Big Day Out @ Claremont Showgrounds, Perth, 31.01.2010

Heat was scorching on this summer day but it did not deter 40,000 punters from enjoying themselves in the Australia's biggest music festival, Big Day Out. The fantastic music lineups were enough to take the mind off all things skin-singeing.

The first band I saw was Miami Horror at the Green Stage. It was the third time I've seen these guys and they managed to deliver a tight and vibrant set, without the drunkards who ruined the Melbourne gig few months ago. Lead singer Josh Moriarty was spotted with a new hairdo, strutting his guitar and doing his signature dancemoves in between tracks. Heading to the main stages, dressed in matching golden onesies, Bluejuice had the early bird warming up at the Blue Stage with their catchy chorus of Broken Leg and Vitriol and some random inflatable animals.

Staying at the main stage for two bands I wasn't interested in, Kasabian was up next. They were one of the biggest early international drawcards, with a massive crowd turning out and bleating along with front man Tom Meighan. The band exploded with Vlad the Impaler and received a glowing reception which was sincerely appreciated by the band. A solid set highlighted the band's class, which also included Where Did All The Love Go? and old favorite LSF and Processed Beats.

Up next at the Converse Essential Stage was Passion Pit. Due the hype of their album Manners, it was no surprise that the indoor stage was packed with ease. The band’s name aptly described the massive crowd jumping and dancing to a jaw dropping performance including the likes of Sleepyhead and Little Secrets. While Michael Angelakos failed to reach some parts of the high pitch, it was more than compensated by the amazing sing-alongs from everyone.

Remaining at the same stage, The Horrors, dressed mostly in black, came on and performed almost every track from their new album. With a sophomore album that drastically improves upon its predecessor, The Horrors have done it with considerable intelligence and style to spare at the point where goth, post-punk, and shoegaze met. I wasn't disappointed by the lack of older material like many of the fans did as I was just gettin into them recently.

Devendra Banhart only managed to earn an embarrasingly small crowd for someone of his calibre. I bet everyone was going to catch the bigger acts of Lily Allen and Calvin Harris, which was fine by me as I could get up close to the stage. The singer songwriter led his band through a joyous set of reggae, Spanish guitar and folk which includes Baby, Searhorse and 16th & Valencia Roxy Music. I Feel Just Like A Child was performed last and Devendra jumped off the stage and rubbed hands with the crowd.

Jet was better than expected at The Green Stage, they really are a decent good old fashioned rock 'n' roll band. Without any pretence they rocked the crowd with crowd favourties "Are you Gonna Be My Girl?" and "Cold Hard Bitch", as well as newer materials of "She's A Genius" and many more.

Following a break to satify growling stomach, it was back to the main stage where the D barrier was already filled so I had no chance but to watch from far. Powderfinger played a solid second headliner show, and inspired a well responsed sing along with These Days and My Happiness.

Under the amazing lazers and visual lighting, Muse were quite simply as magnificent as you could’ve hoped for. Each track was accompanied immense visual on the background. Playing through their huge back catalogue, the knowledgeable crowd lapped up everything from classic anthems like Stockholm Syndrome to the powerful Supermassive Black Hole and recent hits of Uprising and Undisclosed Desires. Nic Cester of Jet joined the band onstage for a cover of ACDC's Back in Black, which was one of the highlights of the set.Encore Knights of Cydonia gave the huge crowd a final sing-along before the band left the stage.

A big day out indeed. Truly satisfied.

The Horrors - Who Can Say
Devendra Banhart - Baby
Kasabian - Where Did All The Love Go?

Wolf & Vlad

The last time we heard from Wolfmother, 2/3 of the band had left due to "creative differences". Frontman Andrew Stockdale decided to forge ahead and continue on with his retro rock juggernaut, recruiting three new members, guitarist Aidan Nemeth, bassist Ian Peres and drummer Dave Atkins. And now, the new-look, post-breakup Wolfmother has dropped a new single from the highly anticipated untitled sophomore album.

'Back Round' sounds pretty much like, well Wolfmother. As usual it is filled with the trademark chunky guitar riffs and massive drum fills, with Stockdale's lead work sounds more impressive as well, now that he has a rhythm man to back him up.

Head to Wolfmother’s website to download this awesome track, or grab it below for you lazy bums.


Wolfmother - Back Round

In other news, Kasabian has released a brand new track titled 'Vlad The Impaler' from the upcoming 'The West Rider Pauper Lunatic Asylum' out June 8th. “Vlad The Impaler” is an explosive psychadelic anthem, and though the chorus that goes "Get loose, get loose" is not exactly catchy, it's strange enough to make you want to press the repeat button. Be sure to be treated to the track's awesome video starring Noel Fielding from The Mighty Boosh as well.


Kasabian - Vlad The Impaler