There are a few new “we’re here” sticks in the crowd today. A mannequin bust and a storm trooper add to the 9573 selfie sticks that pollute the air above the crowd. Everyone is tired and cold but this is our New Years Eve plan, our Falls, damn it! No one is giving in! Campsite tunes start early but crowds at the stages grow slowly. Kopparberg Cider House has pretty new lights above their tables and thanks to them, here is Day 3.

1. Free Like Me
Free Like Me are an upbeat duo with a range of influences, and they want you to add them on Facebook. No, really. Passionate petitions about Haiti, individual beauty, life-giving attitudes, rebellion and wild, fiery women at 10am was probably a bit much for some, but it’s hard to ignore that level of passion and some truly danceable beats.

2. Pierce Brothers

Today’s standout set, the energy from the stage forced you to dance as two boys who went from Bourke St buskers to a 2014 European tour fulfilled a “lifelong dream of playing at Falls.” Anyone not instantly convinced by their harmonies and melodies (or ability to play 4 instruments simultaneously between them) was won over by the song ‘Genevieve’ – written for and dedicated to their sister. Awww.

3. Tkay Maidza.
Another Falls freshie, this Adelaide born lass never missed a beat. From working at Kmart in Adelaide to the Falls stage, Tkay was obviously having a great time that made up for no one having any idea what she was saying between songs. She had enough swag for a person twice her height and as well as her single U-Huh, there was definitely a song about a dinosaur. Win.

4. DMA’s.
DMA’s were fun. All bucket hats, bumbags, John Lennon haircuts and that shiny material they made tracksuits out of in the 80’s… definitely not recyclable. Their tunes were closer to classics than their attire – Lay Me Down and Delete hit the spot. Stage banter was kept to a minimum; “thanks for listening!” was the catchcry. Boys… You. Are. Welcome.

5. Asgeir
Asgeir serenaded us in both English and Icelandic, and his songs had a rise and fall to them that was next-level epic. The Icelandic local’s debut album has been a chart topper in Iceland and a hit around the world. It remains to be seen if his long term success will match that of his country folk Bjork and Sigor Ros, but judging from the contented crowd, he’ll be alright. Everything about the track ‘King and Cross’ gets 10 Kopparberg’s. Out of ten, obviously. With water in between. Drink responsibly, kids.

6. Sticky Fingers
Rain threatened the start of Sticky’s set, thankfully nothing could dampen their level of enthusiasm. When one band member begins the set in their underwear you know it will be a good time. Which it was.

7. Run The Jewels.
The years of combined experience that rest within Run The Jewels were evident with the smooth switches between songs, banter, serious and silly. Complimenting our “life affirming” ocean views and woody surrounds, acquiring punter’s hats & lamenting the “approximately 22 planes” it took to get here, Run the Jewels riled up the crowd and let their beats speak for themselves. It gets hard to not say “you had to be there” for each act… but for this one, you definitely did.

8. Cloud Control
Cloud Control looked comfortable and clean, which was almost as pleasing as that alliteration just there. Day 3 and everyone at Falls is officially filthy. Their bass player is leaving (sad) but they’re recording album three anyway (happy.) They’ve also moved back to Australia from London. So, that’s nice. This feels like a Facebook status. #fallsfestival

9. John Butler Trio
Has anyone out there not seen JBT play? What are you doing? GO! A welcome inclusion in a lineup heavy with electronic wunderkids, John Butler Trio is an act so full of talent that no one is the same afterwards. ‘Oceans’ and ‘Zebra’ were the standouts, we hope they play every festival ever, forever. #hadtobethere

10. La Roux
It was with hope and energy that the crowd welcomed Elly Jackson aka La Roux. No one knew anything about her except the hits from 2009 (Bulletproof, In For The Kill) but she was sandwiched between John Butler and Empire of the Sun so no one was leaving. Thankfully she still managed to keep us dancing with all the ’09 singles and songs from her upcoming record. The suited-up band and her gravity defying hair also merit a mention.

Words by : Cheryl Garton