So, let it be known that I until this day was a Big Day Out virgin
and might I say, what a ride! The day started slow and steady and ramped
up for one big party at the main stages.
Once through the doors, a quick turn about the Gold Coast Parklands
was in order while the crowds were still thin. Although not as hot as
the 46 degree day Sydney had for their BDO, it was still remarkably hot
and shade was limited to spattering’s under trees.
Up first for the day was Sneeky Picnic, an all girl five-piece
from the Gold Coast. They were rad! I couldn't have imagined a better
start to the day. The band are still very rough, I mean the drummer
couldn't keep a tempo to save her life because she was so busy doing
tricks with her sticks, but they have so much potential. It’s not every
day you see a chick rapping in a young band and between Jess Koroi and the singer Erin Ross, they led the band in well written tunes.
Catching the end of Toucan, it was clear the duo, accompanied
by their friends, have a real clear vision as to the sound they make. It
was pop but infused with roots and electro, and was really cool to
hear. Up next in the same tent was Avalanche City; why have I not
looked this man up before?! Absolutely sensational! It’s the “new”
folk-pop sound that I have been searching for. They had a huge
assortment of instruments that makes a good folk band.
I tried to have a look into Hunting Grounds, but the Vans Tent was packed and standing out in the sun in midday heat was too much to bear. They were sounding rad though! Grinspoon.
They are such a solid band. They put on a remarkable show and were
everything we've come to expect from the band. They played tracks from
across their catalogue, but mainly tracks from their latest record.
At this time, it was time for some chow and of all the festivals I’ve
been to, BDO certainly has the widest selection. I settled in on the
top of a hill under a tree with my woodfired pizza and watched We All Want To play the Red Stage. They have a cool, chill vibe and were the perfect soundtrack to accompany lunch.
My second venturing to the Main Stage was for Band of Horses. The band was spot on and played a great set, but there was no magic in what they were playing. Vampire Weekend
who were up next however were just sensational! They have the entire D
barrier crowd dancing around like maniacs. I was one of these maniacs.
This band is sensational and live, are even better. Frontman Ezra Koenig has such unique vocals that accompany the African influenced percussion so incredibly well.
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs continued to heat up the main stage, while over at the Lilypad, Hey Geronimo
performed to a crowd of movers and shakers as they caught people's
attention as they walked through the thoroughfare. This band has an
undeniable talent for creating a hell good pop tune that, upon listening
to, you can’t help but dance and be unconditionally happy. The new
songs they have added to the setlist are no different. Kudos lads.
As the night was drawing to a close, The Killers were playing
the main stage, and were the definite highlight of the night. The
production of the set was phenomenal, and even though I was close to
150m back from the stage, it still felt like I was in the mosh. The
camera work also has to be mentioned, as without such quality, that
feeling wouldn't have been created. They played all the songs that
everyone wanted to hear as well as songs from across their catalog. It
was balanced and it had fireworks! Yes, at the end of the set, there
were fireworks timed to be set off at pivotal moments in “When You Were
Young”.
As everyone shifted their eyes to the right for the Red Hot Chili Peppers
there was a feeling of excitement in the air, however that feeling was
gone by the middle of the first song. The sound was terrible! I’m not
talking average, but borderline unlistenable. From where I was standing,
I could only hear the bass drum, and pretty much no vocals at all. And
where The Killers used the video stream to their advantage, with
the Chili Peppers, it felt like a pre-recorded video due to the amount
of filter and editing to the live feed. If you couldn't see the stage
itself, which oh-so-many people couldn't, then the feed didn't help you
to experience the show at all. They played their classic hits and songs
off their latest record, but I know from what I heard around me that
people were got really frustrated and many left saying it wasn't even
worth it. I was disappointed and I’m not even a die-hard RHCP fan. I
hope that Adelaide fares better.
Despite the disappointment in sound at the Peppers, it was a day to
remember with many highlights, including the heavy metal band Compressorhead
who played in between each act on the main stages. I return to Brisbane
with my BDO cherry popped and a wicked sunburn, despite the multiple
reapplications of sunscreen, to prove it. Nicely done BDO.
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