I know it’s a music festival, but the excitement emanating from the arriving masses at stunning Bimbadgen Estate for this 10th anniversary was muted with the realisation that the snail-paced beer line trailing like a long and winding road down the hill was the one, the only, available alcohol in the festival – which earns it the dubious right of first mention.

Opening act, Dialectrix wasn’t necessarily the best way to kickstart the main stage, and as if in proof, the beer line swelled. Admittedly I’m no hip hop fan, but Dialectrix won’t change my opinion anytime soon.

Ash Grunwald was as good as always. I’ve seen him a number of times, but it was a wonderfully-festivally sight to see the thrill gained by obvious first-Ash-timers blown away by his, to borrow from Phil Spector, Wall of Sound. Now it felt like the festival had begun.

Bluejuice played a good mix of old and new and it was great to hear their new music formed and delivered with so much energy. As expected Blue King Brown gave a solid, theatrical performance. Lead singer, Natalie Pa’ap’a, born to entertain didn’t disappoint and certainly kept the fans, that Grunwald had enticed off their rugs, on their dancing feet. But, it was a bit disappointing to hear such a familiar set; time perhaps for a freshened set list?

Surprise highlight of the day was Kram’s blistering display – as the sun set over the picturesque vineyards vista – more sweltering than the sun throughout the day. This three piece rockin’ outfit, lead by Ramonesque motivated singer/drummer Kram, began by enticing girls on stage, “Girls, any girls, come up on stage and dance!” Kram unleashed a barrage of heavy petting rock n roll; punchy short songs stuffed with interesting moments like when he started playing the lead and bass guitars with his drumsticks. “Let’s see if we can rock this place! Those who can’t hack it move towards The Panics!” The crowd loved the interaction Kram bestowed on his audience; he had them hanging on every song, every sound, and they stayed and thrashed around wildly like young beowolves!

In direct contrast and a surprise lowlight – and this is hard to say – was The Panics’ aloof and rigid set. I can’t explain the lacklustre – it was as if both band and crowd had been sapped of energy after the sundrenched, wine-soaked day. After the technically perfect, thrilling set of Kram, the Panics were certainly successful in mellowing their audience. As many left, slept and even vomited their way through the headlining act, even the majority of the small crowd dancing – standing – at the front looked like they were thinking of their long journey home. Sure, there was some air-punching (from maybe ten punters determined to eek what they could from a band who also seemed to be thinking of home) to the masterpieces Cruel Guards, Live Without and crowd favourite Don’t Fight It, but most just seemed sapped and certainly weren’t going to be zapped by this band tonight. It wasn’t without technical errors, but even so, with a set also including Ruins, Get Us Home, Feeling is Gone and three brand new treats how could it go so…so dull? With the main reason I trekked to Bimbadgen being The Panics were my expectations too high? I don’t believe it, but neither can I explain it.

Lastly, I’m sure the young boy perched on his Dad’s shoulders throughout The Panics and noticed by guitarist Drew Wooton, “Look at that kid in the red, he knows every word. Well done, mate!” was the same kid I’d seen earlier doing a strip tease to Kram. So, at least one kiddie maintained enough energy to enjoy it all.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE FESTIVAL HERE