A couple of fresh faces at Scenewave attended Flux, which headlined Archie Hamilton – UK based techno/house DJ, pushing deep rolling bass and groove.  

The Venue

Credit: Metro Mouse Entertainment

Managed by Metro Mouse Entertainment, the venue was well received by all attendees and the event shapes up as a great first round for Dylan & TJ the brain children behind Flux – literally meaning – The state we deem most important in life.

Watch their Facebook for upcoming events (rumored to be 26/02/2017 – with a French heavy hitter)

The Vibe

The vibe was real and sitting on an esky filled with a carton of tinnies assisted the ultimate transcendence on the rooftop dance floor. (The same carton of tinnies can be blamed for the quality of the above video)

The party lasted 8 hours in total and saw a handful of local DJ’s support the headliner.

Conclusion

The finishing touches helped make the afternoon a raging success. Little things like fruit platters and white umbrellas gave it an edge over my general idea of a party. The venue was well positioned and the weather Gods were very kind. The sound and lighting provided the underpinnings to what was an awesome vibe.

I’ll be attending the next event and I’m looking forward to seeing how Flux progresses!!

– Lisel Nichols

Tasmania

The great ocean road ain’t got nothing on the natural wonders of the holiday isle. Your roadtrip down to falls will be one of the highlights of your young life. In 2015, thousands of bronzed mainlanders caught the ferry across to visit the crispy Van Diemen’s land. They surfed, sunbathed, hiked and partied across the sunburnt state.

The Vibe

Marion bay is not like Lorne, that pill-popping teen. It is the older, cooler cousin. The one you envy. The one with long hair, babin’ threads, the one dancing unashamedly, in all their splendour.

Everyone is friendly, and happy to trade your ciggie for coke. You won’t find a better mix of people. For example, when Mac De Marco was crowdsurfing, one naïve young punter attempted to pull off his sock. His mates soon rushed to Mac’s aid. “Dude, not his sock. Not his sock.” The friend slurred, “Would you like it if Mac stole your sock?”. A lesson for us all.

The Music

Leon Bridges is infectious. His music, his dance moves, his uber-cool fashion. Polarised, most of the crowd had left the main stage to experience Bᴓrns. Those that remained, the fans, and those too munted to stand up and move away, were witness to one of the grooviest performances of the weekend. Mixing new, as yet unheard, tracks with the classics from his debut album, Leon delivered a sensational jam party. Spread those sweet jams all over my toasty ears.

Another highlight were WAVVES, who burst through the late afternoon groove into a foot stomping, dust storming mosh pit. The air was electric with the energy from both the crowd and the band.

The Beach

Few festivals allow you to recover from a head-slamming night on a shimmering white beach, but Marion Bay does. Diving into the fresh Antarctic waters washed away headaches and stomach pains, leaving a smattering of human seals sunbaking in the pretty haze of day.

Fresh from the beach, the crowds swelled back to watch Kurt Vile. The vibrations from his guitar mingled into his crooning voice, creating a melting pot of pure ecstasy.

If you are, intelligently, planning your 2016 NYE already, consider Falls. Consider Marion Bay. Consider the Apple Isle.

Hungry for Apples?

Marion Bay Falls

– Aksel Nichols

Falls at Marion Bay is unlike any festival you’ve ever been to. Sure, it’s got the same line-up as Lorne and Byron Bay. Why bother going all that way for the same thing? One thing I’ve come to realise over the past few years is that festivals start to become less and less about the acts playing there and more about the atmosphere. This seems to be the reason for the never ending stream of boutique festivals popping up, which market an experience, rather than shoving the bands in your face a la Big Day Out. Somehow, Marion Bay manages to capture both the experience along with a killer line-up to boot.

One of the things that makes Falls down there so different is the crowd. Tasmania has a distinct lack of alternative festivals (changing now with MOFO, Party in the Paddock and A Festival Called Panama), and so there’s no filtering out of people interested in different genres and, let’s be honest, people who just go to festivals to get fucked up. It seemed like every young person in Tasmania was there which of course brought along a few dickheads, but at the same time created for a pretty diverse crowd. The scheduling catered to this, meaning you could enjoy King Gizz in peace while all the brusses were muzzing out to Hilltop Hoods.

The natural amphitheatre is a godsend. You don’t have to burn yourself out standing around waiting for a band to play that one song that you sort of like at the end of their set. You can just chill out on the hill and make the pilgrimage to the crowd if you are so inclined. This means as well that when some of your favourite acts come on there’s plenty of room up the front. Hopefully that’s enough waffling on about the atmosphere to get you along next time, so here are a couple of must see acts if you get the chance.

Young Fathers

A left field hip-hop/electronic trio is probably the best way I can think of to describe these guys, but honestly there’s no way of doing them justice. They brought everything they had out on to the stage on a Saturday afternoon and whipped the crowd into a big old dusty frenzy. It probably helped that they all looked like they were absolutely cooked on ketamine or something of the like. One of the best live performances I’ve seen.

