Last Sunday was all about the summer music festival vibe as Claremont Showgrounds became home to Stereosonic 2008.
Quality acts including Pnau, Paul Van Dyke and Sneaky Sound System rubbed shoulders with the likes of Kaz James and Midnight Juggernauts, but it was the people who played in front of the stage that provided a good amount of the entertainment.
Most interestingly a small stall located near the main stage trading in ‘legalised ecstasy’. I’m not sure how they managed to get a permit to hawk the stuff but it seems suspicious. The sign threw words like ‘herbal’ about so either way the team involved were entering a grey area of false advertising but what struck me as strange was that there was a market for the stuff in the first place. What is going on with kids today? Have they lost faith in their private dealers? Or is this supposed recession taking its toll on the creational pharmaceutical industry? Surely the economy isn’t that bad… and before you email, please note that was sarcasm, people.
Warm-up DJ Paul Scott sampled Underworld’s ‘Born Slippy’ and as Kaz James pouted his way through a very synthesized set, a group of three girls dressed like Noddy squealed with delight nearby. At every opportunity he reminded us that he was really tired, we all looked great and that he has played around the world. Only problem was that no one really cared.
Midnight Jugganauts were a highlight opening with ‘Tomorrow Today’ featuring great vocals and a polished set but it was a couple of die hard fans in true nineties spirit who caught my attention. They had ventured out in purple furry boots up to their knees and I was suddenly very grateful for the constant cool breeze otherwise their legs would surely have caught on fire and I think it would have served them right.
While a support group played salsa infused house in a nearby tent, Ajax waited to take the stage. They mixed well-known tracks including Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’, Beastie Boy’s ‘Intergalactic’ and it was while they played MGMT’s ‘Kids’ that Loren the milk maid spoke to me. With eyes wide as saucers she explained that I needed to tell everyone that fluoro was out so why were they still wearing it and then she quickly rushed off to join her fellow milk maid behind a curtain.
Carl Cox added much needed vibrancy and excitement to the festival. His energetic music was shiny and crowd-pleasing. Pnau took to the stage looking like a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Elvis and while the crowd danced in unison I had to make my way to the Turkish tent chillout room. It was a great festival with an interesting selection of music. I must have enjoyed it because days later my feet still haven’t forgiven me.
Hitting some of the summer festivals, check out OUTinPerth’s music festival guide in the December edition. And for the hottest fashion tips around, read Scott-Patrick Mitchell’s festival dos and don’ts!
Image by Cobrasnake
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