from The Living End, everyone moved to the Mix Up tent for the Midnight Juggernauts and Cut Copy boys. Cut Copy put on their DJ hats and did their best to try and release more sweat from the crowds' sweat glands. What better way to finish Saturday night off than with one of the biggest indie bands in the world - Bloc Party. From the beginning, this band had the crowd at the tips of their fingers. Clearly knowing that the temperature would raise a couple of degrees during their set, the drummer performed in boxer shorts only. Combining their classics with their new stuff, the crowd couldn't get enough of Bloc Party, dancing right up until the last guitar riff. For those that still had any energy left, The Happy Mondays were performing in the other tent. However, we certainly didn't and knowing we still had tomorrow, we called it a night.
Sunday
So, hello sunny Sunday. The blue skies had arrived and we were pumped for the final day. But not just yet. Being the lazy kids we are, we decided to sleep in and have a decent brekky, so we missed Dananananaykroyd and White Lies - but we heard they were good! We rocked up in time for Friendly Fires who friggin rocked it! We only caught a bit of Bob Evans before we moved over to catch The Doves. To be honest, we prefer The Eagles! Following The Doves, was Grinspoon. Jeeez were they sick. Jamieson, full of energy, gave a blistering set full of all the oldies and they just sounded awesome. We took a little break after Grinspoon so we could save some energy for what was coming next. MGMT took the stage at 8pm and probably drew the biggest crowd of the festival so far. Disappointingly they started off quite slow, probably because they were playing new material. However, as soon as they rolled out some of their hits including 'Weekend Warriors, 'Time To Pretend' and 'Electric Feel', the crowd really got into it and lapped them up. Ending with 'Kids' and a riping impromptu keyboard, singing and guitar solo, MGMT were able to get the whole crowd dancing, jumping and screaming right till the end.
So, hello sunny Sunday. The blue skies had arrived and we were pumped for the final day. But not just yet. Being the lazy kids we are, we decided to sleep in and have a decent brekky, so we missed Dananananaykroyd and White Lies - but we heard they were good! We rocked up in time for Friendly Fires who friggin rocked it! We only caught a bit of Bob Evans before we moved over to catch The Doves. To be honest, we prefer The Eagles! Following The Doves, was Grinspoon. Jeeez were they sick. Jamieson, full of energy, gave a blistering set full of all the oldies and they just sounded awesome. We took a little break after Grinspoon so we could save some energy for what was coming next. MGMT took the stage at 8pm and probably drew the biggest crowd of the festival so far. Disappointingly they started off quite slow, probably because they were playing new material. However, as soon as they rolled out some of their hits including 'Weekend Warriors, 'Time To Pretend' and 'Electric Feel', the crowd really got into it and lapped them up. Ending with 'Kids' and a riping impromptu keyboard, singing and guitar solo, MGMT were able to get the whole crowd dancing, jumping and screaming right till the end.
Hilltop Hoods graced the Mix Up tent straight after, but we thought we'd stay at the Supertop tent because we knew the Flaming Lips were coming up next. We didn't know what to expect from a band we didn't know too well. Let's just say, we were blown away. Wow! What a way to end the festival. They had all sorts of weird and wacky things going on during the set. Confetti and streamers were flying around, girls paraded around in bear and gorilla costumes and then came the traditional inflatable human beach ball where the lead singer got inside and walked on top of the crowd. Just incredible stuff. That Flaming Lips set will be etched in our head for a long time to come. It was extremely memorable. As a visual, it was spectacular. Seriously, what an unbelievable way to end a fantastic festival.
Other memorable moments of the weekend included:
- Missing Bloc Party play a secret gig at the Northern Hotel on the Friday night. Morons.
- Bernard Fanning and the rest of Powderfinger busking outside the NAB ATM machines on Friday night. Are they broke?
- As Harry walked off the plane, someone asked him what time he was playing this weekend.
- According to Harry, Allen farts too much in his sleep
- According to Allen, Harry has a cute bum
Peec.
--- Contributed by Rich 'Allen' M. and Gabe 'Harry' W.
Other memorable moments of the weekend included:
- Missing Bloc Party play a secret gig at the Northern Hotel on the Friday night. Morons.
- Bernard Fanning and the rest of Powderfinger busking outside the NAB ATM machines on Friday night. Are they broke?
- As Harry walked off the plane, someone asked him what time he was playing this weekend.
- According to Harry, Allen farts too much in his sleep
- According to Allen, Harry has a cute bum
Peec.
--- Contributed by Rich 'Allen' M. and Gabe 'Harry' W.
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