Review by Kaitlyn Offer

The beats, sweat, fake tan and tattoos were aplenty at dance festival Stereosonic on Sunday, November 28 at Claremont Showgrounds.

The intense afternoon sun was not going to stop enthusiastic music lovers from dancing their way through to Aston Shuffle, TV Rock and Afrojack at the main stage until the sun started to ease with the onset of evening.

For those of us perhaps not being encouraged to dance with the aide of substances, the Carl Cox and Friends big top provided relief from the blistering heat and an opportunity to get blisters on your feet instead.

The crowd started to swell during DJ Sneak in anticipation for Infected Mushroom on the Carl Cox stage. Taking to the stage complete with screaming guitar and inflatable mushroom, punters were chomping at the bit to dance to the act and where quickly whipped into a frenzy.

Back at the main stage, Sebastian Ingrosso was warming the crowd up for Wiley.

The mood and enthusiasm was high, and Wiley took to the stage at 5.30pm, but before we knew it, it was all over. The already short 30 minute set got cut to just 20 and only four songs, with his hit Rolex the first to be played.

Benny Benassi quickly jumped on and for most it was as if the disappointingly short set before had never happened as the crowd just kept on dancing. For those expecting to hear Benassi’s hit Satisfaction they would have to remain disappointed for a few more hours.

Trying to find a choice of beverages to quench your thirst was a fruitless venture. All that was available from the usual alcoholic festival fare was a name-brand cordial concoction going under the guise of a health water, water and slushies. All other soft drinks were a no show and in the heat the sugary water mixers weren’t always refreshing.

But thirst became a distant memory after Calvin Harris took to the stage. In a surge of energy, everyone who had been trying to not wilt in the sun and anyone else exhausted from dancing all afternoon came together to see the King of Electro-Pop do his dj set.
The Scotsman did not disappoint, performing his own tunes including You used to hold me as well as Daft Punk’s Celebrate and Benassi’s Satisfaction.

Headliner Tiësto also impressed many in the crowd during his almost two hour set, however by 9pm the train station platforms was already becoming packed with weary fans, this reviewer included, ready for the long train ride home.