Toro Y Moi

Chaz Bundick is a bit of an odd fellow that makes really good music. He hates you calling him chillwave so don’t do that, however tempting it may be. What I thought was going to be a bit of a folktronica chill out was more of a funk show loaded with plenty of bass heavy hits perfect for cutting shapes to. He was perfect for getting everyone in the mood for the whole weekend and the sunset slot only added to the set.

Mac DeMarco

Who else but the beautiful Mac. While it was difficult choosing to put him or Kurt Vile (just as dreamy) in here, Mac and his band of merry men came in purely for their banter. While cruising through the quintessential Mac Demarco setlist, him and his bandmates made you feel like you were their best friend as well as confusing the Norwegian flag for a confederate one. It helped that he was spotted crowd surfing to King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard later that night.

Other highlights: King Gizz, Kurt Vile, Foals, Leon Bridges, Wavves

Disappointments: Bloc Party, Gang of Youths, Rufus (These are essentially bands that I don’t really like too much but saw)

The toons:

The lineup was fabulous with few clashes, we knew that going in. It has to be said that the most notable mentions go to the ‘up and comers’ – although, many of them have quite the CV, so maybe its unfair on them to describe them as such – and some of the bigger acts were a little underwhelming. Personally, in order of preference, it went Gang of Youths, BORNS, Courtney Barnett, Foals and RUFUS. Gang of Youths’ LCD Soundsystem ‘All My Friends’ cover was the most amazing moment, not to mention the lead singer killing it despite being guitar-less for the second half of the set. BORNS were relatively unknown to me until seeing them at the festival, and they brought so much energy that they’ll be a fave for a while now I’d think. Foals are awesome, nuff said. Dishonourable mention goes to Bloc Party – this was surprising really, as on paper they played a great setlist, but it was really missing the passion and angst of the good ole days. New album sounds pretty crook.

The grub:

Not in any way a reference to the patrons, the grub was top notch – that is to say, Govindas were there and I ate dem Kofta balls errday like they were going out of fashion. The diversity of cuisines provided a respite from the at times exhausting partying and also served to soak up the party juices.

The dranks:

Certainly one of the easier festivals to get drinks, it was never too onerous to queue, and there was the added benefit of being able to pretty much hear all the tunes while you waited.

The camping:

I heard plenty of great reviews of the camp-site, although not having camped myself, I can’t comment. I can say we witnessed many a heated beer pong/flip cup battle – of course with alcohol that was legitimately bought within the festival, and not smuggled in ;).

The venue:

I love a good amphitheatre. Having been to Belongil for Splendour a few times now, there’s always the campaign from the shorties among us that it is far too hard to have a good view of the stage. That could not be said of the beautiful venue this year at the Byron Parklands. It was a beautiful panorama; I can only imagine how incredible it would have been to be playing out to that from on stage. The amphitheatres provide for all moods, whether you’re craving lewseness in the mosh, a chill on the hill, a pass-out in the portaloos or whatever.

Purity Ring live at Berghain was not to be missed, and the masses all had the same outlook, with the gig selling out in advance. 

Not catching the support act, we rolled in an unusually calm fashion, as all other times we didn’t have a golden ticket to enter. The place is definitely a venue which would be incredible to play in, clearly indicative of the banter being thrown from Megan James the front woman stating “You’re so lucky to have such a venue”. 

Not wasting anytime, they jumped into ‘stranger than earth’ off this years release another eternity. An incredible opening tune, with the intensity being felt through the speakers when the chorus drops. 

An impressive stage design had lights draping from ceiling to floor illuminating multiple colours which James used to create an atmosphere of mystique. Another great additive were the electronic drums attached to the decks also glowing when hit, and the huge bass drum on the back wall (only used once in the show), but clearly a representation of the album cover.  

Push pull, ‘bodyache’ and ‘fineshrine’ by far standouts from their set, with the energy and intensity really being amplified by the incredible sound system in the venue. At times though, it felt like you could push the lead singer aside and just let Corin let us have it with his exceptional talent behind the decks. Definitely a standout act from the last year with their new record nothing short of amazing, we walked away from the show content (alas short) and motivated for another Purity Ring gig in the future. 

Photocredit: Guifre de Peray

We are still thriving off their debut record Manhattan and we have been meaning to put pen to paper and tell the world we are loving their new tune. In their signature fashion “Mental Case” is riddled with guitars, crushing harmonies and as always the distinctive front man vocals which we love.

The trio have cut ties with Warner Brothers and are now pushing their own music with their new record independently released in the coming new year. You get a sense of freshness from the record label ties they have cut and a new lease on really doing what they love to do in under their own control.

They have a rad video to go with their release which can be seen below.

If you missed our interview last year before their tour in Australia, check it here.

I believe that we can expect great things from Good Manners, based on the two artists that they have selectively signed: LUCIANBLOMKAMP and Planète. 

This atmospheric electro is reminiscent of Four Tet, Tycho or Apparat.

