Mount Penang Gardens, Kariong
Saturday March 15, 2014 :
Props to the organisers of Mountain Sounds for pulling off exactly what they had hoped to accomplish; an incomparable haven of live music and a fucking good time! Highlighting local business, beautiful scenery and fresh young talent is something that is rarely aforethought from organisers of Australian festivals. With a live art corner to fresh fruit stalls to a jump rope made from pieces of material (or clothing, not too sure on that one), MS had it all.
Old couches, hay bales and a large array of tie-dye instantly transported you into a content environment with an overall relaxed attitude. I’ve never felt such a peaceful vibe at a festival, not one single person there was on the violence train. The lineup was packed with local acts, which all in their own way smashed out great sets on the flag stage. Israel Cannan’s new project, The Young Lions had people talking early in the day with their charming harmonies in new single ‘Hello, Goodbye’.
The vibe translated to all areas as drinks were flowing and beats were floating backstage, with artists sprawled over couches in tents and hollowed out shipping containers. Sea Legs had the honour of opening the fire stage followed by a bombshell of oceanic goodness from Tropical Zombie. Elliot The Bull tore up the flag stage with a bunch of new tunes including their epic new single ‘Colourblind’. Lead singer Jake Dobson was full of energy, ramming out fiery screams as he jumped down to the barricade saluting fans. They managed to deliver an incredibly tight set, establishing an elevated benchmark for following acts.
The atmosphere was holding steady as Snakadaktal and Emma Louise mesmerised the crowed with their picturesque melodies and quaint stage personas. Killer performances from The Lazys and The Holidays carried the festival into the night as a far away storm over the sun set created a scene too breath taking to miss.
Jinja Safari held their ground with those distinctive guitar tones and rhythmic sequences that everyone loves. But it was Sticky Fingers that drew the biggest, most enthused crowd. Conforming is the last thing you would see from these wild Sydney boys as they took to the stage. Bucket hats and grungy attitudes make for one hell of a fun set. I’d say after MS, their live reputation is still very much in tact, even if it was a slightly more tame performance from them this time around.
From barnyard chill fest to revved up stage dives, MS truly delivered a memorable experience. Without a doubt this boutique brilliance is here to stay.
Reviewer: Louie Smith
Photographer: Jess Gleeson
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