Here’s a recap of the Falls Lorne highlighting our Top – 10 favourite moments over the four day festivities. Not to mention the commitment to the costumes of this years festival. We are all eagerly awaiting to do it all over again.
Salt n Pepa did a call out to all their “70′s babies” – about six people – then focused entirely on educating their 90′s born audience on the delights of oldschool. While the set highlights were undoubtedly “Let’s Talk About Sex” and “Push It,” the girls smashed out hit after hit without flaw. Breaking it up with a bit of everything; Nirvana, Iggy, Guns N Roses – they welcomed their crowd with open arms but never lost their original flavor, cleverly bridging a generation gap and getting everyone dancing.
Alison Wonderland, in contrast to her Grand Theatre predecessors, was what the crowd knew they would love. Off the back of a huge 2014 – a successful tour playing warehouses and inking her first major record deal, this girl was ready to celebrate. Showering the crowd in ticker tape during “I Want U” halfway through her set, she was in for the long haul and the kids were there with her.
First thing to note was that their frontman wore a bizarrely Christmassy Death From Above 1979 sweater that we want someone to buy for us now, please. Second thing to say is they aren’t Cloud Control, who are listed in this timeslot in the printed guide. In case you wondered. This energetic 3 piece provided punters with the opportunity to form a circle pit, the likes of which Falls ’14 had yet to see. To those who got punched in the face and dragged from the pit… we salute you.
Gracing the Falls stage for their first performance on Australian soil, it didn’t matter that Stolen Dance was, of course, one of the final tracks. Smooth tunes kept the crowd well entertained and dancing, and that incredible hair is going to be a thing. You heard it here first.
Homesickness, fatigue, sugar lows, loneliness, general drink requirements- all ails have potential for cure at Kopparberg’s cider house. Homey Swedish decor, friendly staff and conveniently located next to the entrance to the Grand Theatre… that’s where you can find us.
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.
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.
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
Can we talk about how and why Kram gets to count us into 2015? I mean, the guy is awesome… this is no dig at his privilege. But how do they decide that stuff? Some scissors paper rock deal? How does one get in on that? Spiderbait, also. Let’s talk about them. 8 years in hiatus, and since then half the crowd had been born! Not quite, but you know. It’s good to see some solid Aussie rockers back on stage with a presence that commands respect from those who “kinda know that Black Betty song.”
The end of a Bluejuice set always brings a small tug of sadness but more so when you know that you might never have that feeling again. This (now forever) 13-year-old band smashed puberty in the face here at Falls and we bid them adieu. Thanks for the memories Bluejuice – our hearts will go on.
Words by: Cheryl Garton
