Though it’s mid winter, Byron always seems exempt from the coldest of weather Australia has to offer. Taking advantage of this, there was an ample supply of shirtless lads out on display seizing their final hours of exhibitionism before having to return to our shitty jobs come Tuesday. Honestly though, we don’t blame them, the weather is gorgeous. Most of the mud got a little drier yesterday and the sun joined the party too. Just in time for the perfect final day. Best bits of our final shindig continue as so:
The level of crowd stoke was at an all time high under the Mix Up tent early this afternoon as these two boys unleashed the trap/techno remix of their viral video ‘Pack err up boiz’. Never before have so many people been trappin’ and laughing simultaneously. The whole ordeal reminded us what splendour is really about – radically good times in the muddy arms of mates you love.
The transformation has been swift. Yesterday where there were those dancing, today they are paddling. The Tepee forest is quite well and truly flooded – and at this stage those inside don’t even care. Heroes may be too strong a word to describe these hardy few but nonetheless they are a persistent bunch. We’re pretty certain it’s the same crowd that was in there yesterday. Once you go in, you never come out
We don’t think any of the international acts have garnered as much support for themselves as our own genius’. Alpine charmed us all and brought their 70s airport vibes with them. ‘FOOLISH’ off their new album ‘YUCK’ was received so enthusiastically by the crowd, from the first beat, everyone knew the step to dance to.
If you missed Alison Wonderland on her national tour, this was the place to catch her. As she announced she was about to debut a track “never heard is Australia” the whole tent went batshit, people were throwing things and we think we saw a bloke doing the worm, in the mud. As Alison’s set came to a conclusion, and we came down off her musical cloud of madness, we suddenly realised splendour was coming to an end… Fuck no.
Western Australia’s indie rock ambassadors returned to the Amphitheatre once again this year. After coming off the back of a tour that saw them headline at Coachella, their musical maturity was definitely more present than most other acts. Showcasing some of the newer tracks off their fresh album “Currents”, many of which had never been heard live – it was clear they certainly know how to set the stage on fire (metaphorically of course).
While some were seeing the rock legends, Blur, we took the less crowded, more down to earth option to finish off the night. Xavier Rudd is a phenomenal musician, backed by a culturally diverse band. Their set brought to light what Splendour is truly about – gathering strangers from all walks of life to share a dance and drink in a beautiful environment.
As the last acts of the night finished up and the fog rolled over the campground one final time, the only audible music to be heard was from the RBMA. Those Redbull frothers never give up. The Parklands looked muddy and trampled on the way out this morning, but surprisingly people had left less rubbish than previous years. A sure sign that everyone was doing their bit to lessen the impact.
As we began the long slog back down the coast, ‘follow the sun’ juicing out of the stereo, there was a tangible sadness in the air. Helped only by the thought that we’ll be back next year. Until then, keep your feet dry and stay safe on the journey to wherever home may be.
Splendour In The Grass Day Three Playlist : Presented by Carlton Dry
