Maitland Showground
Saturday 27 April, 2013 :
The weather could not have been more perfect for Maitland’s Groovin’ The Moo. The sun shone over the cow paddocks like a Meadow Lee ad. The festival swarmed with the usual short shorts, tanned, teeny bopper types and shirtless tatt-patterned males. Fuelled on alcohol, hormones, anticipation and substances we dare not mention.
The fence separated the sheep from the lamb, with underage teens caged off in the non-drinking area and the over 18 hipsters and hip hoppers sanctioned in the area with the mid strength beers and vodka. The VIP area was where you want to be, with the best view of the main stages and the best of company.
A stellar line up of Australian and international artists took to the stages and displayed most excellent performances. Two of the biggest acts on the bill delivered exactly what they were paid to do. Aussie acts The Temper Trap and Tame Impala showed off their progressive Indie and psychedelic rock. The Trap’s lead vocalist, Dougy Mandagi’s executed sublime control and charisma in his performance, backed by outstanding musicians. Impala were on the other end of the spectrum in stylistic terms, jamming out for long sessions Woodstock style.
In between the two sets were Canadian twins, Tegan & Sara presenting their infectious electro pop rock. Their lighting show that provided the backdrop to their music was almost as satisfying as reaching the front of the epic line in the signing tent when the two sisters were meeting fans.
Earlier in the day, Scottish rockers Frightened Rabbit got their gig on. Perhaps one of the undersold bands of the day, their solid sounding rock may have garnered the lads a few new fans. The Gurge (Regurgitator) brought out the older grunge fans of the day, showing they’ve still got the goods and the outfits to match. British indie favourites, The Kooks delivered their festival favourites to the hordes of fans in the paddock. With their old songs going off, nobody paid much attention their new stuff.
The Moolin Rouge Tent was pumping the beats all day long, with fans flocking to see new favourite, Flume. The night ended in there with Example setting a fine example of how to get the crowd excited and finish the night on a high.
Reviewer: Jess Kellar
Photographer: Pearl Davies
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