Project Description
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS
DAY TWO
(Live Review)
21/07/18
Review by Alexandra Ainsworth
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Photo: Deb Kloeden
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It’s day two of Splendour in the Grass, and while some people are getting into the groove of festival life and others are already on the comedown, there are a whole heaps of homegrown and international acts to be seen.
While Methyl Ethyl are, to many, That Band with That One Song, the Perth four prove throughout their set that they are much more. They’ve drawn a huge crowd who have taken over the main stage, and while most are antsy for the hits, a catalogue that spans across both their albums is a treat for fans, but feel lost on many. The crowd’s patience, however, is rewarded with Twilight Driving, No. 28, and finally, Ubu—all of which seem to satisfy their cravings.
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Photo: Deb Kloeden
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Next on stage is Gang Of Youths. It’s been a good while since the Sydney five have played on home soil, and judging by the amount of merch in the mosh, their presence has been missed. With nothing but sold out shows ahead and behind them, I’m curious to see what Gang Of Youths will be bringing to their Splendour set. It’s hard not to admit that the band feels hidden behind the showmanship of lead David Le’aupepe. Enigmatic offstage but wildly energetic on, Le’aupepe boasts both the vocals and the dance moves the restless crowd has been begging for all day. There’s no clear standout from their set, with their back catalogue seemingly filled with nothing but hits, but closer Say Yes To Life is always a powerful send off from the boys.
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Photo: Deb Kloeden
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The crowd slightly thins for indie rockers Franz Ferdinand, but those who stuck around were treated to a solid set. It’s a mix of old and new, but there’s no denying that most are waiting for Take Me Out. So when it’s opening riffs begin to close the set, it’s the best kind of mayhem.
Across the festival, Brisbane’s best, The Jungle Giants, have taken over the GW McGlennan stage. They’ve become a festival staple over the years, and the crowd are ready to hear their favourites. The set comes primarily from latest record Quiet Ferocity, but there are older hits like She’s A Riot and You’ve Got Something to satisfy the long-term fans. A drum and bass solo is the perfect moment for lead Sam Hales and guitarist Cesira Aitken to take a step back from the limelight, but the extended play feels slightly lost on the crowd who are itching for more feel-good hooks and singable riffs.
Back at the Amphitheatre, Scottish trio CHVRCHES have taken over the stage. Watching their set, it’s hard not to admit that lead Lauren Mayberry is what David Le’aupepe is to Gang Of Youths: the star of the show. Dressed in a bright pink number with a face full of glitter, the frontwoman works with equal parts grace and power as she performs. It’s been four years since the band have played the country, but their Splendour set immediately makes up for it. While much of the set comes from their newer releases, it’s classics Gun and Mother We Share that remain the favourites.
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Photo: Deb Kloeden
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The cold has well and truly set in by the time tonight’s headliners, Vampire Weekend, start their first festival set in four years. The indie rock legends bring nothing but hits. It’s a little disappointing to not hear anything new, but it’s exactly what the crowd wants. While it feels like a cut copy of every other Vampire Weekend set I’ve seen over the years, it also feels more refined—the instrumentals are incredibly tight given their speed, and Koenig is working the crowd like no other. Each familiar intro is greeted with a drunken cheer of approval from the crowd as we’re transported back between 2008 and 2013, with A-Punk, Cousins, Diane Young, and even SBTRKT’s New Dorp, New York all making an appearance. It’s clear to see that Vampire Weekend has aged finer than the wine bottle baking in your boot, and we’re bloody glad they’re back.
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AMNPLIFY – DB
