Beside the track the revellers gathered as the sun threatened to appear behind the clouds. Organisers of the 3rd Trackside festival had prepared many a stage, beverage and wrestler for an eager Canberra crowd.
The challenge had been laid down by Stonefest, and the day promised to be full of good music and great times as winners of the Triple J Unearthed Competition, Hoodlum Shouts opened up on the outdoor stage. Hailing from Canberra, they proved with songs such as ‘History’s End’ that they have the staying power for the Australian music scene.
The next highlight of the day was ‘The Basics’, arriving to perform after many had treated themselves to lunch at the multiple international food outlets. Touring their new ‘Keep Your Friends Close’ album, the band delighted fans with their thoughtful pop melodies and lyrics.
Undoubtedly the highlight of their set was the improvised break-down in their new tune ‘With This Ship’. It showcased the bands strong musicality and tightness and provided some light-heartedness to the morning.
Between the acts patrons were treated to the various festival rides which spun and whirled high above. Most entertaining of all the side attractions though was the wrestling. Combining a healthy dose of humour and showmanship with wrestling skill, the wrestlers such as Mr ‘Chilli’ provided a fantastic alternative to the music.
Whilst the side attractions buzzed along Tame Impala, Midnight Juggernauts, and The Mess Hall, continued to fill the ears of the listeners with generic music. Subtlety is a splendid thing in music, and it is something these bands, with all their effects pedals and ear destroying loudness, would do well to discover.
One band that made no effort to be subtle and pulled it off were Parkway Drive. Hailing from the East Coast of Australia, the heavy metal lads incited many a mosh pit and crowd surfing adventure.
Lead-Singer Winston McCall used song ‘Idols and Anchors’ as a call to attention for the crowd, as the band hit the audience with crazed drums and driving guitar. The song also showed the rich musicianship of guitarist Jeff Ling as he finger-tapped his way into the crowds hearts.
When 9.50 came about, the crowd were more than ready to witness the kings of Australian Hip-hop – Hilltop Hoods. They performed a mix of their old ‘Hard Road’ material, and songs from their new ‘State of the Art’ LP. The highlight of the performance was expectedly the ‘Nosebleed Section’ which sent the crowd justifiably insane.
It was a good day of entertainment, the only criticism I could place on the festival was the lack of variation in the line-up. Next year the line-up would benefit from an acoustic act or two, and even some Canberra bands, as we endeavour to continue to support Australian and Canberran music.
