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Splendour In The Grass - Day 1 Review

Written by Jules Christie

The entrance to Splendour In The Grass tells me everything I need to know. High arches are wound with foliage and flowers, with two large white bunny deities nestled atop. They beam down at the stream of people passing beneath, warm and celestial, with a twinkle in their eyes. One gets the distinct feeling we are all in for a very good time. Perhaps that is why walking into the Belongil Fields on this particular weekend feels like entering giant playground. It's a fascinating, heady mixture of music, art, dance, markets, and friends that haven't yet been introduced.

Snatches of BlueJuice draw revelers to the Mix Up stage, the playful energy and infectious grins of happy punters sets the tone for the afternoon. Tracks are soon made to the Supertop, where the Tokyo Police Club are belting out their short, sweet, indie rock riffs. Something spicy and delicous wafts in the air, and I find myself in the Social Club Oval, in front of an amazing selection of nom. Although festival food is rarely known for its nutritional value or taste, it appears this is something they have set out to correct. The variety is overwhelming - Mexican, African, Italian, Malaysian and Middle Eastern dishes all vie for attention. The friendly Hare Krishnas also have a kitchen, where patrons are quickly fulfilled and on their way again.

Although the timetable is packed with musical delights, a decision is made to see what else Splendour has to offer. You may not feel that there is anything of interest happening in the first aid tent, but please, stay with me. Driven by its success at previous festivals, the Australian Homeopathic Association, together with the Australian College of Natural Medicine, are offering a free Homeopathic first aid service. Experienced homeopaths work alongside students to treat a vast number of complaints. Symptoms are varied, although bruising, dehydration, or that persistant morning after headache will be the most common complaints today. The principle behind homeopathy is simple -let like substances be used to treat like diseases. Homeopathy treatments consist of small dilutions of botanical, mineral and other natural ingredients to treat specific ailments. These formulas do not work by replacing missing substances, but by helping the body to regulate itself, and assist its return to a state of natural health. Whether you subscribe to the theory or not, the students and lecturers working the tent are passionate about their science, and truly care about the wellbeing of the crowd. It's a testament to the open minded nature of the festival, and the kind of patron it attracts.

The evening is soon upon us, the light fades quickly and the air becomes colder with each step. Chilly festival-goers swarm to the cloak room to retrieve sources of warmth. The pace picks up and voices buzz excitedly as the big decisions are made - which band to see next? The gathering in front of the Supertop grows, as The Fratellis finish up their hit Chelsea Dagger, the sound of the crowd singing threatens to drown out the band. The Cold War Kids take to the stage, and throw themselves into the set with a raw passion and perfectly disjointed energy that leaves mouths agape. Frontman Nathan Willetts voice soars over the powerful interplay of piano, guitar and bass, creating exuberant melodies that gain momentum and heat, and come to life before our eyes. The Kids warmly welcome Delta Spirit to the stage for their last song, a staggering, unrestrained performance of Saint John that leaves the audience cheering, delighted, like they had just witnessed a gleeful bar fight.

At the GW McLennan tent, The Polyphonic Spree are a rhapsodic force. Watching this twenty-two member outfit is nothing short of captivating. Bright, hopeful and intensely beautiful, the audience stand rapturous, bodies swaying and hands waving in time. Pure joy seems to radiate from the stage, it's like bottled sunshine. Regretfully, the last moments of this amazing set must be sacrificed in order to scurry back to the Supertop. Devo command our full attention, their stage presence is slightly intimidating, and cannot be denied. They have glaring yellow jumpsuits, red hats that remind one of lego blocks, and energy to burn. It is a true shame to see such a vast number of people leave immediately after Whip It, early on in the show. Those who stayed were treated to a set that included Secret Agent Man, Satisfaction and Mister DNA. There could not have been a more impressive way to end the first night of Splendour In The Grass 2008.