Review by Declan Luketina

With the combination of the taste of Melbourne’s vibrancy and the sound of indie’s own distinctiveness, the LANEWAY FESTIVAL knows how to pull an audience in. As the crowd was giddy with anticipation upon entering the Cultural Centre they had time to amass at the bar, check out the few markets or trade DIY fashion tips before it was all about to kick off. And with a bang it did indeed, the London four-piece YUCK took to the Pica stage immediately weaving through with an encasing shoegaze atmosphere bursting with fuzzy noise and layered hooks.

As the line to the cider bar grew longer so did the ironic moustaches and the vintage dresses covering the majority of the booming crowd. CULTS were on next urging everybody to put on their dancing shoes during their boisterously sweet pop hit ‘Go Outside’ which encompassed the perfect summer weather. Meanwhile in the Speigeltent, described as “where the underdogs shine,” COW PARADE COW outshone the summer sun. The local zany rock troupe – although crammed on the small stage – seemed to pump out what was the music equivalent of a light acid trip – clearly earning their Laneway spot with a freak-folk flair, not to mention their very entertaining cow suits.

While the local bands played, the majority were jumping up and down to THE DRUMS. However, lead singer Jonathan Pierce wore a strained look on his face, a tiring voice and a Hannibal Lector-like stare. The audience seemed to only know the chorus from two of the songs, presumably both in the Hottest 100 somewhere. Further down at the Museum Stage the innocently sweet LAURA MARLING graced the stage with her trademark voice mixed with country, laced with folk and finally dipped in honey exposed everyone’s heart. With a strong backing band of double bass, banjos and piano Marling appeared timeless, as people sung along as if these were anthems of never-ending wandering landscapes.

‘Father, Son, Holy Ghost’ was one of the most critically acclaimed and a perfect indie rock album of last year, and GIRLS live act was a testament to this utter perfection. With flowers decorating the stage it showed the delicateness of Christopher Owen’s vulnerable lyrics but at the same time the intricate beauty surrounding every song. Due to the disappointing clash of the timetable a few went on their way to see the dreamy Canadian rocker FEIST. With the help of the three songstresses of Mountain Men (a folk-accapella group) they performed backing vocals sweetly. Playing hits like the rising ‘Circle Married the Line’ and the infectious ‘Graveyard’ from the recent album ‘Metals’ to more layered versions of her pop classics ‘Mushaboom’ and ‘My Moon My Man’. Despite a variety of feedback and sound issues throughout the set, Feist finished strong, much to the delight of the crowd.

While M83 performed, back at the Speilgeltent the audience was treated to a display of “blood, tears and snot” by EMA. Performing with her self-loathing and furious emotion found on her ‘Past Life Martyred Saints’ LP of last year, Erika M. Anderson channelled Patti Smith but with an energy unmatched. Performing the emotional ‘Marked’ brought tears to the crowd and Anderson herself, and the chaotic noise charged ‘Butterfly Knife’ had her ripping her guitar to pieces. Ending with ‘California’ Erika M. Anderson slowly asphyxiated herself as the lights flashed on and off again as the violin ruptured and the drums washed over floor. EMA thanked everyone for watching her and said “and thanks for making Laneway fucking fantastic”.

As the darkness enveloped the sky more cider was consumed and Smirnoff cans littered the ground, WASHED OUT brought a whole world of chill and smooth sounds. Claiming there was a few technical problems their set unfortunately finished earlier than thought but it still left practically everyone waiting for the SBTRKT LIVE to bring on the electronic beats.

Laneway Festival is no doubt, one of the greatest festivals operating. With a great layout and crystal clear sound, it’s a time to be enjoyed by everyone and anyone who never dreamed their indie favourites would come together in one amazing jamboree.