For those of you who missed out on a ticket to Lorne, turn your frown upside down and your gaze to an unexpected summer romance. Take your pick – a tropical wonderland in Byron, New South Wales or the beautiful rugged wilderness of Marion Bay, Tasmania! They’re pretty as a picture and most certainly worth the road trip. With all of the same awesome bands playing across their very own stages + some more special surprises, yet to be announced.

Rally some friends, grab a ticket and start planning your summer getaways. Take a look at what a Falls road trip can entail.

TICKETS:

Marion Bay, Tasmania and Byron, New South Wales are ON SALE NOW: fallsfestival.com

Lorne is sold-out

TRAVEL BOOKINGS:

Best to book your travel early while availability is high and costs are low, check out the Falls website for all of your options.

ABOUT THE FALLS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2015:

A world-class line-up of music, comedy and arts in a relaxed festival environment. The coastal locations are beautiful, the natural amphitheatres are sublime and all camping is free.

THE FALLS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2015 LINEUP (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER):

ALPINE · THE AVENER · BIRDS OF TOKYO · BLOC PARTY · BØRNS · COURTNEY BARNETT · DISCLOSURE · DJANGO DJANGO · ELLIPHANT · FOALS · GANG OF YOUTHS · GARY CLARK JR · HALSEY · HIATUS KAIYOTE · HILLTOP HOODS · JARRYD JAMES · KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD · KURT VILE AND THE VIOLATORS · LITTLE MAY · THE MACCABEES · MAC DEMARCO · MEG MAC · OH WONDER · PAUL KELLY & MERRI SOUL SESSIONS FEATURING CLAIRY BROWNE, DAN SULTAN, KIRA PIRU, VIKA & LINDA BULL · RUFUS · SETH SENTRY · SOAK · TORO Y MOI · YOUNG FATHERS

+ MORE

BOOGIE NIGHTS LINEUP (DEC 28 LORNE, DEC 29 MARION BAY, DEC 31 BYRON):

ART VS SCIENCE · EL VEZ · FLEETMAC WOOD · ‘WEIRD AL’ YANKOVIC + MORE

FALLS COMEDY:

ADAM ROZENBACHS · BECKY LUCAS · NAZEEM HUSSAIN · NICK CODY · RANDY · TIEN TRAN

EVENTS: 

Dec 28, 2015 until Jan 01, 2016 in Lorne, VIC (est. 1993) 18+ event *sold-out

Dec 29, 2015 until Jan 01, 2016 in Marion Bay, TAS (est. 2003) All ages

Dec 31, 2015 until Jan 03, 2016 in Byron, NSW (est. 2013) 18+ event

They’re not strangers to a quality cover with their version of Santigold‘s monster track ‘Disparate Youth’ hovering around the top 10 of Hype M since June.

Ratatat

I have been waiting for years to see these legends live. From their self titled lo-fi 2004 album, they’ve grown into masters of synth, releasing golden albums year after year. We reviewed their most recent ablum Magnifique, and found it pretty darn good. Classics will always be face-meltingly good, and I’m really hoping they’ll play “Wildcat”.

Father John Misty

Former Fleet Foxes drummer, manipulator of emotion, lyrical genius.  His indie folk rock is sarcastic, scathing and oh so sweet. Recently touring for Splendour (which I missed), I thank my stars that he’s returning, especially since I Love You, Honeybear has been on repeat for the past few months in my household.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

I love the way that UMO can produce such chilled, good vibes songs. They’re perfect for the early dark hours, when you’re home from partying, late night work, or just can’t sleep.  Their new album kicks things up a notch, with fizzling electro and catchy hooks. Best way to watch live: baked on a hill- natural ampitheatres anyone?

C.W. Stoneking

Shock. I was in shock when I saw a photo of this king of blues. His ratchy, smooth voice brought visions of prohibition era musicians like Blind Willie McTell. Instead, a fresh faced young Australian stared back at me. Despite my shock over his appearance, his music is superb. It rattles around my head, the soft old guitar and melodic trumpet perfectly soothing.

Mercury Rev

I’m going to be honest. Last week was the first time I’d listened to this band. And boy was I happy I did. Their music echoes my beloved Flaming Lips, with their soaring psychedelic rock. “The Dark Is Rising” reminded me of the epic Woodkid tracks, with Sparklehorse as a vocalist. Although they could probably invest in a better music video tbh.

Jessica Pratt

JP is simplistic, naturalistic. Her singer songwriter melodies are soft and sweet, leaving you in a happy, wistful place. A modern Joan Baez.

Royal Headache

Sydney’s very own garage rock band will also feature at Fairgrounds. They are known for their ripper live shows, with energetic renditions of their much loved song “Never Again”. They are also set to release a new album this year,  Another World, from which one single is already available.

Fairgrounds will also have a plethora of good wine and food, movie screenings, markets and more. When else will you get a chance to see Berry?

http://fairgrounds.com.au/

The track is a perfect way to bring home the summer or kick start the summer in the southern hemisphere. To be honest and if you’re lucky, it’s that dreamy it’ll hopefully hypnotise you into a constant state of summer.

Grab a free download and get amongst vibes!