PerthNorg

Splendour In The Grass - Day 2 Review

Written by Jules Christie

It's day two of Splendour In The Grass, and the crowd are in fine form, dusty and wild. The day is warm and spirits are high, despite the eternal line up at the gates, and the presence of the dogs, who are having a cheeky sniff. Tumbling into the rabbit hole once again, it's hard to believe we are only half way through the weekend. British India are coaxing an impressive number people to the Supertop, where they give a very solid performance, for so early an hour of the day.

 

It's 4pm, and things are getting rowdy. The Wombats are holding court in the Supertop, where their gorgeous blend of indie pop and infectious riffs are making the most unlikely of punter dance with wanton abandon. Their set is jubilant and they keep a frantic pace, distributing sweet rock tunes like candy. Moving To New York, Party In A Forest and Let's Dance To Joy Division are all accompanied by a full backing choir - the audience doesn't miss a line. The afternoon is falling gently, and the sky lights up with ripples of rosy clouds. The line to the cloak room is growing as the temperature drops, and the evening settles over the GW McLennan tent, where Robert Forster is taking to the stage. It's hard to tell how many people have made the connection between the name of the venue and the performer they are about to see. Forster and the late Grant McLennan have a song writing history spanning almost thirty years, and recorded nine albums together. Forster is genuine, his music, warm and honest. A beautiful selection of old and new melodies has the crowd swaying gently, and Forsters unusual dance moves delight and amuse.

 

The tone of the evening is set perfectly, and the crowd at the GW McLennan tent quickly doubles. The Panics have generated quite an audience, and with good reason. This talented Perth group have been regarded as one of Australia's finest bands for a few years now, and thankfully it appears everyone is beginning to catch on. Beautifully crafted rhythms and thoughtful lyrics are just the beginning of what this band have to offer. It's hard to believe a tent packed with thousands of weary festival-goers could offer a feeling of good-humoured intimacy, but The Panics create this very atmosphere, and then thank us for it. Lead singer Jae Laffer interacts with the crowd between anthems, his vocals are sincere and dipped in honey. Guitarist Drew Wootton is untouchable, the notes that flourish from his fingers are heady and potent. The bands affection for their audience is clear as they respond jokingly to repeated song requests, and we don't have to wait long - the first chords of "Don't Fight It" prompt a euphoric reaction. Lighters are out and hands are in the air, and the tune passes in a joyful blur, followed by the soulful Get Us Home, and an epic Sundowner to finish. Laffer, ever humble, thanks the audience as wishes us a good night, and although we are making as much noise as we possibly can, we are somehow speechless.

 

The night rolls on, and it feels like all of Splendour have gathered at the Supertop to witness the ethereal, spirited melodies of Sigur Ros. This Icelandic four piece are beyond phenomenal. The beauty that emanates from the stage is overwhelming, so much so that their hour long performance required its own review. After such an exquisite performance, it was hard to comprehend that Wolfmother would indeed be closing the festival on the very same stage. A figure in an feathered Headdress emerges on stage, and between howls introduces the band, who enter to thunderous applause. The show kicks off immediately, and the audience are captivated. Unfortunately, it's mostly downhill from here. Front man Andrew Stockdale seems to enjoy walking the line between music and masturbation. In fact, he stands right on it, and gestures to the audience on several occassions when he feels they aren't screaming quite hard enough for him. The music should be enjoyable, with impressive vocals and soaring riffs, but it often loses its way in how much it is trying to achieve. Closing the set with Joker And The Thief, Stockdale finally gets the applause he has been demanding, and Wolfmother leave the stage not to return for an encore. I wanted to enjoy their set, but it was piled on so thick it made it somewhat hard to swallow.

 

As the crowd trickle out of the grounds, nothing can break the ecstatic mood that covers the Belongil Fields like a blanket. Splendour In The Grass 2008 was a fine trip indeed. With a truly amazing line-up of Australian and international acts, friendly people, gorgeous weather and beautiful surroundings, you can only count the days until next years offering.