Groove At the Big Day Out

So far Portugal the Man has impressed.  It's a slightly windy 22 degrees at Western Springs.  The stages are both open and intimate depending on the acts, so whether the wind affects is hard to say at this stage.  Opening act Prowler barely had their kit set up when they finished but the played with guston.  Villany added a level of angst required befor the mellower Beastwars took the stage over at the Tui end (mellow - Not) Gwaaaah.

I won't be the first to say that this old event felt brand new.  Compared to the concrete jungle of Mount Smart Western Springs' grassy plains and undulating knolls had a relaxing festive atmosphere about them.  CSS's LoveFoxxx told me several times how "cool" it was to gig down on the "Water-eee Stage" (The Lakeside Stage). This one in particular was cool.  As the temp moved towards the mid 20's it was welcome relief to walk through the "rain forest" (an overhead canopy of ferns with a secret water mist). Those in search of adventure could have a crack at the "Undead Wall", a zombie adventure space, or go down Lipton Tea's blow up helter-skelter tower.  I did miss the paintball, fairground rides, skate show and zip-line of previous years. 

Musically, this one ticked all the boxes for me.  Whilst Blur could not attend, their replacements more than made up for it.  Beady Eye's Chris Sharrock found it ironic that they'd subbed in, recalling the old fake rivalry of the 90's.  Their sludgy rock set was a mostly mix of stuff from the BE album and Oasis' back catalogue.  Old schoolers from the 90's very happy. Swedish garage-men The Hives were the most fun on stage. Pelle Alnquist was an awesome reincarnate-blend of Jerry Lee Lewis showmanship and ringmaster antics.  Towards the end of the set he coiled the whole crowd down, spring like in anticipation of their climactic, crashing finale'. Pure, unadulterated theatre.
Much more and photo's...